The Poultry Keeper The Independent Forum for Poultry Keepers    FAQ   Search     Register   Log in  runner beans in the polytunnel          The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> Grow Your Own Author Message milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7138 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:26 pm    Post subject: runner beans in the polytunnel this year i've tried runner beans in the polytunnel it's one thing i miss there seem to be very few bumble bees around this year and i don't think we will get any beans ,so i'm thinking ,hand pollenating ,paint brush ect ,has anyone done it and how successful was it ,and as the bit in the middle is curly how do you do it, phoned an old freind from the allotments ,and said you know what you need ,i knew he would say a bee hive ,but they are not that cheap so maybe next year peas are fine ,we are now drowning in squashes Back to top NannyP Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 11269 Location: 86310 Nr St Savin Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:26 pm    Post subject: Yes, paint brush to the ready methinks. We had a few runner beans tonight, our first....yummy Back to top milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7138 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:40 pm    Post subject: aaahhh it gives kerri something to do during the school holidays Back to top Lisa Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 3236 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:20 am    Post subject: This from the Heritage Seed Library advice on hand pollinating runners: Quote: You then must hand pollinate each newly opened flower with a thin paintbrush. Do this by hand each day, simply pressing down on the lower (left) keel of each newly opened blossom to mimic a bee landing. Then use the paintbrush to transfer the pollen from anther to stigma. You should use pollen from another plant of the same variety rather than from the same flower or plant. Not sure if the "use pollen from another plant" is just for seed saving (ie more genetic crosses for healthier seed) or because they actually need pollen from a different plant.... http://www.organicgardening.org.uk/hsl/seed_saving/ssg7_runner_beans.php Back to top milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7138 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:50 am    Post subject: thanks lisa well the poly is midge free so it will not be a bad job Back to top Gilly C Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2472 Location: South Cumbria Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:21 am    Post subject: Lots of people are saying runner beans are not setting ! I grow climbing french but they are behind with the cold Back to top Loudmouth Schnook Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 1600 Location: Back, Isle of Lewis Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:35 pm    Post subject: We've got plenty of bees just *outside* the polytunnel, but not inside! I've got some green beans growing inside, but buds haven't developed yet. I'm assuming I'll have to pollinate with said paintbrush same as for runner beans? What about polytunnel toms? Last edited by Loudmouth Schnook on Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:27 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7138 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:29 pm    Post subject: well i haven't done the toms ,and i've got them forming ,the peas are podding up ,but i've just found a bumble bee in the poly Back to top Lisa Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 3236 Location: Milton Keynes, Bucks Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 8:34 pm    Post subject: By green beans do you mean the same as French bean? I understand they are self pollinating, unlike those pesky runners, so no need for the paint brush I haven't tried this myself, but my brother did in his green house, and he got loads of climbing "french" beans to set, but no runners (though they grew lots of lovely leaves instead! ) Back to top milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7138 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 7:42 am    Post subject: must admit the poly looks lovely the runners are really flowering well Back to top milkmaid Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7138 Location: isle of lewis Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 9:17 am    Post subject: i have runner bean well 3 Back to top IrishLass Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Posts: 21 Location: Ireland Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:24 pm    Post subject: I'm growing dwarf french beans and runner beans. there are small beans apparearing on some of my plants after the pink flowers appeared and I haven't done anything about pollinating them (don't even know how so just as well lol) so maybe the sort I have just grow away on there own without needing any assistance lol. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First         The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> Grow Your Own All times are GMT + 1 Hour Page 1 of 1 Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group