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Janet · 02-08-2013, 11:08 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening

In article , says...

Janet wrote:
How do you tell if the above are ready to harvest?
As soon as they are big enough to eat, about 3" long. The harder you
pick them the more beans they produce so don't hold back.

That seems to be true for runner beans, and I'm sure it's been true
about my french beans in the past, but this year I seem to be picking
and then they don't do any more. :-(
(possibly also related to more of them than should have been are looking
like they are dwarf ones rather than climbing)

I only grew runners this year (three sorts).. slow to get going but
they grew well, flowered well, all that's missing is pollination :-(
They flower but very few form beans. At this rate i'll get a lousy
crop. Yet peas have done really well.

I've only seen 2 honeybees this year, which might explain lack of
pollination but there are a LOT of bumble bees about.

Janet