Mine were Moonlight,I gave my daughter some of them to plant in a large ceramic pot,and they've been eating them for three weeks now,but all Ive had is one deformed bean!
The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
I think it must have been because I stuck them in the ground with no manure,where they were planted had decking over it for 25 years,I thought that would have helped though.My daughter put hers in compost.
The whole truth is an instrument that can only be played by an expert.
I’ve learnt that digging the traditional trench in February makes no difference at all, just a myth, but when you plant them they need quite rich ground so I pile on home made compost and sprinkle a bit of FB&B in with it. Dont give up, better luck next year. You live and learn.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
I have been growing Firestoem several years, not such a good crop this year, yes absolutely DREADFULL black fly, Hubby tried spraying them with a washing up solution, got a few ladybirds and lavae, but no-where near enough, and definietly not so many beans this year, french dwarf not so many as last year either
I am not sure I dare put my head above the parapet!
I am growing Enorma runners, purple climbing and one dwarf French bean plant and all are doing well. I do not think I have ever had so many flowers on the runners. I was very late starting them off and down here in Cornwall we have not had the extreme temperatures. I picked my first beans last week, long, straight, sweet and succulent. I understood runner beans were tropical plants so as long as they are watered copiously at the base should thrive in the heat, it is also recommended to spray them at mid day to assist with setting but I do not do that as there seem to be plenty of zzzzy things about on the flowers.
Sorry folks, am off to pick some now to give away to friends as there are too many for me already.
Steady now, form an orderly queue if you don't mind!
Strangely enough, and for the first time ever, I think Cornwall has been cooler that Devon, I’m just over the border and it’s been terrific heat, my beans are loaded with flowers as well, I’ve hardly watered them as you say, tropical plants, they love the heat. Sowing them and planting out late is good, mine don’t go out until mid June, by then they are big plants and can cope with anything.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
I'm the original poster, and based on Dorset coast where it's not been as infernally hot as inland. Earlier in the week I picked everything off both runners and dwarfs in the hope that this would encourage a fresh, better growth. T'ain't working so far. Last year I had to pick almost daily there were so many. I'm pleased for those that are having success though. Maybe next year..
There’s still plenty of summer left Sandra. Fingers crossed they’ll come good for you.
My runners have slowed down a lot the last week or so. They’re putting out loads of new shoots and leaves but not many flowers or beans. The plants are getting massive. I pinch out any new shoots that I see. I’m hoping they’ll pick up a bit soon.
Posts
Dont give up, better luck next year. You live and learn.
This reminds me of a French friend reporting back after her first visit to Rutland Water. “Lovely,” she said, “but I didn’t like all the midgets.”
I am not sure I dare put my head above the parapet!
I am growing Enorma runners, purple climbing and one dwarf French bean plant and all are doing well. I do not think I have ever had so many flowers on the runners. I was very late starting them off and down here in Cornwall we have not had the extreme temperatures. I picked my first beans last week, long, straight, sweet and succulent. I understood runner beans were tropical plants so as long as they are watered copiously at the base should thrive in the heat, it is also recommended to spray them at mid day to assist with setting but I do not do that as there seem to be plenty of zzzzy things about on the flowers.
Sorry folks, am off to pick some now to give away to friends as there are too many for me already.
Steady now, form an orderly queue if you don't mind!
My runners have slowed down a lot the last week or so. They’re putting out loads of new shoots and leaves but not many flowers or beans. The plants are getting massive. I pinch out any new shoots that I see. I’m hoping they’ll pick up a bit soon.