The Bean 



349 



141. Large flat lima bean (nearly 

 natural size). 



Lima beans demand a long season and continuotis 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 

 the plants established as early 

 as possible that some of the 

 fruit may set before the hot- 

 test weather. It is important 

 that the earliest and quick- 

 est soil be chosen and that 

 quickly available fertilizers 

 be applied when the seeds are 

 planted. Light and sandy lands are usually preferable. 

 In these, plant-food acts quickly and the plant secures a 

 good and very early start. 



The tall varieties must have strong supports. 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 

 pole to pole, one strand near the top and one within a foot 

 or so of the ground, and then to connect these horizontal 

 strands with perpendicular cords. Sometimes several 

 plants or hills of lima beans are planted in a semicircle 

 around one strong stake, and strings are run from the top 

 of the stake to the ground, making a cone. This is a very 

 good plan for the home garden, since the vines are well ex- 

 posed to the sun, but is too laborious for general market 

 cultivation. In commercial plantations, one bare pole is 

 ordinarily provided for each hill; and the hills are 3 to 5 

 feet asunder, sometimes as much as 6 feet. The beans are 

 planted 3 to 3 inches deep, with the eye downward ; 3 to 5 

 beans are left in a hill. 



