You might actually have too much nitrogen for beans. Maybe need some plain old, poor soil.

That was my thought, also... include some real soil.

Soil contains minerals. And you may also need an inoculant for the beans. Your 'soil' may be so heavy in nitrogen that your plants are starving for other ingredients.

"... compost from kitchen scraps and leaves should have all the bacteria you need." Also untrue. Most legumes need a particular type of bacteria, not just any old passing variety that happens to be there.

Yes, there are those who say all you need is compost, and it isn't true. Too much of ANYTHING is usually a mistake. Balanced soil is 'balanced'.

Try a 'control' pot of beans: 3/4 regular soil, 1/4 compost, and some bean inoculant. This may still be too much compost, but if this pot does better than your other ones, you'll know you're on the right track, and can keep adjusting until you get it right.

Also, don't overwater. Stick your finger about 3" down below the surface and see if it's moist. If it is, don't water.

Another possibility is disease. Did you make your compost in a fairly large pile, like 3'x3'? That's about the minimum size to get a pile heated up enough to kill pathogens. If not, you may be harboring some disease which some of the bean varieties are susceptible to, and others aren't.

Don't try to outsmart Mother Nature. She's been getting it right for a long time; it's Mankind that has the perennial ego trip.

Below is a photo gallery of different bean diseases, maybe you will recognize something.

Or call your local Cooperative Extension Service office for more info. (And if you're importing your grass clippings from off your property, ask if the herbicide Clopyralid is allowed around there, you might some contamination -- it lasts at least two years, it's horrible.)

Travis Co. Extension Office
1600-B Smith Rd.
Austin, TX 78721-3541

Brad Pierce, County Ext. Agent,Agriculture,
512-854-9600 or bw-pierce@tamu.edu

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: U. of MN Bean Diseases & Disorders