Beans 



385 



begin to harden, and the pods are not eaten. Some of 

 the best of these shell beans are pole or running varie- 

 ties, the Cranberry or so-called Horticultural Lima be- 

 ing amongst the most popular. 



Lima beans demand a long season and continuous 

 growth, particularly the tall or true Lima varieties. 

 Very often the flowers are blasted by the hot, dry 

 weather of midsummer. It is well, therefore, to get 



Fig. 117. Lima beau seedlings. Two-thirds natural size. 



the plants established as early as possible in order that 

 some of the fruit may set before the hottest weather. It 

 is important that only the earliest and quickest soil be 

 used and that quickly -available fertilizers be applied 

 when the seeds are planted. Soils that are light and 

 sandy are usually preferable. In these, plant -food acts 

 quickly and the plant secures a good and very early 

 start. The tall varieties must have poles. When poles 

 are scarce, it is a good plan to set rather strong stakes 

 10 to 12 feet apart and to run wires or heavy cord from 



