Accidentally planted pole beans

lisaphoto 6/14/2010, 1:17 pm

So I planted 2 types of pole beans, thinking they were bush beans. I have them towards the south side of my SFG, and I have melons, zucchini, and onions planted behind them (thinking the bush beans wouldn't block out the sun). Should I let them grown and hope my other plants get enough sun, or should I pull them?

lisaphoto 6/15/2010, 9:32 am

The melons and zucchini will be allowed to trail behind the box. I don't know if that makes a difference, since the vines
will get sun.

Shoda 6/15/2010, 4:37 pm

I am not familiar with your area. What zone are you in?

I know that zucchini did well even when I lived in Washington state where there was a lot less sun then where I live now in California. I suspect they would be less affected by the lack of direct light (again depending on where you live).

My understanding is that the Melons need heat and light to be sweet.

Since it is still pretty early in the season, why don't you just replant those squares with bush beans? You might harvest a little later but you should still get a nice crop of beans.

Anyone else with better (first hand -- tried it) help?

lisaphoto 6/15/2010, 7:56 pm

I did a little test today standing close to where the pole beans would be, to see if I would shade the back plants. It was a little overcast, so it was hard to see my shadow, but it didn't seem to affect the light that would be on those back plants. I guess we'll see how it goes. This whole year is mainly an experiment I guess.

Megan 6/15/2010, 8:25 pm

How many beans per square did you plant? I am growing pole beans (3-4 per sf) and though they haven't fully fleshed out all their leaves, they do not seem to be actually creating much shade...they are clinging tightly to the vertical risers on the trellis grid and light is getting through in between, as the leaves are not that big. They are climbing a trellis running north to south, which I know is not the norm, but it seems to be working okay so far. This is my first SFG (and first pole beans) so I am experimenting too.

chocolatepop 6/15/2010, 8:29 pm

lisaphoto wrote:I did a little test today standing close to where the pole beans would be, to see if I would shade the back plants. It was a little overcast, so it was hard to see my shadow, but it didn't seem to affect the light that would be on those back plants. I guess we'll see how it goes. This whole year is mainly an experiment I guess.

IDK, my pole beans last year got at least 6ft tall.
can you do one of those cucumber tent like things (using hog wire panel or fencing) away from the box so they climb over?
Accidentally planted pole beans AAAAAoFav9MAAAAAAJJCug

Accidentally planted pole beans AAAAAoFav9MAAAAAAJJCug

Megan 6/15/2010, 9:13 pm

Mine are over a foot over the top of the 6' 6" trellis and waving in the air begging for more. I may try lashing a pole to the edge of the trellis.... ack!

**camprn** 6/15/2010, 9:18 pm

i put in a 10' trellis , now i need a ladder. affraid

Megan 6/15/2010, 9:25 pm

I came VERY close to not cutting my conduit... I settled for just over my head.

milaneyjane 6/16/2010, 1:46 am

Could you run the beans up a trellis going over the aisle instead of right up the box like the cattle panel I did? Super easy and you pick from underneath.

Accidentally planted pole beans DSC00741

Accidentally planted pole beans DSC00741

lisaphoto 6/16/2010, 7:58 am

Those are all great ideas, I don't think I can spend the time or money on that right now. I figure, since they are already setting blooms, I'll let them grow until they become a problem, then tear them out, or cut them down. Then I'll replant with bush beans. Would this work, or do they only produce beans after they get so high? Hopefully, next year I can add to my garden and have room for everything I want to grow.

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