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Posted by pinxit (U14558922) on Tuesday, 21st September 2010
Has anyone else been growing climbing French beans "Blue Lake"?
This is the second year I've had them in large pots and bucket trugs (with holes drilled for drainage.) Five or six poles in a wigwam to each container, daily watering and occasional comfrey liquid or seaweed solution or wormery tea in the water... And six weeks so far of enough beans for two every three days or so! They've even survived being blown over more than once in our usual summer gales.
Lots in the freezer now. If I cook too many, the leftovers make a lovely salad with a lemony vinaigrette, finely chopped parsley and black pepper.
Yep. Have had a brilliant crop. Will grow more of these next year, and fewer runner beans - tastier and more versatile, methinks.
, in reply to message 2.
Posted by mummyduckegg (U8437139) on Tuesday, 21st September 2010
Me too, I had two wigwams this year - 1 1/2 were French beans, and a half of runners - still found I had too many runners and not enough French. They freeze a lot better too.
, in reply to message 3.
Posted by germinator (U13411914) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Similar situation on my plot, many of my runner beans have 'got away' and will only be good for the seeds now. I would have had more french beans but the slugs prefer them too.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by diggingdoris (U13981971) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Mine were slow to get going, but since the hot spell finished they have gone mad and I'm picking a handfull every day from only 3 plants!
Didn't grow "blue lake" but had masses of french beans and runners. Much prefer the taste and texture of french and only grew the runners because someone gave me free seed and I didn't want to offend them. Will def only grow french next year and much less plants!
It's great to hear you guys are getting good results from the French beans too. Up until last year I grew Neckar Queen, but I've decided I prefer the flavour of Blue Lake. The haricot-type beans which are round in cross section have a nice crisp bite, moreso I think than the flat ones.
I've always grown Blue Lake & find it reliable & tasty! Tea tonight was a frittata of said beans, plus some of the runners. Yummy. J.
, in reply to message 1.
Posted by koala_girl (U12702629) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Yes, my french beans have been fantastic. I have been picking them for weeks and they are showing no sign of slowing down. The runner beans have been a real disappointment compared to the FB's.
, in reply to message 9.
Posted by zoomer44 (U14019069) on Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
I've always grown peas and tried runner beans this year for the first time, they were slow to get going but are now romping away and taste really nice cooked.
After reading this thread,I'm going to try French beans next year.
, in reply to message 10.
Posted by irisdublin (U14428036) on Thursday, 23rd September 2010
I got 2kg of beans from my dig in blue lake second sowing. And taht was after picking 1 kg last week. Im letting one plant go to seed to save tham for next year. Does anyone do this?
Are french beans nic after freezing.?
Yes, Iris, I find French beans keep their crispness more than runners in the freezer. But I wouldn't want to talk down good old runners - they are delicious too, best when fresh.
, in reply to message 12.
Posted by blackeyedsusan (U2456655) on Thursday, 23rd September 2010
My climbing French beans were the top performer in my garden this year. I have more than enough for my needs, every single day, and this has been going on for months and doesn't look like stopping any time soon, and I only planted 2 seeds! However, I did treat them with a "bean improver".
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