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Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Has-beans

My late-sown "Cobra" climbing French beans were a great success, amply compensating me for the dismal failure of the cucumbers which had been the original occupants of the huge plastic tub in which I subsequently sowed the beans. On Saturday (19 Nov) I decided that the plants had to come down. I wanted to do this job in reasonable weather conditions, and I didn't want to leave it any longer. To be honest, the plants were looking very tired and ragged.

19 Nov. Note Callicarpa bush at right...

But there were still a few pods to be had...



I cut down the plants and put them in one of the compost-bins, and then dismantled the canes and the wooden supports that I had so optimistically constructed for my intended plethora of cucumbers.


This then was the last crop. Not a lot of pods - only 60 grams - but they'll be OK mixed in with something else.


Next year I think I probably won't bother with cucumbers, but might use the big tub for beans right from the start. This variety, "Cobra", is one I have grown for many years now, and I find it to be very prolific and very reliable. If you leave the pods to grown to their maximum size they get huge, but susprisingly never seem to go tough or stringy.
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8 comments:

  1. Anonymous23 November 2011 at 18:28

    You harvested the last of your beans on November 23rd? What an amazing thing to realise. The blue on the bush in the top right hand of your first picture, is that the Callicarpa? Such a bright accent on the brick wall.

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  2. Malay-Kadazan girl23 November 2011 at 21:06

    Home fresh beans will taste good mix with other dish! This spring to utilise space I grow cucumber together with carrots in container. This combination work well last year. Just a back up plan for us. If cucumber not doing well, we have the carrot to lean on.

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  3. Kelli23 November 2011 at 21:48

    I'll be growing cobra next year as well. Have read lots of good things about it. I think cucumbers need really warm weather to do well?

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  4. Liz24 November 2011 at 05:08

    Is now the time to gloat abou the tiny cucumbers I have forming all over my plants?

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  5. Ali24 November 2011 at 08:21

    Ooo I am in lust with your lovely red brick wall...

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  6. Sue Garrett24 November 2011 at 10:12

    I think with cucumbers the route to success is to go for a common cheap variety - we grow Burpless tasty Green successfully outside even this year!

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  7. David24 November 2011 at 14:14

    It is satisfying to have the season wind down. A brief slumber before renewal.

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  8. Veggie PAK25 November 2011 at 16:04

    Another gardener with poor cucumber performance this year. I just don't understand it. Next year will be better.

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