Home gardening fancier have let on the unbelievable existence of legume , a captivating class of plants that include an regalia of beans , peas , lentils , soybeans , and peanuts .

These various muffin are delightful addition to any home garden and are significant for soil health , biodiversity , and food security .

9 Fun Facts

These bacteria reside in the roots of legumes and exchange atmospheric atomic number 7 into a available shape , furnish a natural fertilizer .

The incontrovertible shock of atomic number 7 fixation extends beyond legumes , enhance grunge fertility and benefit other plants .

Gardeners can assure optimal growth and harvest by understanding the seasonal preferences of different legume .

Harvested green beans in a basket

sure legume , like trefoil and vetch , are excellent for cover crops , as they help prevent soil erosion , suppress weeds , and better soil quality .

Additionally , incorporating legumes into crop revolution programme enrich the grunge ’s fertility , create a nurturing environment for subsequent harvest .

For instance , the " Three Sisters " method acting , root on by Native American traditions , involves interplanting corn , dome , and crush .

Fresh grown peas in the garden

The edible corn provides a natural trellis for the beans to climb up , while the beans , with their nitrogen - fixing prowess , support the outgrowth of both corn and mash .

This mutually beneficial arrangement maximizes garden infinite and promotes healthy industrial plant exploitation .

The unfolding legume attract substantive pollinators , critical for procreate many other plants in the garden .

Fresh lentils in a bowl

to boot , certain legume possess natural pest - deterrent properties , helping to control harmful pests like aphids and nematode and reducing the need for chemical substance pesticide .

legume have been staple foods in human diets for centuries and continue to act a all-important role in sustain communities around the ball .

Crops like soya bean and peanuts keep going thriving farming industries , leave income for farmers and workers who school and reap these worthful commodities .

Chickpeas served at the table

legume are an extraordinary gift to home nurseryman , give birth many benefits beyond their modest appearance .

Whether it ’s the lush growth of peanuts in a southern garden ( zone 8) or the resilient sprouts of lentils in a cooler northerly climate ( zone 3 ) , legumes captivate our senses while nourishing the earth and its habitant .

21 Glorious Legume Varieties

1. Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 3 - 10

Classic garden favorites , green beans grow bid , elongated pods that are harvested before the seeds fully develop . They thrive in warm weather and prefer well - drained dirt with full Sunday photo .

2. Peas (Pisum sativum)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 3 - 9

Peas are nerveless - season legume usable in shelling and eatable - pod varieties . blast peas are grown for chubby ejaculate , while edible - pod peas have tender , edible pods .

They prefer cooler temperatures and can be constitute early in spring or tardy in summer for a fall harvest .

Young soybeans planted in the garden

3. Lentils (Lens culinaris)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 7 - 10

lentil are modest , lens - shaped legume uncommitted in various colour . They are nerveless - season crops that prefer well - drained soil and full Dominicus .

Lens culinaris are known for their gamey protein content and are used in soups , stews , and salads .

Black-eyed peas in a brown bowl

4. Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 8 - 10

garbanzo , or chickpea beans , are versatile legumes with a nutty relish . They are warm - time of year crop that thrive in well - drained soil and full Sunday .

Egyptian pea are used in various dish antenna like hommos , salads , and curry .

Lima beans

5. Soybeans (Glycine max)

soybean are warm - time of year legumes arise for their gamey protein content and oil colour production . They prefer well - drained soil and full Lord’s Day . Soybeans are used in various signifier , such as tofu , soy Milk River , and edamame .

6. Black-eyed Peas (Vigna unguiculata)

sinister - eyed peas are warm - season legume with cream - colored bean tag with a typical black situation . They are drought - resistant and prefer full sun and well - drained grease .

Black - eyed peas are commonly used in southerly culinary art .

7. Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 8 - 11

Lima beans , or butter beans , are affectionate - season legume that farm gravid , prostrate seeds . They command well - enfeeble soil and full sunlight .

Lima beans are delicious when cook and used in soups , stews , and succotash .

Adzuki beans in a stainless bowl

8. Adzuki Beans (Vigna angularis)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 5 - 10

Adzuki beans are tender - season legumes aboriginal to East Asia . They have small , ruby - brown beans and a sweet flavor .

Adzuki beans require well - drain filth and full sun and are usually used in Asian afters and soups .

Fertilizing Mung beans in the window sill

9. Mung Beans (Vigna radiata)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 4 - 11

verbal description : Mung edible bean are quick - time of year legumes with little green dome . They are often sprout and used in Asian cuisine , salads , stir - fries , and soups . Mung beans conform to a encompassing range of USDA hardiness zones .

10. Pinto Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Pinto bean are lovesome - time of year legumes with mottled pinkish - brownish beans . They prefer well - enfeeble soil and full sun .

Pinto beans are normally used in Mexican culinary art refried beans and chili .

11. Navy Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Navy beans are cool - time of year legumes with modest , oval - mold white beans . They are well - suited for cooler climate and prefer well - drain soil and full sunlight .

Navy noodle are unremarkably used in baked beans , stew , and soups .

12. Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Kidney beans are ardent - time of year legumes with large , kidney - shaped noggin . They prefer well - drained soil and full sunlight .

Kidney noodle are normally used in chili , salads , and Mexican dishes .

13. Fava Beans (Vicia faba)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 4 - 10

Fava beans , also known as all-embracing bean , are nerveless - time of year legumes with great , flat fuel pod comprise supply ship noggin . They favor nerveless temperatures and thrive in well - debilitate territory and full sunshine .

Fava beans are commonly used in Mediterranean and center Eastern culinary art .

Pinto beans in a wooden bowl

14. Edamame (Glycine max)

Edamame is young soy harvest while greenish and soft . They are warm - time of year legumes that require well - drained stain and full sunshine .

Edamame is a popular snack and fixings in Asiatic cuisine .

15. Azuki Beans (Vigna angularis)

Azuki bonce , also known as carmine beans , are affectionate - season legume with small , crimson - brownish beans . They favor well - drained grunge and full sun .

Azuki bean are ordinarily used in Asian dessert , sweet bean paste , and soups .

16. Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)

cowpea , also known as southerly peas or black - eyed pea plant , are warm - season legume with a wide range of colors and size of it . They thrive in hot , desiccate conditions and prefer well - drained dirt and full sun .

Cowpeas are often used in southerly culinary art , salads , and stews .

17. Winged Beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 9 - 11

Winged beans are warm - time of year legume with typical wing - like projections on the pods . They prefer tropic climates and take well - drain soil and full sun .

Winged bean plant are versatile and can be used in various dishes , include ado - fries , salads , and curry .

Fresh peeled navy beans

18. Hyacinth Beans (Lablab purpureus)

Hyacinth beans , also known as lablab beans , are affectionate - time of year legumes with vibrant purple bloom and calendered , colorful seedpod . They favor tropic and subtropical climates and require well - drained dirt and full sun .

Hyacinth bonce are often used in bustle - tiddler , curry , and stews .

19. Yardlong Beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis)

Yardlong beans , also shout out asparagus dome or Snake River bean plant , are warm - season legumes with long , lithe pods get through a yard in length . They favor tropical and subtropical climate and need well - drained soil and full sun .

Yardlong beans are commonly used in Asiatic cuisine and fuss - fries .

20. Pigeon Peas (Cajanus cajan)

Pigeon pea are warm - time of year leguminous plant with sensationalistic or dark-green - brown seeded player . They prefer tropic and semitropical climates and require well - drained stain and full sunshine .

Pigeon peas are used in various dishes , include stew , soups , and curries .

21. Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens)

Velvet beans , also known as cowhage or buffalo beans , are tropical legumes with fuzzy seedpod and large , sullen seeds .

They prefer tender and humid climate and require well - drained soil and full Sunday .

velvet-textured beans are chiefly used as wrap up crops and for soil improvement due to their atomic number 7 - fix properties .

Kidney Beans

Remember to check the specific planting guidelines and recommendations for each leguminous plant , as grow weather condition may vary within the USDA hardiness zones mentioned .

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Champions of the Garden

Long know legume , the humble yet mighty champions of our garden , plates , and major planet .

With their nutritious goodness , ecologic welfare , and cultural significance , allow ’s apprize and comprehend the marvels of legumes as we cultivate a greener and more sustainable future .

So plant a source , nurture its outgrowth , and relish the legumes ' vibrant abundance . Bon appétit !

Edamame beans served in a bowl

delicious Azuki beans

Cowpeas harvested from the garden

Winged beans harvested from the garden

Hyacinth beans photographed in great detail

Man holding Yardlong beans

Pigeon peas

Velvet beans in a bowl