Ok, war against the gopher(s) it is! I gathered up all the metal stakes and poles I had and sank them as far as they would go into the ground to try and form a barrier around the beans. Also set some traps and put pellets in the holes. Wish me luck!
The beans were doing so well this year too...
Need Advice. The network beans were doing great this year until a pocket gopher moved into the bean row yesterday. He has started eating them and pulling them into his burrow from what I can tell. Most have beans already that are as long as my finger. What should I do? I could dig them all up...
Last night was 40 degrees, brrrrrrrr. Beans that are up seemed ok this morning including the Limas. I am a little nervous with the colder weather and did notice that a couple seeds did rot between the time I planted them and when they came up. But I have enough up of all the network beans to...
@Bluejay77 Six, maybe seven look ok. I'll just try with these this year and see if they like MN. No need to send more seed.
I was surprised to get the Shumway Experimental before the others. Were the other varieties for this year sent in a box? I am hoping they are not lost and we have better...
Sad news on the Shumway Experimental seeds which were mostly shattered in the mail. Hoping to still get some to grow. Hoping others make it here safely.
@Pulsegleaner, I did a little research on the ice cream bean and found a Fruitful Forest Movie https://vimeo.com/133834425. At 52:15 in the video, Joe Simcox opens a bean he calls the ice cream bean from the amazon rain forest. Unfortunately they don't show what the seed or plant looks like...
@bluejay, I can grow Shumway Experimental this year too if the seeds have not shipped yet. Otherwise I'll get it next year. First daffodils are blooming here, but they are saying southern MN may get snow...hoping it stays south of us!
@Bluejay77, I am curious, how did the 2018 bean returns go? Did you get most back or what percentage did you get? Hoping that the network is doing well with returns and anything outstanding comes in.
If I have a handful of seeds, I presoak them then I put in moist paper towels and loosely in plastic wrap (if I remember I'll add a heat mat too). Then I check them daily and rinse and air out as needed. I think it helps with old seed and you can monitor and adjust treatment. I did start a...
@Bluejay77 I can grow out the varieties you suggested and a few more. :) Let me know if these are available. Also no need to rush sending this out in the mail... there is still snow on the ground here. I am hoping it all melts this week as I am missing the crocus show.
Grow-outs
1) Purple...
Welcome back everyone! Despite the recent snow storms here in MN, I'm pushing forward with garden plans and starting lots of seeds in the greenhouse.
Russ, are there any Robert Lobitz bush beans that need to be renewed this year? They seem to do well in my garden and climate. I also would be...
I would be interested in a fall swap or trade now for leftover seeds. I have lots of native flowers, annuals, and veggies. Twincitiespanda, Farmington library just started a seed library in twin cities. I might check that out and leave some goodies. MichiganNick I will send you a pm to see if...
Slow start to spring here, lots of flooding from all the snow this winter. Ready to start thinking about a bean list soon. Let us know of any older beans that need grow outs.
Looked at several pics of black turtle and they look the same to me. I will ask them to see if that name rings any bells. Here is a better picture.
Anyone else notice that Baker Creek is selling Purple Dove? https://www.rareseeds.com/purple-dove-bush-bean-/ That was exciting to see after...
@Bluejay77, I grew out the Eden Prairie (Bonus Seed) you sent me and they came true. Some of the seeds did have a slight pink overtone, but some of the original seed had the same pinkish tint. If you are in need of some fresh seed for this variety, I can send half back. Let me know by the end of...