The message
from Pam Moore contains these words:

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:55:14 +0100, Beryl Harwood
wrote:

Hi all, my first visit to .gardening.

I have a long trough into which I planted a small number [7 or 8 I
think] of dwarf runner beans. I have protected with chicken wire and
provided a plastic mesh for them to climb when they decide to do so. A
couple of them seem to have started out well, but then faded for no good
reason that I can see. I have kept them watered in the dry spell and
the netting and wire keep the squirrels and birds off as far as I can
see.

Any ideas? Should I pull the faded plants up to prevent possible damage
to the others, most of which, well now only about 4 or 5 appear to be
doing quite well?

If they are dwarf beans, then they will not climb!
The "fading" may be due to overcrowding. Probably best to remove the
sickly ones and give the others a chance.
What size is the trough?
What compost did you use?

Hi Pam
the trough is about 4ft by 8" at the top [tapers slightly] and 7-8"
high. I have used it before. there are two rows, 4 at teh back of
which 2 are 'poorly' and there were 2 or 3 at the front between them
with a few french marigolds to help keep off the blackfly. I have used
the same trough inprevious years for other beans with no problems. the
compost is a mixture of general purpose, worm compost with some rotted
horse manure mixed in. there may have been some older stuff as a base
as well [I alwasy mix my own wierd cocktail].
Thanks for the help
Beryl