I planted a six-pack of Blue Lake Beans along the chainlink fence of my Community Garden. I built up a bamboo trellis for the beans, and then sat back and waited. The bean plants never really took to the trellis - I don't know if I didn't plant them close enough (unlikely), or something else is at play here, but these plants are STILL - easily 6 weeks later - less than 12" tall.
Yet, THESE BABIES PRODUCE.
Yes, the stunted, miniscule bean plants of mine are pumping out beans like NOBODY'S BUSINESS! I harvested well over a quart of full 5" long beans, as plump and ready as could be!
I'll be serving these up french style: split longwise, sauteed with red onion, garlic and diced bacon. YUM!
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The Arlington Community Garden has 20 member plots, but it has an abundant amount of 'commons' planting area. Much of this common area is lively with mature growth, from thornless blackberries to science-project sunflowers, to the massive kiwi vine growing across a hefty arbor trellis at the south end of the garden. I'd been told that it didn't produce much fruit, but like a wisteria, was too beautiful to dispose of. And it is, beautiful that is. As my plot is adjacent to the trellis, I get the sneak preview of kiwi goings-on, and lo and behold - fruit!
The Blue Lake beans are coming in rapidly. Cannot wait to harvest these. My first try at beans. The Peter Pan squash is a jungle. These should be ready in a week or two. I still cannot pick baby squash. I love to eat them but these babies will get to play in the garden a little longer.
