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Post by Spruance on Aug 28, 2009 20:26:08 GMT
My uncle has a problem with his runner beans which I have not previously come across and am at a loss to explain. The photo best portrays the problem....  I have included the ruler as this is as big as the affected beans are growing. Is it a disease or a sign that the plants need extra feed or water, or maybe something else?  |
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Post by farmersboy on Aug 29, 2009 6:31:42 GMT
I think they are too dry,Spru,but a feed would also help
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 29, 2009 8:19:40 GMT
Are the plants they come from well grown and leafy, Spru? I think FB is correct - they look as if they have been struggling to find enough water - are they being grown in very light soil which is not retaining enough water maybe? It may be too late but I think a real good soaking every night with some seaweed feed too might help a bit... I would also pick as many beans as possible to try and encourage new ones asap, otherwise they will just go to seed  |
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Post by Spruance on Aug 29, 2009 23:14:51 GMT
Yes I did consider water/feed a possibility I must admit. It's only around the corner from me so the soil is similar but uncle grows his beans in a single row on a trellis whereas mine are in the traditional A-frame double row. Mine get drenched with water every day and mulched with lawn clipping to retain the moisture and add nitrogen to the soil.
Thanks both for the confirmation.
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 30, 2009 8:49:33 GMT
I think that little microclimate created by a double row etc makes a real difference - plus we have had some seriously drying winds haven't we this summer? It all adds to the plants finding it hard to retain enough moisture to keep healthy and grow a good crop.. |
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Post by Spruance on Aug 30, 2009 19:58:52 GMT
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Post by 4pygmies on Aug 31, 2009 6:42:57 GMT
Crumbs................................  Smallest's pet rabbits LURVE runner beans so they get all the knackered ones I've missed. Quite handy, that............ |
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