Vegetables Gardening - Growing Organic Vegetables

Hi everyone,

I have a problem here in Michigan. I have three beautiful bean tepees, covered in lush growth and plenty of flowers, but I have not picked one bean, because I have yet to see one. Some of my plants are bothered by Japanese beetles, but beyond that I haven't a clue as why there is no bean production. Can anyone help me solve this dilemma?
Thanks
Christine.

Christine& Group:

Temperature may be an issue, but your manner of growing them is the biggest problem.

Fruiting plants must have maximum light - to the leaves AND the fruit. And the more sun the better.

This is why we teach and demonstrate growing vertically on T-Frames (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MittleiderMethodGardening/files/Gledhill%20Tools%20and%20Docs/), with the plants in ONE row only 2-3" apart, but being guided up baling twine string to opposite sides of the T, so that as the plant gets bigger it gets MORE sunlight.

Growing on a tepee has the opposite effect. As the plants get bigger they get closer and closer together, finally converging, and the whole thing ends up with sunlight ONLY on the OUTSIDE, and total shade on the inside - and everything CROWDED together. NOT a good idea.

Jim Kennard

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