[lovemyveg]

My runner beans are looking really healthy, lots of flowers and growth.  Why then are the small beans dropping off, or are they being taken by something?

[Lardman]

It could be brids - I've seen the sparrows sit on the frame next door and pick those off just for fun.  Are the beans on the floor or have the gone missing ?

If they're on the floor are you keeping them well watered ? There really are thirsty plans and its been very warm and windy (well it has here) the last couple of days.

[lovemyveg]

I'm not aware that the small beans are on the floor, but will look closely today.  It could be they need more water, as because of the rain, I have not been watering them regularly.  They are situated in a very sheltered place, so not sure that this would be the wind taking tem  off.  We have had flocks of house sparrows here (they pinched last year's house martins nest and overwintered in this and then raised a large family).  They took all my sugarsnap peas, so it is likely they are the culprits pulling off the beans, although I have not seen them perching on the bean canes.  The sparrows have now moved on, so could be I'll see an improvement in my crop.  Thanks for a quick reply.

[lovemyveg]

I have just braved the rain and checked whether the young beans were on the ground.  There were a few, but no where near as many as have gone missing.  Sounds like this is our dear feathered friend again.  And the reports are that house sparrows are on the decline.  They must all be here in Shropshire.

[Kristen]

Are you actually getting lots of little beans? If not maybe they are not getting pollinated?  (Should be plenty of pollinating insects about, at this time of year, but just thought I'd mention it in case)

[lovemyveg]

Are you actually getting lots of little beans? If not maybe they are not getting pollinated?  (Should be plenty of pollinating insects about, at this time of year, but just thought I'd mention it in case)

Yes, the tiny beans are developing, but on the same stem some are still there, others have actually grown quite large, and others have just the stalk, but bean is missing.  I had a good look around and although there are some little beans on the ground, there are more missing from the stalks than are on the ground.  I gave them a good watering today, with a feed, so if this is their problem, maybe I can rectify it.  There are enough large beans on the plants for a meal at the weekend, which I am looking forward to.