growing Italian flat beans (Roma)

Question

I have many small plants with dozens and dozens of tiny beans and some more blossoms but the beans are failing to grow larger. They are growing in soil which has had leaf mulch incorporated. Should I be watering? Is there a fertilizer (epsom salts, coffee grounds, lime) which will provide more nutrients for better production?

Answer 1

Yes, watering could help your beans grow bigger, since water stress could stunt beans.

It is beneficial to have a soil test done to see what nutrients or pH amendments your garden needs. Adding compost won't hurt in any case. However, be cautious about adding any nitrogen-containing fertilizer or manure, because it can impair bean production. A commercial fertilizer that provides phosphorus and potassium, or organic alternatives like bone meal and potash, will help your plants produce.

See these articles for more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/plants-potassium.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/fertilizer-options-for-your-vegetable-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/bone-meal-fertilizer.htm