Near the side of my home, I would like to plant castor bean from seed next year, but I found out that the plant is poisonous. I don’t have kids, but would it be dangerous for a pet, whether it be mine or a stray?

Although the castor bean plant is quite poisonous, most four-legged animals have more sense than we do, and they instinctively leave it alone. The large colorful seedpods are the most deadly part of the plant. Castor bean loves hot and humid summers, which Michigan often endures. It would probably be best to cut off all seed capsules before they mature, since those pods can shoot their seeds as far as 20 feet away and an animal foraging for something else could mistakenly eat them. Furthermore, some people are allergic to the plant’s sap. It is best to wear protective gloves if you tend to suffer from skin irritations. While castor beans love full sun and are very drought resistant, regular watering insures the healthiest growth and leafing out. You might consider planting bean seeds in a large movable container, but nothing smaller than a half whiskey barrel size. That way you can sow your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, providing warmth and full sun (or bright light) so the seedlings have plenty of room to grow. Next, thin seedlings to only a few, especially if you intend to keep them in the container. If castor bean roots become confined, they stop growing and start blooming. You might search out one of the deep purple leaf varieties for added interest and color.