Legumes - Runner Beans
Soil
Runner beans thrive in a soil that is water retentive and has been prepared with well-rotted manure. Prepare the soil in February or March and then add a general fertilizer such as bonemeal just prior to sowing.
Acid soils will benefit from a generous application of Lime.
When to Sow
The biggest threat to runner beans is frost. This being the case it is best not to plant out too early.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Harvest |
Sowing
Sow indoors for an early start as well as faster and more reliable germination. Towards the end of April sow bean seeds singularly in a 3in pot filled with compost. Sow the bean seed about 1 1/2 in deep and water. Seeds that germinate will be ready for planting out about three weeks later but make sure that you harden them off first.
You can sow the seed directly from the middle of May up until the middle of June. Sow two seeds about 2in deep at the base of your support and water-in well. When the seeds germinate, remove the weaker plant.
Time to Germination
7 - 10 days.
Season of Use
Most plants will start to produce pods in July and can be used from then on until the first frost.
Caring for the Crop
Runner beans are quite forgiving and require minimal attention. Simply providing for their basic needs - water, weeding and feeding - is all that is normally necessary. All three of these requirements can be achieved by a thick mulch of organic material around the base of the plant.
In dry conditions additional watering may be necessary, especially once the flowers begin to form.
To prevent the crop from becoming too top-heavy, pinch out the growing tips when they reach the top of the support.
The flowers need pollinating, usually by bees, and so it's often a good idea to companion plant with bee-attracting flowers
Harvesting
It takes about 12-16 weeks until the first crop and they will be ready for harvesting around mid-July. The harvest should continue into October. Pick beans frequently to encourage new growth and make sure that you pick them whilst they are young. The length of the bean pod is not necessarily an indicator of whether they are ready or not. Pick the beans before the seeds start to swell. It is best to rely on the pod's texture - if the pod feels coarse and the beans are showing through the pod then they are probably past their best.
Worth Reading...
Here the focus is the family of shoots, peas and beans in all their varieties. There is key advice on preparing the soil for new crops, making compost, and growing vegetables, herbs and fruit in the open and under glass. There are suggestions for when and where to plant and how to keep plants in tip top condition.
Surprisingly, runner beans make an excellent chutney. Make the most of your glut of runner beans by bottling this delicious chutney recipe.