Question
This year I planted pole beans and cucumbers. The beans grew like heck with plenty of flowers but no beans. The cucumbers hardly grew at all and the 2 cukes that I got turned yellow right away.Any idea why? I didn't notice many bees around this year. Could it be that they didn't get pollinated? I did get plenty of tomatoes and green peppers.

Answer
Dear John,
This has been a tough year for gardeners, all the way around.  I don't know if this is the year we are supposed to let the land rest or if the hybridization is catching up with us, the lack of bees, or depleted soil.  We've got so many potential variables that could all explain the problem, but that's not solving the problem.  I am keeping just a few things going and the rest . . . I'm starting to work the soil for next year.  Lots of natural fertilizer and tilling.  You were more fortunate than many people I've talked to regarding tomatoes.  It's probably a soil nutrient factor, since you got the exceptional tomato crop.  
Kind Regards,
Kindred
www.eingedi.us