Llama Beans

Please don’t confuse these with coffee beans.  Llama beans are produced by
llamas and are considered ‘Black Gold’ by gardeners.  These odorless,
light-weight, small pellets are an easy to apply soil amendment.  They don’t
require the same aging period as horse or cow manure.  Beans are ready to
‘serve’ almost as soon as they are out of the ‘oven’.  I remember an
award-winning rose grower telling me years ago that llama beans were
the magic ingredient she used as a soil conditioner.  Compares to other barnyard
manures, the nitrogen and potassium levels are comparatively high, with
phosphorus slightly lower.  The beans can also be used to make compost tea.  
For those in the Capital Region (Albany, NY), Wunsapana Farm ‘manufactures’
these beans.   The dried llama beans are sold in eco-friendly burlap bags and
sold at local garden centers, including Faddegon’s Nursery (www.faddegons.com)
in Latham.  (photo by Chuck Miller)