abode gardening enthusiasts have reveal the unbelievable world of legume , a entrance class of plants that include an array of edible bean , pea , lentils , soybeans , and peanut .

These various gems are delicious additions to any rest home garden and are important for soil wellness , biodiversity , and solid food security measures .

9 Fun Facts

These bacteria reside in the root of legumes and change atmospheric nitrogen into a useable word form , bring home the bacon a natural plant food .

The convinced impact of N fixing extends beyond legumes , raise soil prolificacy and benefiting other plant life .

Gardeners can ensure optimum outgrowth and harvest by empathize the seasonal preferences of different legume .

Harvested green beans in a basket

sure legumes , like trefoil and vetch , are first-class for cover crops , as they serve prevent soil erosion , suppress weeds , and improve soil quality .

Additionally , comprise legume into craw revolution plans enriches the soil ’s fertility , create a nurturing environment for subsequent crops .

For illustration , the " Three Sisters " method , revolutionise by Native American traditions , involve interplanting corn , beans , and mash .

Fresh grown peas in the garden

The corn supply a natural treillage for the beans to climb , while the beans , with their N - fixing prowess , support the growth of both corn and crush .

This reciprocally good arrangement maximizes garden distance and promotes respectable plant development .

The flowering legumes attract crucial pollinators , vital for procreate many other plant in the garden .

Fresh lentils in a bowl

to boot , sure legumes have instinctive pesterer - deterrent properties , helping to control harmful pests like aphid and nematodes and reducing the need for chemical pesticide .

legume have been staple nutrient in human diets for 100 and continue to play a of the essence part in nourishing communities around the globe .

Crops like soybean and peanuts support thrive agricultural industries , ply income for farmers and workers who cultivate and harvest these valuable commodities .

Chickpeas served at the table

leguminous plant are an extraordinary gift to home gardeners , delivering many benefits beyond their modest appearing .

Whether it ’s the lush growth of peanuts in a southern garden ( zone 8) or the resilient sprouts of lentils in a nerveless northerly mood ( zona 3 ) , legumes captivate our sense while nourishing the earth and its inhabitants .

21 Glorious Legume Varieties

1. Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 3 - 10

Classic garden deary , fleeceable beans produce tender , stretch seedcase that are harvested before the seed fully develop . They thrive in warm weather and prefer well - drained land with full sun exposure .

2. Peas (Pisum sativum)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 3 - 9

pea plant are nerveless - season legumes available in shell and eatable - podded varieties . Shelling peas are grown for chubby seed , while comestible - podded peas have tender , edible pod .

They choose cool temperatures and can be planted early on in spring or recent in summer for a fall harvest .

Young soybeans planted in the garden

3. Lentils (Lens culinaris)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 7 - 10

Lentils are little , electron lens - shaped legume useable in various colors . They are cool - season crop that prefer well - drain land and full sun .

lentil are known for their high protein content and are used in soups , stew , and salads .

Black-eyed peas in a brown bowl

4. Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 8 - 10

Egyptian pea , or chickpea beans , are versatile legume with a kooky flavor . They are strong - time of year crop that thrive in well - drained filth and full Dominicus .

chickpea are used in various dishes like hummus , salads , and curries .

Lima beans

5. Soybeans (Glycine max)

Soybeans are warm - season legumes grown for their high protein content and oil production . They prefer well - drain dirt and full Lord’s Day . soya bean are used in various forms , such as bean curd , soy milk , and edamame .

6. Black-eyed Peas (Vigna unguiculata)

Black - eyed peas are warm - season legume with cream - colored beans marked with a distinctive black spot . They are drouth - tolerant and prefer full sun and well - drained stain .

Black - eyed pea are normally used in southerly cuisine .

7. Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 8 - 11

Lima beans , or butter noodle , are quick - season legume that grow large , two-dimensional seeds . They expect well - debilitate soil and full sun .

Lima beans are delightful 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 warm - season legumes native to East Asia . They have small , reddish - brown bonce and a honeyed flavor .

Adzuki dome require well - enfeeble soil and full sun and are commonly used in Asian afters and soups .

Fertilizing Mung beans in the window sill

9. Mung Beans (Vigna radiata)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 4 - 11

Description : Mung noggin are tender - season legume with small green beans . They are often bourgeon and used in Asiatic culinary art , salads , stir - tyke , and soup . Mung beans accommodate to a wide cooking stove of USDA hardiness geographical zone .

10. Pinto Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Pinto beans are warm - time of year legumes with dappled pinkish - dark-brown beans . They prefer well - drained soil and full sun .

Pinto bean are commonly used in Mexican cuisine refried beans and chilli .

11. Navy Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Navy beans are cool - season legume with small , oval - shaped white beans . They are well - suited for cooler climates and prefer well - debilitate ground and full sun .

Navy bean are commonly used in parched beans , stews , and soups .

12. Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Kidney beans are ardent - season leguminous plant with tumid , kidney - mold beans . They prefer well - drain grunge and full sun .

Kidney beans are ordinarily used in chili , salads , and Mexican dishes .

13. Fava Beans (Vicia faba)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 4 - 10

Fava beans , also known as all-inclusive beans , are nerveless - season leguminous plant with large , prostrate pods hold stamp beans . They opt coolheaded temperature and prosper in well - drained soil and full sunshine .

Fava beans are commonly used in Mediterranean and mediate Eastern cuisine .

Pinto beans in a wooden bowl

14. Edamame (Glycine max)

Edamame is youthful soybeans glean while green and piano . They are warm - time of year legumes that require well - drained grunge and full sunshine .

Edamame is a pop collation and element in Asiatic cuisine .

15. Azuki Beans (Vigna angularis)

Azuki attic , also known as ruby-red bonce , are warm - season legumes with little , reddish - brown beans . They favor well - drained soil and full sun .

Azuki beans are commonly used in Asian sweet , dulcet bean library paste , and soups .

16. Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)

black-eyed pea , also bed as southern peas or black - eyed pea plant , are warm - season legumes with a wide range of colors and size . They expand in hot , desiccate conditions and favour well - debilitate soil and full Lord’s Day .

black-eyed pea are often used in southerly cuisine , salads , and stews .

17. Winged Beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)

USDA Hardiness Zones : 9 - 11

Winged bean are warm - season legumes with classifiable wing - like projections on the pod . They prefer tropical climates and command well - drained soil and full sun .

Winged beans are versatile and can be used in various dishes , let in hustle - fries , salads , and curries .

Fresh peeled navy beans

18. Hyacinth Beans (Lablab purpureus)

Hyacinth beans , also known as lablab beans , are warm - season legume with vivacious purple flowers and glossy , colorful pods . They prefer tropic and subtropical climates and ask well - drained soil and full sun .

Hyacinth beans are often used in stir - tyke , curry , and stews .

19. Yardlong Beans (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis)

Yardlong beans , also call asparagus dome or Hydra bean , are warm - time of year legumes with farsighted , slender pods reaching a yard in length . They prefer tropical and subtropic climates and require well - drained soil and full sun .

Yardlong beans are normally used in Asian cuisine and stir - french-fried potatoes .

20. Pigeon Peas (Cajanus cajan)

Pigeon pea are quick - time of year legumes with yellow or greenish - browned seed . They prefer tropic and semitropical climates and call for well - drain soil and full sun .

Pigeon peas are used in various dishes , including stew , soups , and curry .

21. Velvet Beans (Mucuna pruriens)

Velvet beans , also known as cowhage or buffalo beans , are tropical leguminous plant with fuzzy pod and large , dark seed .

They choose warm and humid climates and require well - drain filth and full Dominicus .

velvet-textured beans are chiefly used as treat crop and for territory improvement due to their nitrogen - fixing properties .

Kidney Beans

Remember to hold back the specific planting guidelines and testimonial for each legume , as grow condition may vary within the USDA hardiness zones mentioned .

Here are more articles to enjoy :

Corn , Beans , Squash : The Art of Three Sisters Gardening ( Zones 3 - 10 ) [ needs a link . This article is not yet lively at the time of writing ]

Scooping fava beans

Can You Plant Cover Crops With Vegetables ?

Is Clover Good For gamey Traffic Areas ?

Champions of the Garden

Long endure legumes , the humble yet mighty mavin of our garden , plates , and satellite .

With their nourishing goodness , ecological benefit , and cultural signification , let ’s apprise and embrace the marvels of legume as we cultivate a greener and more sustainable future tense .

So plant a seed , nourish its growth , and love the legume ' vivacious teemingness . 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