The Lazy Housewife Bean= big misunderstanding

I am really into the heirloom veggies... I think its amazing to be able to grow a vegetable or flower variety that was grown in the 1800's or earlier, especially in the age of genetically modified everything. I feel that it is so important to know where your food comes from and maybe even grow it or visit a farmer's market.

I have to admit I was a little distracted when talking to my husband. He mentioned something about a lazy housewife and I didn't quite understand/ listen (I admit). Turns out, he was talking about an heirloom bean named the Lazy Housewife bean that he saw in a recent gardening magazine.

I'm not growing this one this year, but it is definitely on my list!

This bean has been around since 1810 and earned its unique name because it was the first bean that didn't need the string removed. With not having to worry about this chore, I'm sure it freed up the housewives to do other important things... I doubt they were lazy!

My, how the times have changed! 

The garden is planted.. heirloom tomatoes and all!

The garden is officially planted and doing well. This year, I wanted to try some very different heirloom tomatoes. I have a plot at the Black's Heritage Farm in Ames. I LOVE going out there and checking on the progress (even weeding!). Planted in the garden plot is heirloom tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, dill, lettuce (lots of interesting heirloom varieties), spinach, carrots, green beans, sugar peas, onions, garlic, and flowers!

This is a small part of the garden, as a week ago. A lot has grown since then!

The heirloom tomatoes are the stars of the show. These are the varieties that I am growing (but there are also a few grape tomatoes, Romas, and Big Beef tomatoes). I am ready for the fresh pasta sauce, pizza sauces, Caprese salads, and bruschetta! Actually, I can't wait... the heirlooms taste amazing and actually have distinct flavors.

                                                                      Black Pearl (Cherry)

Black Krim

Black Russian

Cherokee Purple

Aunt Ginny's Purple

Abraham Lincoln

Box Car Willie

Big Rainbow

Mr. Stripey

Tigerella (favorite!)

Green Zebra (another one of my favorites!)

Kellogg's Breakfast

Yellow Brandywine

Yellow Pear

Sausage

White Beauty

And also the Giant Tree Tomato.... which is supposed to get 6-7' tall. What was I thinking?!?