Hi all:

I'd like to trial pole beans in my Zone 5a garden this year. In the past, I've grown bush beans- but it seems like I can get more output in less space. My garden is mostly containers, with one small raised bed (about 16 sq ft).

I've already ordered Gold of Bacau for a wax and Masai (bush variety) for a fine filet bean. I'd like to choose some other types to round out by selections. I'm not even sure whether I prefer "beany" or "sweet". I'm also interested in being able to try some shelling beans to see if I enjoy the taste.

Some of the varieties I'm considering are:

Garafal Oro (only seed source I can find is SSE Yearbook, and I don't think I will grow enough to relist them)

Blue Marbutt (Sandhill)

Jeminez (Sandhill)

Emerite (Pinetree)

Grandma Roberts Purple Pole (Sandhill)

Uncle Steve's Italian (Sandhill)

Any recommendations or other suggestions (and seed sources)? I plan to freeze a lot of the snaps as the Masai don't freeze well, so they'll all need to be eaten fresh.

Thanks!