About 5 years ago we started growing beans specifically for drying. However, at first it was only borlotti beans. We then expanded to butter beans and became more interested in what might be possible in the UK climate. It can get pretty wet in Manchester and the growing season is short – Mid May to beginning of October is the frost free zone.

It has been surprising how well our plants have faired and, over the last couple of years, we have significantly increased the varieties we grow.