Growing beans in coastal So Cal

I planted green beans and lima beans this spring/summer in my raised bed garden, and had very few plants and very few beans, so I planted another crop of each with the same results. Most other crops I grew did well. A friend told me, "Oh, beans do not grow well at all in this area!" Can this be true? Surely something can be done! We do have a lot of morning fog in spring and early summer, if that could possibly be a factor???.

I live in Venice, a blk from the ocean.We get are share of fog in spring and june.I grow great crops of beans every year, including "Greasy beans" from the South.The only thing I would suggest is too soak your seeds in warm water/seaweed extract (teaspoon per 8 oz. water) for 24 hrs before planting.Also wait until the weather is actually warm and not just because its Spring.

Thanks for your answer, Zebraman. I did soak them in water, but I have never heard of seaweed extract. Can I get that at a garden store? And what does it do for them?

Hey Queenesther; It is a great seed treatment/inoculant. www.growmore.com
It also works as a rooting hormone NPK is 0.10-0.10-1.5

They are located in Gardena,CA. (310) 515-1700

This message was edited Oct 2, 2007 6:16 PM

I never heard of using it to soak seeds, but I use it as an organic fertilizer.

Thank you both for your help!