Help MBE grow his dinner 2012

mrbadexample

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

They do. If the corn, beans and squash are to be used for winter foods [so dried beans, cured squash and dry corn] and you live in the USA where they have long hot summers.

Here - this just does not work.

I can't comment because I've never tried (I don't like two of those sisters - just the pretty bean one for me ), but I do know you have to check carefully where the information comes from when you're Googling. Lots of stuff from the US that isn't much help here.

furball

mrbadexample wrote: »

You are a shining example of that fact. We (i.e. you) will have finished the garden by June. :rotfl:

All that hard work is done now. Just have to cross my fingers and see what flowers. As for the veg i haven't planted any yet, what's holding me up. i haven't got any plastic label things so i know what i have planted where:D. I threw a yogurt pot that i could have cut up so kicking myself:mad: As soon as i get some labels i will be off and running/planting oh and need some more canes for peas and beans. I have daffodil bulbs in flower in a barrel, do i leave them in if i want to plant tomatoes or do i lift them:o

emiff6

Like the fence, Furball. what's that growing in the border already?

emiff6

I've been thinking about runner bean supports. The traditional way is two rows of opposing canes slanted at an angle and secured at the top to make a long tent shape. But then a lot of beans must hang down inside the 'tent' space. Would it work to tie each pair of canes as a cross (or saltire if you want the proper term and a clear idea), so that the beans are hanging outward by the time they reach the top of the canes?

I'm thinking there must be obvious reasons why this is not a good idea or you'd see it done more often, but I can't think of any. What have I missed?

mrbadexample

I always just lean my beans against the fence. Mind you, I only have about 4 plants as that does me. Might squeeze in a couple of extras this year as I've got more freezer space.

Mowed the lawn today, and fixed the tap leak - apparently my gland nut needed tightening. :eek:

Need to sow some gherkins and achocha. As well as about a billion other things.

Lotus-eater

emiff6 wrote: »

I've been thinking about runner bean supports. The traditional way is two rows of opposing canes slanted at an angle and secured at the top to make a long tent shape. But then a lot of beans must hang down inside the 'tent' space. Would it work to tie each pair of canes as a cross (or saltire if you want the proper term and a clear idea), so that the beans are hanging outward by the time they reach the top of the canes?

I'm thinking there must be obvious reasons why this is not a good idea or you'd see it done more often, but I can't think of any. What have I missed?

No this is a great idea and done by some people. There are various ways to support beans, I know Sambucus uses different ways of doing it.
I used to use a square frame and have vertical canes going up to it. I stopped doing it, mainly because the tent shape is easy to set up and is strong.
If you google (image) bean supports you will get lots of good ideas.

furball

emiff6 wrote: »

Like the fence, Furball. what's that growing in the border already?

Thankyou Rhubarb and an apple tree and poppies. Veg will be going in on Friday. Making 3 wigwams for beans and peas but usually grow sweet peas up as well. 6 canes each wigwam alternate beans or peas and sweatpeas on each wigwam so it looks pretty. What can i grow a squash or pumpkin up? do they need strong trellis or can i use canes:o

Sambucus_Nigra

Lotus-eater wrote: »

No this is a great idea and done by some people. There are various ways to support beans, I know Sambucus uses different ways of doing it.
I used to use a square frame and have vertical canes going up to it. I stopped doing it, mainly because the tent shape is easy to set up and is strong.
If you google bean supports you will get lots of good ideas.

Yes I use munty frames. You can google it and see a few people's. The beans grow on the short side of the frame, up and over to the tall side whilst other crops grow underneath.

Angelfeathers

Sambucus_Nigra wrote: »

They do. If the corn, beans and squash are to be used for winter foods [so dried beans, cured squash and dry corn] and you live in the USA where they have long hot summers.

Here - this just does not work.

But if we can grow them all separately here (I've been very successful with beans and squash/courgettes here the last two years, even if I haven't tried corn), why wouldn't they work together? Is it to do with them shading each other out or something?

aliasojo

Here's another 'just in case it helps anyone'.....

Saw these in Dobbies, reduced from £3.99 (bit overpriced initially if you ask me) to £2. Don't know how much compost is actually in the bag but they were bigger than some I've seen. Thought they were good for the money.