holes in bean flowers

[mar]

Hi all

First time on a chat room and first year trying to grow some vegetables in my garden so I need help.

I planted beans and they have lots of flowers but the bumble-bees have made holes at the base of the flower and steal the nectar without going in the proper way. In fact, all the bees, big & small use the holes now. Will the flowers get pollinated?

I also have a big problem with black-fly and can't get rid of them. What can I do?

Mar

[green fingers]

Hi Mar. I can't help with the holes but if the blackfly are just on the top of the plants then remove the affected part. Aphids only like the young tender shoots so usually stay at the top where the new growth is. This shoudn't affect the plant as it will make the plant send out side shoots and grow bushier. That's what they said on gardeners world anyway.

[Lesley Jay]

As for the bees Mar, it is a short tongued bee that makes the holes as it can't reach the nectar and as you have said this will not pollinate the bean flowers. However there should be plenty more bees about soon which will pollinate the flowers. Good luck!

[mar]

Thanks Lesley

Does that mean that bumble bees come earlier in spring and smaller ones later?

Mar

[Lesley Jay]

I am no expert on bees Mar! However, it is only the start of June and bees should be about for months yet so as long as you have flowers or fruit tree blossom in your garden to attract them there shouldn't be a problem with your beans.

Next year you could try growing french beans which are self pollinating - no need for the bees!

[mar]

thanks Lesley. I suppose I will have to wait and see what happens.
Mar

[malcolmx]

plant another seed now and you will get later beans and avoid this particular bee
you can cover with fleece and pollinate with a brush