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Beans, Peas & Legumes

Low nitrogen on poles-ammend?

16 years ago

My soil test came back and confirmed what I see on my plants. My pole beans are about 18" tall and very pale. The test showed low N (new raised beds so I didn't know). When I planted the beans, I used an innoculant. Here's something I read: "Since beans manufacture their own Nitrogen, if you feed them w/ a extra N, then you will get lush growth at the expense of bean production."

I don't understand? If that is the case, then why are they pale? Should I sidedress with some blood meal? I had sprinkled some blood meal on the top when I was ammending the rest of the bed for the other plants.

What to do?

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Comment (1)

jimster
16 years ago
Beans do add N to the soil, but probably not soon enough for your current crop. More likely, the N will be there for your next planting. The exact timing of the beneficial effect of beans has never been clear to me.

So, based on that soil test, I would add a moderate amount of fertilizer now. Blood meal would be fine I think, and it keeps rabbits away. They love beans but hate blood.

Jim
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