I live in central Alabama and we experienced some very dry and hot weather for most of June. The rain has picked up now for the month of July. I have a 75' row of running butterbeans. I thought I would have an abundance of beans by this time (we planted in April), but I have yet to get even one picking of enough beans for my husband and myself for dinner. I thought the heat was the culprit, but now I'm wondering if I sowed them too thickly. The vines are gorgeous and dark green. They are growing vigorously, just top heavy with vines and NO BEANS!! Well, very few. I picked about 15 pods off of the entire 75' row this morning. Would it be helpful to clip the tops off the vines? Maybe the plants are so thick that they can't get any sun. My squash and string beans are doing the same thing.
All beans are nitrogen fixing plants so be careful to avoid heavy nitrogen feedings, as nitrogen-rich soils result in excessive vine growth and no beans. They may also take longer to set fruit in overly hot weather. Add more phosphorus to the soil.
We planted running butter beans, also known as lima beans. We have thick green vines but very few blooms or pods. We may have planted them too close together. At the top of the string where they run up, they are very thick and tangled together. What do we need to do to get a better crop?
It could be that your soil has too much nitrogen. Beans do not need a lot of nitrogen. 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. Try adding some phosphorus to the soil. Heat can also be a factor, making pollination more difficult. This article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/bean-blossoms-no-pods.htm
I want to raise butterbeans commercially on 20 acres or more. I have been told to inoculate the soil with bean bacteria, which helps with a bigger crop of beans. How do I inoculate the soil and what kind of bacteria do I use? Also, where do I get it?
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/soil-inoculants.htm
I have planted Christmas pole beans for several years. I have the most beautiful vines in the world that bloom and appear to be pollinating. I have yet to get more than a few beans a season. I have tried all kinds of fertilizers, and growing them in different locations. Do you have any tips?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beans/bean-blossoms-no-pods.htm
We have a good crop of plants. The vines are green, healthy and with plenty of pods, but the beans are not filling out. This issue is common among several growers (3) in a 5 mile radius. Any help would be appreciated.
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.
I have tried all over Sydney, but no one seems to have climbing butter beans.
Have you asked your local garden center? There should be plenty of sites on the internet offering these seed. Good luck.
What is the cause of silver steaking on running butter beans and some streaking in the hull of beans? After streaking is on leaves, plants do not produce.
It sounds like a virus of some type. You might consider taking samples to your local agricultural extension office for testing and recommendations. In the meantime, this article might help: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/veg_fruit/hgic2200.html