posted 12 years ago
Cut them to the ground and leave the roots in the ground. Leave the tops on the surface and let them decay. In the meantime, plant any or all of the above suggestions. As the bean leftovers break down they will feed the next crop and the soil life as well.
Next year, try planting beans every two weeks so that you have a continual harvest. I plant a row of beans long enough to make about 10 days worth of beans. Then do the same thing again in two weeks. This way you have enough, but not too many beans all through the season. This is a good technique for many other crops that crop all at once. I do it with carrots, beets, beans, greens etc. As you harvest, replant something else. Don't replant the area with the same plant family to avoid encouraging plant disease.