beans and bees
 

My garden is in Hampshire, a mile or so west of Petersfield.

This year has been different for the vegetable patch in many ways. We
had trouble getting the courgettes to start and for the first time in
decades have no pumpkins growing. The beans were slow to start but are
now flowering profusely with no sign of beans setting. Are other
gardeners seeing the same?

Earlier in the year I was able to be complacent about the news that
bumble bees were threatened with decline. We seemed to have lots around.
But this week keeping an eye out for them it has been hard to see any.
There are many apparently suitable flowers out (evening primrose,
buddleja, leek, bramble, ...). Honey bees, solitary bees and a few
butterflies but no bumbles.

Should I be worrying or doing anything?

--
Ellis Morgan

beans and bees
 

In article ,
says...

My garden is in Hampshire, a mile or so west of Petersfield.

This year has been different for the vegetable patch in many ways. We
had trouble getting the courgettes to start and for the first time in
decades have no pumpkins growing. The beans were slow to start but are
now flowering profusely with no sign of beans setting. Are other
gardeners seeing the same?


Last year my courgettes completely failed (first time in 40 years) due
to cold June, but this year has been warm and sunny, they are doing
well and we should be eating them in a day or two.

My peas and runner beans grew well and are flowering well but no sign
yet of beans/peas setting, and not many bees around. After a warm sunny
May and June there have been a few chilly days and nights so that may
account for it.

Janet (Isle of Arran)