If they get good sun up until that time, they'll probably be fine...Our late afternoon is harsh so some of my things do better with a little late shade.

The brown-seeded KW pole beans that I grew last year in 4-6 hours midday sun, (depending on the season: the lower the sun, the more shade) yielded poorly. Especially later in the season (August-September, I guess), they didn't like the situ at all.

In six hours strong sun my pole beans do very well, perhaps not as well as if they had full sun, but what can I do?

I don't think I can grow beans in this spot anymore, because the trees that shade the area grow taller every year and have now reached a height that casts so much shade that it's not worth the trouble with beans anymore. Swiss chard, kale, and other greens may be better choices for that area.

Rachel, if your beans get sun from earliest morning till 2:30, I think you'll do ok. You have nothing to loose, right? A few beans are better than none, and if there's room, you could plant Swiss chard or carrots or something else at KW's feet?

In addition, experimenting is interesting and sometimes rewarding. Best of luck with your vegetables.... & remember to keep us posted on your results. Keep records.....they're fun to back to and read.

I tried growing pole beans with 4 hours direct sun without much success. I switched to runner beans (pretty pink/purple flowers) which produce pleasant tasting beans a little later in the season. They seem to do much better with less sun.