Page 17 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2022

grow a hooked end and a small weight can be hung on the end which helps to keep them growing straight.
In my area it is often dry during June/ July/ August, and it is necessary to water every evening from a warm water butt adding a high nitrogen liquid feed. You would not be using high nitrogen for exhibition beans but I want a strong vigorous plant and bean.
Pests are not really a problem, but the soft growth/large leaves do attract Black fly, keep an eye out for these low down on the stem/under the leaves and spray or wash off as soon as they are spotted. Likewise, a constant lookout for side shoots is required to keep the vines cordoned.
Once the best beans are evident and
your show timing is right all others can be removed (unless you want to save some for seed) Timing is important as when they ‘bean up’ they are likely to shorten or curl.
SHOWING
The longest can be removed a day or
so before and wrapped in a damp cloth. For travel to the show, they are safer tied carefully to a long timber, but this has to be removed before placing on the bench.
Beans are measured in a straight line from top to tip excluding stalk.
Long Bean classes attract numerous entries – I have seen as many as 40
at Malvern, a win or card in these competitions is very rewarding. Have a go as they are a quick growing vegetable which does not require extensive resources, and you can always eat your thinning’s / rejects.
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