I'm in Zone 9A in the Southeast US and my aunt passed some Cherokee Trail of Tears bean seeds down to me, which originally came from my grandma. I planted about 15 seeds along a fence, amended the soil with compost but did not use fertilizer. I planted them an inch deep using the step-in method and ensured they get about 6 hours of sunlight. I've kept the soil moist until they developed their true leaves, and then I switched to watering every other day as my aunt suggested.
She grew these beans without any issues in southern Ohio, and I've helped her harvest them in the past. The seeds I planted were saved about 7 months ago from the same batch as hers, which is still thriving. So, I'm starting to think the problem might be with my environment. Out of the 15 seeds, only 6 have germinated and they look really spindly with tiny leaves, way smaller than the large palm-sized ones I'm expecting. Do you think it could be my climate, soil quality, watering, or a mix of all three that's causing this?
2 Answers
Those beans have such rich history! It’s interesting that you’re growing them where they used to thrive. Honestly, it could be a combination of your soil quality and watering practices messing things up. Have you thought about the local soil composition? Some regions have high clay content, which can hinder growth. You mentioned watering every other day after they leafed out – keep an eye on them, they might need a little more moisture during the hot days in summer. Just a little tweak might change the game!
Wow, I never knew those were the actual name! It's definitely an heirloom variety of Phaseolus vulgaris. It's cool how it has a storied past. Regarding your issue, it sounds like it could be a mix of factors. The seeds might not be thriving in Zone 9A since they're used to different conditions. Maybe try testing your soil for pH and nutrients - it could be that it's lacking something essential. Also, those spindly plants might be stretching for light, so make sure they're getting enough sun.
Good luck!
Yeah, testing the soil is crucial! If you haven't already, maybe consider adding some organic fertilizer or more compost to give them a boost. Just be careful not to overdo it!