reporting on this year's seeds

[Josephine Borgeson]

As I mentioned before, three of the seven bean seeds actually yielded plants.

The one of the Ayocotes which sprouted managed to take over a corner of my community garden plot without setting any seeds. If I recall correctly. P. coccineus require a pollinator, so this may be the issue - though our garden has lots of pollinator attracting plants and a couple of honey bee hives nearby. 

The one Black Nightfall plant is producing, but not exactly prolifically. I may or may not save the seeds and try again.

The Rio Zape seems to be the star - which is fine as I really like 'em. One plant will give me plenty of seeds to plant next year for a real crop, and maybe a large handful or more to throw in a soup or mixed bean something this fall. I did not find this to be a runner, but a half runner or bush bean that needs support. I am going to add this to Christmas Limas as a go-to bean for future seasons.

I live in Santa Rosa, California, where we had a not uncharacteristic San Francisco style summer followed by a hot September. The first few days of fall were punishingly hot. Nights now are in the high 40s F. I'm harvesting winter squash and tomatoes - just to give you an idea of my climate. 

Phina Borgeson.