On 03/08/2013 00:08, Janet wrote:
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
Lots of honey bees here this year - a swarm set up a nest in a nearby
tree a few months ago.
Only just started cropping the runner beans; but I always plant the bean
(seeds) directly in the soil so they are a little slow. However, there
is a regular progression now every year from asparagus to spring cabbage
to mange-tout to runner beans to main crop cabbage / cauliflower /
brocoli then over winter with brussels, leeks and Swiss chard. A few
other greens too but that covers my main crops.
--
David in Normandy.