Saturday Morning With Jack Tame

This last summer has seen a number of ZB talkback listeners complaining about scarlet runner beans mis-behaving. Two main types of troubles were reported: 1) suddenly no more bean pods were growing despite the plant getting to its normal height. 2) At the start of harvesting mature beans, the leaves begin to turn yellow – going down and down. Scarlet Runner Beans originate from Central America and they like well-drained soil (loam) in a sunny spot.  Plant the seeds under a tall support to allow the plants grow up and up, the root systems will survive the winter for next year’s crop. They are perennials!! These beans are Nitrogen Fixers. They don’t need much Nitrogen (they make their own), but love Potash and Phosphate.  They are long-Season growers with red flowers, pollinated by bees and bumblebees. Harvest the mature pods regularly and watering regularly to prevent them from drying out (not toooo wet, please!) What could cause the sudden troubles with the formation of bean pods? Lack of Pol