🌿 Growing Bodi (Yardlong Beans): A Daily Harvest Delight

If there’s one crop that truly earns its keep in my garden, it’s bodi — also known as yard-long beans. These slender, vigorous vines reward me with pods almost every day once they start producing. They’re easy to grow, thrive in our warm Caribbean sunshine, and add that happy garden dance feeling each time I pick a handful. Whether they’re climbing a trellis, stretching along a fence, or tucked neatly into a corner bed, bodi always brings steady satisfaction and a touch of green magic. 🌱

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🌱 Seeds & Germination

I like to start my bodi seeds in trays or starter pots first, especially since mole crickets love to snack on young roots. Pre-soaking the seeds overnight gives them a head start — they sprout faster and stronger. Once the seedlings are sturdy enough, I transplant them to the garden, giving them room to stretch out and climb.

                              

                            Photo:  Bodi seedlings in starter pots       Credit: Shamela Rambadan

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🌿 Planting & Care

Even though bodi belongs to the legume family, I still give the soil a boost with compost. It helps keep the vines vigorous and productive. A strong trellis is a must — heavy rain or wind can weigh down the vines, so sturdy support saves me a lot of garden drama later on.

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🌸 Succession Planting

I’ve learned that once the vines begin to flower, it’s the perfect time to start a new batch of seeds. That way, I always have a fresh set of plants coming up just as the older vines begin to slow down. It’s my little secret to keeping the harvest basket full week after week.

             

 Photo 1:  Flower buds start to appear                                        Photo 2: Pod formation

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🐞 Pests & Diseases

Like any good garden crop, bodi attracts a few uninvited guests. I keep an eye out for aphids, leaf miners, and those pesky leaf-footed bugs. Regular inspection is key — a quick check every few days helps me spot any trouble before it gets out of hand. A gentle spray of soapy water or neem oil usually keeps things under control.

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🧺 Harvest

The best part? Harvesting! I pick daily when the pods are still tender — that’s when they taste their best. It’s amazing how quickly they grow, so a few missed days can mean tougher beans. Small, regular pickings always add up, and nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing a bowl full of fresh, crisp bodi ready for the kitchen.

                      

                        Photo: Mature pods ready for picking                     Credit : Shamela Rambadan

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There’s something so satisfying about growing bodi — or yardlong beans, as they’re often called. They remind me that with a little care, nature always gives back generously. From those first tiny shoots to the steady stream of pods that follow, bodi never fails to make my garden (and me) do a happy garden dance. Whether you’re planting them for the first time or you’ve been growing them for years, they’ll quickly earn their place as one of your most rewarding crops

Happy Gardening!

The Grey- haired Gardener