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Oklahoma Gardening

Heirloom Pole Beans

scarlettfourseasonsrv

13 years ago

I just got my order of heirloom pole beans from Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center, and planted a couple of 15 ft rows for starters.

That was BEFORE the rains started up and the temps were around 75 to 80. Now, it's rain, rain and more rain and turned off cool again.

I'm hoping these don't rot in the ground!

Some corn,melons, and squash were tentatively planted as well which may put them at risk also. I think from now on, with this crazy weather being what it is, I will wait to plant more until it gets good, hot and dry. If there's anything I know about Oklahoma, it will get hot and dry....eventually.

Barbara

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Comments (10)

Okiedawn OK Zone 7
13 years ago
Barbara,

I think the ground itself is warm enough (at least it is here in southern OK) that the beans won't rot as long as the soil drains well. If your soil temperature is lower than 60 degrees, you might have a little trouble with erratic seed germination.

Our weather is so extreme here...it seems like it is always either too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. Sometimes I feel like Goldilocks because it is never 'just right'.

Hope your beans sprout! Hot and dry will get her all too soon, and I personally hope it doesn't arrive until at least June.

Dawn
Macmex
13 years ago
Barbara, do please tell us what varieties you received!

George
Tahlequah, OK
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shankins123
13 years ago
George...just to make sure you get/got my message...I've planted your beans and they're all up! I planted only 8 for my little tepee, but I'm excited to see how they do. I did notice that one had had its leaves snipped off by a bird...I'll be ready to replant if it doesn't survive that - the seed was still intact, so I'm not sure.
But...thank you! Can't wait to see how the Tarahumaras do for me.

Sharon
scarlettfourseasonsrv
Original Author
13 years ago
George..
I'm a newbie at growing the heirloom beans...so, never having previously tried any of them it was a shot in the dark. They ALL sounded so good. Decisions, decisions :)

I'm sure, like you, I'll develop favorites as I go along. In the meantime, I know I'll enjoy the sampling. My only fear is cross pollination of these if I plant several varieties this summer.

Well, here was my selection, not necessarily in the favored order, just guessing:

Cherokee Greasy, (they were sold out of the other ones)

Doyce Chambers Greasy-Cut Short

Frank Barnett Cut Short

Nickell

Goose Beans

NT Half Runner

Pack missing somewhere cause I know I ordered 7. Will have to chase that one down.

Bean Medley (grab bag of varieties-was free)

Barbara
Macmex
13 years ago
Sounds great! I plan on growing out Frank Barnett Cutshort this summer. Drop me an e-mail with your e-mail address and I'll send you a copy of my newly finished write up on saving bean seed. It has some info on purity and processing of seed.

George
Macmex
13 years ago
Sharon,

I'll be looking forward to hear how those beans cover/smother that little tepee and produce a lot for you!

George
scarlettfourseasonsrv
Original Author
13 years ago
George
That would be very helpful, since I do plan on saving some of these great seeds.

Thanks,

Barbara
scarlettfourseasonsrv
Original Author
13 years ago
George
Got your heirloom bean brochure. So much great information! And very well done,I might add. You've probably saved me from making multiple mistakes, which with me is "almost" inevitable :)

Thanks so very much,

Barbara
tracydr
13 years ago
Does anyone know how the Frank Barnett bean was named? Caught my eye as my maiden name is Barnett. Dad's family is from Denison and Celeste,TX.
Macmex
13 years ago
Here's what is stated on the Sustainable Mountain Agriculture web site:

Frank Barnett Cut-Short: A mutant bean from the River Bean of Ed Meece of Somerset, Kentucky, this cut-short is a true breeding deep beige bean. Grown originally by Frank Barnett of Georgetown, Kentucky, this bean is a good producer and a very flavorful and tender bean. One packet per customer

Here is a link that might be useful: Descriptions

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