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Runner beans

lydiaannlydiaann Posts: 300
in Problem solving

Why are my lovely runner beans, picked fresh while they are still young, very stringy and almost inedible.  Dwarf beans, turnips, peas, etc. all lovely - yum yum.  Runner beans - a bit yuk!

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Posts

  • Lupin 1Lupin 1 Posts: 8,916

    lydiaann only reason I can think is unsufficient water. During the recent hot weather I have totally soaked my runner beans each day and they are fineimage 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,134

    Same here - sprinkler on for at least 20 minutes every evening in the hot dry weather. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    As above


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • lydiaannlydiaann Posts: 300

    That's probably it...they were left for nearly 2 weeks at one point (not fair to ask my elderly neighbour to do a large garden as well as my containers!).  I shall remember next year.  Thanks for your input, Forkers!  As always, you come to the rescue...

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    Pity about so far, but keep 'em watered and with the cooler nights they should recover. If they're looking a bit pale, a one-off dose of flower/tomato fertilizer will help. But main thing is to keep them watered

    Good luck


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    Are you sure you are picking them when they are young? Do not on any account leave them until they are as big as the ones in the shops/supermarket. They are far too old.



    Any that have been left for two weeks should be consigned to the compost heap. They will definitely be stringy.



    I never water mine.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,134

    Ah, but presumably you're in Wales?  It's a bit damper there than here - the Fens of East Anglia have a similar rainfall to Seville image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,134

    Nah, we have their rainfall, but not their temperatures image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • WelshonionWelshonion Posts: 3,114
    We have had the most wonderful summer. It even feels like we have had less rain than usual. Is that possible? Or is old age having more of an affect than I realise?
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,134

    Don't think it can be old age - Ma's 90 and she says we've had an awful summer - mind you she thinks I'm her sister - or her solicitor image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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