CARE OF RUNNER BEANS

Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 17

CARE OF RUNNER BEANS

Gardeners often complain that their runner beans fail to set properly. The reason for this is that the pollen of the flowers is most active when there is moisture about. Thus in a dry season there is a smaller crop (says ‘ Popular Gardening,’ London). Tn addition, root action is never satisfactory in a dry soil, and to keep the plants growing healthily it is necessary to water regularly, to hoe frequently, and to apply mulches of grass mowings or spent hops. Yellowish or light green leaves indicate dryness at the roots. After a good soaking (it may be necessary to flood the ground twice a week) be sure to hoe. Use a Dutch hoe. not only along the rows, but between the plants. Keep the top inch or so of soil loose. This hoeing is not so necessary when mulches are given, although even then it is advisable to leave a strip of bare soil up the centre of the row to allow for the next watering. ' The mulch should be _ 3in deep and 9in or lOin wide on either side of the plants. It is advisable to water the plants with a solution of sulphate of iron, ioz of the crystals being dissolved in two

gallons of water. Two pints should be given to each plant, it is a good plan to syringe the plants each evening with clear water. This prevents excessive transpiration and helps to provide the necessary moisture toward* healthy pollination. When the plants have reached to the top of the poles or string pinch out the tops so as to help them to break. Also pinch out any side growths that may develop and so concentrate the energies of the plants on the production of pods. Watch for the appearance of black bean aphis and spray regularly with liquid Denis. Dustings with Derris may 1m given instead. Two or three dustings or sprayings may be necessary at interval* of five days.