How to grow runner beans

With their attractive red or white flowers runner beans are an attractive feature on the allotment as well as being very productive. Sown in April, they can produce prolifically from July right through to early October. They require a sunny position and moisture retentive soil so the addition of garden compost or well rotted manure before planting will help. They are thirsty plants that should not be allowed to dry out. Runner beans are not hardy so should not be planted out until the risk of frost has passed.

Sow runner beans

Using 5cm pots sow one runner bean seed per pot 2cms deep in multipurpose compost. Sow from April to June. I sow just one batch in April. Sowing an additional batch in June can help to extend the season and give you a continued supply of young beans further into the season but I don’t find this to be essential as long as you harvest regularly and don’t allow pods to fully mature.

Protect your seeds and plants from frost. An unheated greenhouse is adequate but germination will be quicker in warmer environment. Keep the compost moist until germination occurs and keep well watered once the plants are growing.

Alternatively, once the risk of frost is passed, runner beans can be sown direct in the allotment. Sow two per station and thin to the strongest one if both germinate.

Plant runner beans

Runner beans need canes or bean poles to climb up and the structure should be in place before planting your beans at the allotment. The structure is usually wigwam shaped or a double row tied to a horizontal cane near the top. Canes of about 2.5 metres are ideal.

For a wigwam push the canes firmly into the ground in a circle and tie them together near the top. For rows, the canes should be about 40cm apart with the rows 75cm apart.

After the risk of frost has passed plant one runner bean at the base of each cane and water well. As the beans grow they will wrap themselves around the canes. They may need to be tied in at first.

Runner beans need little attention other than regular watering. Growing tips can be pinched out when the runner beans reach the top of the canes. This will encourage side shoots to develop giving heavier crops.

Harvest runner beans

Runner beans are best harvested young, ideally the pods should be 15 to 20 cm long. Larger beans will become tough and will need their ‘strings’ cut off. As runner beans reach full maturity you will see the beans swelling inside the pods, these should be removed so that the plants continue to produce new beans.

Runner beans are best eaten fresh but will store for a few days in the refrigerator. They also freeze well.

Runner bean problems

Runner bean plants are likely to be attacked by slugs and snails, particularly when they are small. Damage is likely to be reduced by planting out strong, healthy plants. It’s worth growing a few spare plants to fill in where damage appears.

Black fly is also a problem. Keep your eye out for the aphid to appear and squash with your fingers. A weak solution of soapy water can also remove them.