Topic: Runner bean disaster

[jeremyf]

I've had a bit of a disaster this year with my runners - first year on the allotment. Firstly planted out pot raised plant that were too leggy and promptly died - not enough light in the conservatory I think! Then I planted seeds in the ground - most came up but are very stunted (not sure if rabbits ate the tops as they are not doing much - only a few are managing up the canes amd they all have multiple stems. They havn't seen the frost).
I planted sunset improved, emperor and some saved seeds from my neighbour - they are all doing poorly.

I've planted more seeds in pots (in a much brighter position) Will I get a decent crop from these or have I missed the boat?

thanks

Jeremy

[Curryandchips]

My runner and dwarf beans have suffered this year too, birds pecking the leaves off when they germinate. I have planted more seed, I reckon now is about the last chance ...

[philandjan]

We've also had a bad year.

We think that the seeds that we sowed direct in April probably rotted because the ground was wet for soooo long (seems impossible, now!)

Replacements were put in pots in the greenhouse and are just starting to poke their heads through.

It's been such a topsy-turvy year that just about anything might happen.

We're about to try our second sowing of carrots - first lot didn't germinate. Again, suspect too wet at the wrong time.

[jeremyf]

Ok, thanks. Will give it one more try. Will plant them out in a week or so and see what happens. One thing I did was to add loads of manure - just wondering if it was too much or not rotted down enough. There were a also few blackfly dotted around but wouldn't think there were enough to stunt their grownth? Fingers crossed.

Jeremy

[daisymay]

not just us then!

we are on our 3rd attempt at runners too! first ones - too leggy and died in the late frost, second - rotted in the pots and did not germinate.

Planted out the third attempt about 2 weeks ago and have got 2 flowers! but had ran out of seed for all the canes I have erected, so had to buy some more, final attempt have just germinated in pots, will be going in this weekend - fingers crossed!

[Mrs Ava]

Picked my first 2 runner beans today.  I will enjoy them all myself!  ;D

The blackfly will stunt them and could cause them to die if the infestation is very bad.  If not to bad, squish them.

I will sow a few in late July around a wigwam to get a small, but useful supply of runners in the autumn.  The ground is so warm that they will romp away no probs.