Under Starter's Orders.......
The Runner Beans are off and running!
I was able to pick a small handful for the first time today. In a fortnight's time I'll be swamped.
Everything else on the plot is growing like crazy too. I'll try to remember to take the camera on
Saturday.
posted by Greenmantle at 9:22 am
10 Comments:
How do you do it! Are you on a hosepipe ban like we are in London?
The first runner beans are oh so special - then later you get sick of the sight of them.
But I freeze lots as they once again are a real treat in the winter.
Doing well aren't you. Have you had any failures due to drought or pests. You have water on your site though don't you? Lucky man
Hi Anonymous - Yes we have a hosepipe ban, but allotments are exempt. They are classed as "food production" under the horticultural act of blah-blah-whenever. Domestic gardens are not.
It's only when the water companies get authority to go to the next level of alert - a full "Drought Order" - when all non essential water use is banned, that we have to stop.
I make sure I use the hose responsibly, and by stuffing it down an perforated tube that runs under the soil, it's more effective than splashing gallons around on top that just evepourates and get's wasted.
(I just do the getting wasted myself from time to time)
Hi Al...Haven't had any amjor failures recently - just stuff that never germinated in the spring due that cold, wet spell we had.
Since then things seem OK - although I am a bit dubios about the Kalibos red cabbage, that seem to be growing long stems and huge leaves, but no hearts yet.
Flea beetle and pea moth I could live without, but I just spray them. Makes some people shudder I know, but I have never made any pretence to be organic...Horses for courses I says!
Hi Frankie - I must confess, that although these were the very first baby ones, and should have been perfect, when I ate them this evening, they were a bit tough.
It's all very well having an irrigation system, but you have to actually make the effort to use it. I think I have been neglecting mine a bit and the beans will improve when I get back to drenching them every 3rd day as in pervious years.
Make that "PREvious years".... I deny everything about the "PERvious" ones.
My runner & pole beans are finally getting some height. How long was it from the initial flowers to edible beans? I think they're getting close to flowers.
Hi Pet...About 2-3 weeks from when the very first flowers appeared..but they get faster once they get the hang of it!
Hi, this is my first year growing veg, and so far has been very rewarding. I have just been out and pick my first handfull of Runner beans this morning. I have some that have been covered in BlackFly. Is it safe just to wash them off, cook and eat? Regards, Jason, Luton
HI Jason - Yes, if they look OK after you have washed them, go ahead and eat them. Blcakfly are unslighlty, and weaken the plans in dry weather by sucking the sap, but they won't do you any harm.
If you don't want to use a propriety inesct spray against them, try a solution of mild soapy water (i.e. Fairy liquid or something )applied with a hand sprayer. Repeat as neccesary, but wash they beans well before eating.
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