How do we improve on bean production

Question

Our butterbean bushes have lots of blooms and produces and a lot of little pods, and of the pods produced, not many fill out to maturity.

Answer 1

It sounds like you may have nitrogen heavy soil. 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 article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/bean-blossoms-no-pods.htm

Try adding some phosphorus to the soil. Bone meal is a good source of this. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm