Planting Bodi- The Ultimate Guide

BODI / BORA / ASIAN LONG BEANS - THE CHEAP FILLER VEG

Bodi and Sada Roti - Sounds like a True Trini Breakfast Item

Quite versatile and resilient, The Asian Long Bean known colloquially to us as the Bodi Bean happens to be a favorite in many different types of cuisine here in our twin land. So why not plant it in your time home or during the pandemic. Also known as bora, asparagus bean or snake bean; here in Trinidad - bodi is eaten as a curried talkarie with rice or roti, stir fried with vegetables of all varieties, it can be steamed gently and eaten with fish as a healthy alternative as well as even being heartily prepared with boiled provisions as to balance some vegetable intake. 

Used quite diversely in salads also, Bodi has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable land care. Its properties both food wise and agriculturally prove to be quite diverse and rich of possibilities. Bodi is grown primarily for its strikingly long lengthily character, measuring to lengths ( 45- 50 cm ).

Bodi is easily grown throughout the year. Three to four plants will supply enough fruit (pods) for the average home. Bodi contains protein, fibre, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, vitamins A and B. Bodi is a legume and it replenishes soil nitrogen used up by other crops. It is therefore an excellent choice for crop rotation. It can also be grown in containers.

Frugal Planting at its best!!!!!

  Planting Bodi

Mix one handful of well rotted manure with the soil in each planting hole. Sow 2-3 seeds in each planting hole (according to the spacing used). Place seeds 2.5 cm (1 in) deep. Water daily in the absence of rain and ensure that excess water drains off the planting area. Three weeks after sowing, leave one strong plant in each hole and continue watering daily. 

Spacing Bodi is Paramount!

Bodi can be inter-planted with vegetables and ornamentals in the home garden. However if planting several bodi plants in the same area, use the recommended spacing for the variety being planted. Place seeds of both short and long types 0.5 m (1.5 ft) apart within rows and 1 m (3 ft) apart between rows.

Fertilizing and Harvesting Bodi

One week after germination, apply FT Farfan's Liquid Vegetable fertilizer to encourage root growth. 

Adequate spacing is important.

Be sure to place this fertilizer at least 5 cm (2 in) away from the plant. Thereafter, continue fertilizing every 15 days with a granular NPK fertilizer high in potassium such as 12:12:17:2, using 5 g (1 tsp) per plant. This can be continued for the duration of the plant’s life. Tip: Leave a few pods to dry on the plant. Collect their seeds for the next planting

Pods are ready for harvest in about 7 to 8 weeks after sowing. Pick pods in the young stages every 2 to 3 days, that is before seeds mature or swell.  Carefully harvest pods without damaging the flower head of the plant and use your finger to pinch off pods. Avoid pulling off pods as stem stripping will occur and the plant could die. 

NEVER USE SEVIN ON BODI, PEAS OR BEANS. THIS CHEMICAL WILL KILL THESE PLANTS. 

Click the Video Below for a delicious local fry bodi recipe.

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