[Janeymiddlewife]

....... to twine round the sticks? Mine are about a foot high, but showing no signs of putting tendrils out to hold on to the teepee! They were "enorma" I think - first time I've grown them because "You MUST" - it's allotment law! Should I be tying them onto the canes - they're not floppy, just have lots of leaves but don't seem to want to go exploring up the poles. The ground around is a bit grassy - I did dig in some chicken manure before I planted them - do they need feeding now - no signs of flowers yet.
thanks,
Janey MW

[Trillium]

From the pix I've seen of this variety, it is a tall cropper, so perhaps it might be wise to encourage the reluctant sprouts with some soft twine to hug the supports. I imagine that soon there'll be tendrils to grasp the supports and you won't have to do it again.

[DD.]

Mine are Enorma, some want to grow up the spuds rather than the canes.

Every time I go to the plot I play, "train the beans" and just gently show them the way to go, they'll eventually get the message.

[mumofstig]

Just seems so funny, and i know i'm 'darn sarf' but some of mine are up to the top of the arches already

[DD.]

 

[JWK]

My Enorma mostly twine around the strings themselves rather than put out tendrils.

At only a foot high I wouldn't worry, with this recent hot spell they will soon get going.

[mumofstig]

There's no need to be abusive

[peapod]

Im sure I remember last year GrannieAnnie saying to twine them round clockwise as this encourages them to do it themselves sooner

Or am I a crazy mentalist who has obscure dreams about runner beans? 

[mumofstig]

Im sure I remember last year GrannieAnnie saying to twine them round clockwise as this encourages them to do it themselves sooner

Or am I a crazy mentalist who has obscure dreams about runner beans? 

Just looked out the window at mine and they twine anti clockwise!
Like,up right hand side, then round the back of the string, then forwards to left hand, then across front etc. Which isn't what i expected, but it's what they are doing

[peapod]

Im going to check mine next time 

Or maybe grannie did say anti-clockwise?

Ill shush now 

[mumofstig]

Have alook here
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=15058.0

[peapod]

 

Thanks mum!

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, turn the stems clockwise as you train them anticlockwise and they'll grip better.

[Lee G]

give them plenty to drink too, they need to be well watered.  That's what I'm off to do now.

[Kristen]

I use the right-hand-rule.  Clench fist, and point thumb.

Thumb upwards, in direction of growth, and fingers indicate the (anti-clockwise) direction of twining.

Still have to remember which hand to use though ...