Since very few of us are homesteading in our spaces in Houston, sometimes it’s a challenge to know exactly what to do with a handful of green beans, a few okra, or a couple bell peppers. Harvest Highlights are here to help. Find quick links to some of our favorite seasonal recipes using what we’re harvesting from our Houston gardens. Not only can you grow year-round in Houston, we guarantee Rooted Garden clients can harvest every week from their kitchen garden. Here are our favorite ways to incorporate long beans (or green beans) into our weekly meals.

Yard long beans are a summer staple in Houston gardens. Unlike other variety of pole beans or bush beans, yard long beans thrive in hot Houston summers. You’ll need about 80 days to enjoy your first harvest of yard long beans. They do best in temps ranging from 75-95 degrees, which means they can be planted from spring through summer. Although they are called yard long beans, they are best harvested when they reach 12-18 inches. Be sure to provide yard long beans plenty of room to climb.

Yard Long Bean Recipes

Lazy Cat Kitchen: Creamy Vegan Corn Pasta (use your green beans, cherry tomatoes, and basil)

My Spice Trunk: Green Bean Mushroom Stir-Fry

The Flour Handprint: Stir-Fry Chicken and Green Beans

Slimming Eats: Roasted Green Bean and Tomato Pasta (use up your green beans, cherry tomatoes, and parsley)

Martha Stewart: Marinated Artichoke and Green Bean Pasta Salad (great way to use your green beans and parsley)

Willams Sonoma: Trenette with Potatoes, Green Beans, and Pesto

Diethood: Roasted Green Beans with Squash and Tomatoes (add to rice or pasta for a main dish)

Pioneer Woman: Peanut Chicken with Green Beans

Cookie + Kate: Green Bean Salad with Toasted Almonds and Feta

Dinner at the Zoo: Three Bean Salad

Share Your Favorite Long Bean Recipes!

We’d love to know all the ways you’re enjoying your yard long bean harvests. Got a favorite recipe? Please share!