Q.my green beans…..
For the last 2 yrs. I have planted Blue Lake Bush Green Beans, and each growing season I end up battling a fungus. The plants get off to a beautiful and healthy start, and we enjoy at least 2 harvests from them. Then, as if out of nowhere, the beautiful green leaves begin to look as if they are “dry”. I did bring a leaf to our Ag Center this year, and was told it was a fungus. I was advised to purchase a fungicide, which I did, and follow directions, which I did. I was also told to be sure to cultivate, fertilize, and water enough, which i THINK I’m doing correctly. However, trying to save my beans for the 2nd year in a row is discouraging and disheartening. Can you help?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Pictures will also help me here. It is likely a fungal issue, but beans such as this are very short lived. They will naturally start to die off as it warms up.
The appearance of a fungal infection is not likely due to an unsafe level of a fungus in soil, but is more than likely the bean's immune system giving out.
If you have gotten at least two good flushes of beans from the plants then it is likely living out its lifespan. Bush beans will not produce for near as long as a pole bean.
It is still good to apply dolomitic lime and iron sulfate at least once per year for soil health. Avoid adding extra nitrogen, as beans gather atmospheric nitrogen. Phosphorus and potassium will help more with fruit set.
