Harvesting and Packaging Harvest lima beans for fresh market when the pods are well filled. After the beans are picked, transfer them to a shaded area and remove all pods that are not filled and those that are overmature or have begun to lose their green color. All trash, leaves, stems, dirt and diseased beans should also be removed. Check with your buyers and pack according to their instruction. Lima beans are usually packed 35 pounds gross in wirebound boxes or bean hampers, but some local buyers prefer 50-pound mesh bags.
New containers present a better appearance and are recommended highly.
The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.