I am wondering the same exact question and also live in zone 7, but in NC USA. How do these 2 vines compare with each other? I intend to try Scarlet Runner Beans for the first time this year, and am an old hand at growing Hyacinth Bean each year. What is the big difference? I suppose the Scarlet Runners are edible, for one thing. Come on, let's get some answers. Perhaps the Hyacinth Beans are much more vigorous. I am guessing. The HB vines go absolutely crazy and the flower stalks are SO large and impressive! I cannot imagine any edible bean getting 20 feet long and having such large flower clusters. Perhaps that is the difference? Anyone else? It may be like comparing apples and oranges?

Lucy, I tried to email you but I do not think it worked. I do want to trade with you. How many birdhouse gourd seeds would you like? Pat

Over here there are many. many named cultivars selected for various traits including stringlessness. If you can only obtain something generically called 'Scarlet Runners' you may not be getting the best flavour. A bit like growing a crop of 'cabbage' or 'tomatoes' without a varietal name. coffeehaus - thanks for the mention of Kaeferbohnen. I'd never come across that use of runners before. I have a stack of dried beans - I always keep far too many for seed. Maybe I'll try that recipe. Millions of runner beans end up on composts heaps here, especially at the end of the season, because they are considered unusuable once past the green bean stage. Here is a link that might be useful: Runner bean thread

Hi Lazygardens, Wow!!! Ur garden pics are just awesome. My tomatoes are growing fast. they r nearly 10" in height, with flowers just starting to bloom. My eggplant are the light green, round 3" diameter and 6" length variety (Indian), it is 6" high with flowers just starting to bloom. My okra are having 2 true set of leaves... :) My drip system for the veggies is not set as yet, so I hose water them twice a day for 10 minutes by hand. So is the watering enough? Please do let me know coz I really want my plants to grow healthy. This weekend we will be installing the soaker hose for the veggie plants. Is 10 minutes on the timer, set twice daily too much or too little? Any advice would be of great help. I live in Ocotillo/Gilbert, Chandler. Padma