A quick update on my climbing French beans: very poor germination - 3 out of 24. I've planted some more, and if they don't germinate either, I'll try planting directly into the soil. But I'm wondering whether or not I had a poor batch of seeds in the first place, so have bought some more: Cobra, which I have had in the past without problems.
slightly off topic but bean related - my so called dwarf French beans which have been outside for about 6 weeks look spookily like they're climbers. Tempted to nip out top and try and bonsai them. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Can't you quickly build a wigwam/A-frame over them figrat? I think that's what I'd be tempted to do. If they are climbing beans - you'll get the crop, If you have tried to thwart them in their desire to grow upwards, I'm not sure you'd get much of a harvest. And if they were truly dwarf all along, all you'd have to do is to remove whatever structure you've erected.
I could do, but as I mix my veg and ornamentals in the borders, might be a bit awkward as they're at the front! Am thinking I might try those metal spirals - I grew some runners up them last year.
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A quick update on my climbing French beans: very poor germination - 3 out of 24. I've planted some more, and if they don't germinate either, I'll try planting directly into the soil. But I'm wondering whether or not I had a poor batch of seeds in the first place, so have bought some more: Cobra, which I have had in the past without problems.
Sowed some direct into the soil last weekend-today Thursday-some are appearing
-in 4 days!!
Huh! Those seeds heard me typing about buying Cobra - 'cos I now have about 20 that have germinated! Result!
Congrats
It is all about the timing-I feel very smug
Can't you quickly build a wigwam/A-frame over them figrat? I think that's what I'd be tempted to do. If they are climbing beans - you'll get the crop, If you have tried to thwart them in their desire to grow upwards, I'm not sure you'd get much of a harvest. And if they were truly dwarf all along, all you'd have to do is to remove whatever structure you've erected.
I could do, but as I mix my veg and ornamentals in the borders, might be a bit awkward as they're at the front! Am thinking I might try those metal spirals - I grew some runners up them last year.
Oh, yes! Those spiral look so good - real architectural additions to a border. If you do it - will you post a picture?
OK!