Q.Butter Beans
What is the cause of butter beans to not fill out? My bushes are full of small pods but they fail to fill out. This has happened for the last two years.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
All beans are nitrogen fixing plants so be careful to avoid heavy nitrogen feedings, as nitrogen-rich soils result in excessive vine growth and little to no beans. This can be attributed to a number of things, such as poor pollination, irregular watering, or the use of nitrogen feritilizer. A lack of pollinators can cause beans plants too produce less or develop poorly. Plants also need additional watering once they begin blooming. Since these are nitrogen-fixing plants, they do not need fertilizer, with exception to a side dressing of compost, if desired. An abundance of nitrogen will cause little to no flowering and poor pod development. Also, could you be picking them too soon? If pods are harvested too early, they will not have finished their growth and the beans inside will be far too small. This article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/bean-blossoms-no-pods.htm
