Davy wrote:
My crop of mangetout is well down on last year and my runner beans are
not setting at all.

Earlier in the year we had more honey bees than for years; but none
now. Instead we have lots of bumble bees, as many as a dozen on a
single flowering plant - but none on the runner beans. The RHS state
that bumble bees cannot polinate runner beans. The runner flowers are
completely devoid of insects. I have allowed red and white clover to
flower in my lawn and they have a fair number of bumble bees too.

What are others experience this year - are your peas and beans covered
in bees?

DAvy

Never given a thought to pollination. As I'm out 10 - 12 hours a day, and
weekends are hecktick, can't say I've observed bee activity. Had my first
picking of runners yesterday, with masses more coming on.
--
Pete C
London UK