Vigna Species, Dew-Bean, Moth Bean, Mat Bean, Turkish Gram

Ground cover bean, do not attempt to trellis. It's drought-resistant, and only requires 1/2 day sun. I planted mine on both sides of a sh...Read Moreort row of grapes, just a few feet from a north/south running 6' wood fence. It's a short day crop so will take its time flowering. In San Diego I planted in late Spring, and harvested Aug - Oct.

Direct Sow only, space 2 to 3 feet in all directions (it spreads, but is not invasive)

This is an extremely productive plant. My yield was 5 pounds from 8' of double row, in what would have normally been wasted space under the grape vines. Pods are borne in clusters of 4 to 20 at the end of short stalks. The pods are quite tiny (2" or shorter), with several beans inside each. The plant is only a few inches tall.

Pull up entire plant when pods are mostly dry. Finish drying on a sheet. Strip stems and put pods in a pillowcase. Run over pillowcase a couple times with a car (seriously! I only had a couple of beans break). Winnow to remove pod and leaf debris. You can break pods hand, but it's quite fiddly.

Dry beans can be sprouted, cooked (pre-soak), or ground into flour. Young green pods are also edible.

Seeds originally came from India.