Well, the problem probably is your soil. Try taking a sample to your local county extension agent. Here in Oklahoma, the county extension agent can send a soil sample in, for testing, for about $15, last I checked. After you get your results he will also be able recommend what to add to your soil, to make it ideal for beans.

The only other thing which comes to mind is light. Do your beans receive six to eight hours of full sunlight every day?

George
Tahlequah, OK

I talked to a farmer here and he told me starting them indoors and transplanting outside was a bad idea. He said they needed to grow out in the garden from germination. The previous year i did this and i got no string beans.
I am thinking because i have a forest on all four sides of me that with the trees I am not getting enough sunlight as you have mentioned. So I will raise them as container plants started from inside first and then when weather allows transfer them to middle of yard for full sun.I always figured if there was enough light for tomatoes there was enough light for anything. If they take off and grow next year I will know for sure that they need more light than tomato plants.
thanks for feedback

Been seeds need about 65 F soil temperature to germinate. Some of us may not get that until late June or early July. To grow beans that require longer growing seasons it is necessary to sprout them indoors. They will grow in cool soil after they are sprouted.

If you start them in pots, they will need more light that most grow lights produce once they emerge or they will get leggy. I start mine in pots about May 15 and move then to a greenhouse when they emerge. - Dick