Date: Mon, 30 May 2011 18:40:52 -0400
From: “nabooko”
Subject: One More Time . . . maybe for the 72nd time
Last summer was a bad season for beans – or at least for my beans. Others growers complained too. Excessive heat and humidity- some experts claim is the reason.
I have been growing what I now call the Biscoe-Chatham Bean for about 35 years. Seeds originally handed down from my family living in Biscoe- Montgomery County- beginning at least 70 years ago. Sometimes referred to as Cornfield beans, Kentucky Wonders and a host of other names.
The first 10 or 15 years I grew them, these beans were referred to as half runners- They would grow up to about 40 inches or so. But now, over the years, they are changed their style- Much bigger leaves and climbing 8 to 10 feet or more if they can grab support.
Originally they were white beans. One season, I found a lone black bean and saved it as seed. Now years later, I have black, white and even some speckled beans. I take what is handed me.
They are now running and some are 5 or 6 feet tall. I built a fence-like structure with bamboo-grass stalks. ( Miscanthus floridulus -Giant Bamboo Grass) It grows in clumps and I harvest the dried hard canes in early spring. Getting the grid going is the hardest part. But once you start weaving the canes in and out, it becomes easy.
Noticed some blooms on the bean vines today.
Gives me hope. Hope that it won’t be like last year- but I won’t think about that today- I’ll think about it tomorrow- After all- tomorrow is another . . . .
N.A. Booko
Take a peek at my beans! Click on the weblink below:
www.mindspring.com/~expectations/beans.jpg