Winged beans, known for their unique pods and tasty leaves, are easy to grow and bring various health benefits.
The winged bean is a tropical legume with distinctive four-angled pods, vibrant green foliage, and climbing tendencies. Valued for its ornamental and nutritional qualities, this easy-to-grow plant adds versatility to home gardens.
Packed with natural energy boosters like phosphorus and sugars, they support overall vitality. These beans also protect against DNA damage, address nutrient deficiencies, and offer postpartum benefits by providing crucial iron. With antioxidant properties guarding against UV radiation, they promote healthy eyes, aid digestion with gut-friendly fiber, and serve as a protein-rich option for muscle development and bodily functions. Adding winged beans to your diet brings a delicious and nutritious twist to your meals.
Sowing
Winged beans flourish in hot, wet climates. Use better quality seeds and soak them overnight before planting. They adapt well to most well-draining soils, benefitting from soil enrichment with compost and 8-8-8 fertilizer before planting. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 2 feet apart in rows with a 4-foot gap. While trellising is optional, it enhances legume production, particularly in trellised vines. Winged beans have the unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, and additional fertilizer application is advisable when pods start developing. Water winged bean plants when the soil is dry 5cm below the surface, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
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