Baby Lima beans not producing

Have you ever had a problem with baby limas (we call them butterbeans here in Virginia) not producing pods? I have great vines but no pods at all. This is the second year in a row for this. Different seeds each year and much different weather conditions. I found out today that I am not the only one with the same problem. Any ideas?

Scott Burnette
Goode, Virginia

Often this happens when you are too good to your beans, giving them lots of nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as barnyard manure or even chemical fertilizer high in nitrogen. The beans produce luxuriant vines and no beans. The same happens with potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. Squash and corn LOVE nitrogen and have no problem with it. Try planting next year’s beans in a less-rich location and I’ll bet you get beans. — Jackie

Weather-predicting beavers

I was wondering what the beaver den construction is telling you about this year’s winter. The Farmer’s Almanac says we are probably going to be an above-average cold winter. Do the beavers agree?

Elizabeth
Whitefish, Montana

The beavers are building dams like crazy around here to deepen their water. I’m looking for real cold and plenty of snow. (Just what we’re wanting, huh?) — Jackie

4 COMMENTS

  1. yes, a nap in december. I have not been home for nearly a month so will have head high weeds in my tiny garden. But did get green pole beans and yellow wax beans canned. No tomatoes this year. No time at home. Some day I will stop with the almonds. Maybe sooner then later. Lee had open heart surgery this year and then spent 12 days in the hospital here in Vermont where he came to do a fair. Can’t wait to get home again.

  2. All,

    Me too!!! Our garden just froze, so it’s hard at it now. Then there’s firewood, tightening up buildings, cutting corn stalks, getting the garden produce in the house, the fruit trees to protect against voles….. maybe I’ll take a nap.

  3. I’m not ready either. I have way too much canning, drying, processing …. to do before the weather turns cold. I guess I’d better quit writing and get to the kitchen!

  4. My boys, including Lyle, are looking for exactly that and they would be fine if it came tomorrow. They hear snowmobiles calling them. I on the other hand still have to much canning to do, chickens to butcher and am not ready.

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