harvesting lima beans

[suzyhomemaker09]

My gardening friend put in some rather pricey lima beans in our communal garden. She's off on holiday and I " think " they are ready to be harvested.
Exactly how does one tell that they are ready...i get the ok they should feel full...but I just don't want to pick too early or lose any of these pricey beans.
Gardening is all still new to me

[amwitched]

I harvest them by "feel" and sometimes you can see through the shell. If you are a little too late, the pods start to turn yellow.

[Paquebot]

As Amwitched said, you'll go by feel. Pick a pod which you think is a fat one and open it up. If the beans are what you think they should be for cooking, pick all others like it. If not, wait a few days and test another.

Martin

[suzyhomemaker09]

Thanks all