"Tish" wrote in message
...
Hi All,

I've only lived in Sydney three years and this is the first year I've
planted beans in the veggie patch. I have two varieties - purple king
climbing beans and yellow bush-form butter beans. Both varieties are
looking unhappy and burnt and aren't growing very much, which makes me
suspect that I planted them too late in the season.
Info:
I'm near Campbelltown (although tend to be a few degrees warmer than
C'town in winter and cooler than C'town in summer)
The beans went in as seeds about two months ago

Could someone with experience in growing beans in Sydney's western
burbs please tell me when the usual bean-planting time of year is so
that next year I can get it right.

Thanks,
Tish


Burning of the leaves could be due to some difficiency in the soil. It could
also be caused by water stress. Also caused by salts in ground water, tap
water or the soil. Beans don't like over head watering and it is better to
water in the morning. You need to supply water that will replace the soil
evaporation rate in your area.

I am not in Sydney but suspect you can plant the beans after the last
frosts. They should grow well and produce beans. Temps over 35C make it hard
for pollination of varieties in Perth.

The Department of Ag here knows the planting dates of most vegetables and
the fertiliser requirements. Maybe you should try them there.

If all else fails find an old Italian in your area that grows his own veges.
They are a wealth of info.

Cheers

Richard