The pole beans won't cross with the IWK. Beans self pollinate before opening. Some growers put them right next to each other and rarely get crosses. Or you can separate by 12 to 25 feet, up to 150 feet if you have the room.

Beans cross at a relatively low level of about 1% mostly as a result of carpenter/mason bees opening the blossom in search of nectar and pollen. Different species do not cross so you can grow IWK which is a runner bean next to standard pole beans with no worries.

I would suggest getting varieties adapted to your climate.

DarJones

Fusion
I have lots of Mason Bees as I put out 150-200 tubes each year. I use the Mason Bee systems from www.knoxcellars.com except I've built my own containers. If you ever need Bees I can send you some next winter. It may be to late now.

Thanks Jwr, but I have about 20 colonies of honey bees. I have thought about using mason bees but at this time just do not have a reason to set up for them.

DarJones

Jim, Barksdale is a strong climber. It does well on poles.

By the way, I got home from Mexico last night and the sword bean seed was at my spot at the table. Thanks!

George

George
Since the Mrs has permitted me to use part of the garden for tomatoes I plan on using Large pots with 6ft cages for the Barksdale. They have worked very well for the IWK.

If it worked for IWK it should work fine for Barksdale.

George