Dry bean varieties/sources

I do wish there was a distinction for semi-runners as well.  The Bush pinto and Tongue of Fire beans both were semi-runners last year and I've made note of that for this season.   Luckily one variety was able to reach out and climb with the tomatoes and the other one was able to grow up the trellis with a nearby vining variety.   I did notice some interesting color variations with the tongue of Fire beans that weren't present in the seed I planted.

My cut-short bean experiment hasn't produced any unusual coloration as of yet but I'm expecting this would be the year for that to happen.  Also acquired a new variety to add to the mix as well this year.

As for grocery store beans, we really like mayocoba beans and after the third try I did get some to germinate but unfortunately frost took them out before they were mature.  My failure in germination the first two times was in soaking the seed.  I usually soak beans at least overnight to speed germination,  but evidently this is one variety that won't tolerate it.  I too have been asked why I bother with pinto and black beans since they're readily available and my response is that I'm trying to adapt seed to my growing conditions and that every meal I grow is one less I need to buy.