I am also in Zone 7 and Blue Lake beans that are planted from seed that have not been dusted in Captan fungicide always have problems growing in constantly damp soil. In addition damping off fungus seems to strike Blue Lakes quickly. Every critter known to man in the soil and above will eat these sprouts during the night. Caprice haricot type bean does great in Zone 7 with disease resistance good for multiple pickings. I grow Esmerado as a flat pole bean (Delicious tasting 10 inch beans) but you need poles or fencing to support the 10 ft tall vines.
I am also in Zone 7 and Blue Lake beans that are planted from seed that have not been dusted in Captan fungicide always have problems growing in constantly damp soil. In addition damping off fungus seems to strike Blue Lakes quickly. Every critter known to man in the soil and above will eat these sprouts during the night. Caprice haricot type bean does great in Zone 7 with disease resistance good for multiple pickings. I grow Esmerado as a flat pole bean (Delicious tasting 10 inch beans) but you need poles or fencing to support the 10 ft tall vines.