2015 Little Easy Bean Network - Old Beans Should Never Die !

[VA_LongBean]

Russ, the beans were waiting for me in the mailbox this evening. A wonderful end to a good day! I planted 3 Admire Snitbonen, 4 Piet Special (bush), 3 Mammoth Golden Cluster and 4 Solwezi 64 (pole). I thought it prudent to hold back 2 of the Piet and Solwezi in case this attempt fails badly.

They are in peat pots sitting in the top tray of a jiffy setup, next to two full jiffy setups that are already sprouting like mad. If this heat wave holds up I might plant my first transplants in the garden by the end of next week.

Happy, Happy, Happy!

 

[RickRickman]

Hello Russ, perhaps I almost missed the boat as well. I would be interested in Zebra & Solwezi#63, if they are still available. Thanks Rick

 

[teamneu]

The beans have arrived!
I plan to plant them Saturday.
This is all very interesting - thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Got my bens , Russ. Looking good. I'm quite happy with your choices for me.



3 each Lohrey's Special - #19 - a reddish striped pole bean.
6 each Feijao - #65 - A reddish solid bean, presumed pole.
maybe 30 Imbotyi Imswi - no file number from you - Dark brown bush bean.


12 each Zambezi #3 - #31 - White solid bean, presumed pole.
11 each Star 2000 - #50 - Small solid white bush bean.

I understand that some may not still be viable but with all but the 3 Lohrey's special I'll make two separate plantings at different times in different locations to give them the best shot I can. And I'll only start after my other beans have come up so I'll know the soil is warm enough.

The excitement has started.

 

[journey11]

@Ridgerunner , I had a 3 bean sample with one of mine last year. I started them in peat pots so I could baby them and it worked out very well. I planted them while they were still pretty small, breaking apart the corners of the peat pots before planting. I agree on planting in different locations--just in case a groundhog finds one, he won't get them all!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Groundhogs and rabbits are what I'm most worried about. I've had problems with both. I even had a problem with rats eating beans as they sprouted one year. Oh the joys of gardening with animals.

I had a three bean sample last year and built an inverted box out of lumber and hardware cloth to go over it until they reached a decent size just for that added layer of protection. I also had a six-bean sample where none sprouted although I tried those in different places at different times. Russ, ever the gentleman, mentioned that a gardener understands that these things happen.

 

[journey11]

I've had to put a wire cage around mine too. I like the box idea. We have a big groundhog we're after right now that put its burrow entrance right under the door to the little barn. Stepped there and the ground gave way. Lucky I did not break my ankle. Hoping to get it before it has babies. They are so darn sneaky!

 

[sea-kangaroo]

@Ridgerunner, I grew Lohrey's Special last year and it was a champ, I think you'll enjoy it. Very productive, trouble-free, great big long pods and big seeds, pretty flowers. I got mine in a trade from Germany but it's from the Lohrey family in Tasmania originally. Supposed to have a naturally-salty flavor. It's definitely a climber but isn't as out-of-control-rocketing towards the sky as some varieties are. Mine grew draped over and all around a few tomato cages, forming a sort of hedge.

 

[the1honeycomb]

Very excited! I am ready to put those beans straight into the garden no going into the house first!! had to take down most of my onions but I am ready
thank you so much Russ your generosity never fails to amaze me!!!!

 

[Blue-Jay]

These are now the last two beans that are still left to complete our renewal of the African collection.

Prizewinner (pole), and Purple Champion (pole)