[RJR_38]

French Bean plants struggled to get going this year but yesterday I got my first crop from them which we ate tonight - and they were awful! Very tough and stringy - any ideas why? Thank goodness the runner beans are producing well now as I'm not sure I'm willing to try another batch from the plants...

[New shoot]

What a let down 

Did the beans take a long time to get to picking size after setting? 

Sometimes if veg is slow growing it does affect the crop.  Lettuce get bitter, carrots and radishes go woody.  I wouldn't be surprised if beans started to toughen up.

[AlaninCarlisle]

My Cobra French Beans are fine

[ilan]

It has been a dry season

[oldgrunge]

Think Ilan is on the right track. Peas and beans need lots of water when flowering and fruiting. Did yours get enough?😐

[RJR_38]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. I've never had a a problem with them before. They did take a long time to get to picking size so I think you could be right New Shoot. I don't think lack of water has been a problem as we were fine here (lots of showers) until recently when I have been watering them. I will see if they re-flower and fruit and try one before putting lots on my dinner plate that I can't eat!