Smoky Black Bean Burgers

Black Beans

• Sow black bean seeds directly into warm soil after all danger of frost has passed, typically when soil temperatures are above 60°F (15°C).
• Provide a trellis or other support for vining varieties, or choose bush varieties for smaller spaces.
• Ensure full sun exposure and consistent watering, especially during flowering and pod development.

Onion

• Plant onion sets or seeds in early spring in a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants 4-6 inches apart in rows to allow for bulb development and good air circulation.
• Onions require consistent moisture throughout the growing season but avoid overwatering as bulbs mature.

Garlic

• Plant individual garlic cloves, pointed end up, 2-4 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-drained soil in autumn, before the first hard frost.
• Garlic requires a cold stratification period to develop good bulbs, making fall planting ideal in most temperate regions.
• Choose a sunny spot and keep the bed weed-free, as garlic struggles with competition.

• Protect black bean plants from aphids by spraying with a strong stream of water or applying insecticidal soap.

• Use row covers over young onion and garlic plants to deter onion maggot flies from laying eggs.

• Companion plant onions and garlic with carrots or lettuce to confuse pests like onion thrips.

Black Beans

• Harvest black beans for drying when the pods are fully mature, dry, and brittle, and the beans inside rattle.
• Pick pods before heavy rains or frost, and allow them to dry further indoors in a well-ventilated area if necessary.
• If left too long on the plant in wet conditions, beans can mold or sprout.

Onion

• Harvest onions when about two-thirds of the tops have yellowed and fallen over naturally.
• Loosen the soil around the bulbs with a fork and gently pull them from the ground on a dry, sunny day.
• Allow onions to cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks until their outer skins are dry and papery.

Garlic

• Harvest garlic when the lower third to half of the leaves have turned yellow or brown, but the upper leaves are still green.
• Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs with a fork to avoid damaging them, then gently pull the plants from the ground.
• Cure garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated spot for 2-4 weeks until the wrappers are papery and the stems are dry.