How to grow runner beans
For the gardening novice, planting and growing runner beans is ideal.
Little care is needed if the correct conditions are in place, and the plant, which can grow up to 2m (6ft) tall, will produce a high yield of juicy and delicious beans for several months throughout the summer.
There are two main types of runner bean plants - dwarf and climbing. If you are just starting out as a gardener, perhaps the dwarf variety is more suitable at this stage, as the seeds will grow and develop into a small bush-like plant, needing less care and looking after. The climbing variety, on the other hand, grows upwards and will need the support of canes, bamboo sticks and wire.
Little care is needed if the correct conditions are in place, and the plant, which can grow up to 2m (6ft) tall, will produce a high yield of juicy and delicious beans for several months throughout the summer.
There are two main types of runner bean plants - dwarf and climbing. If you are just starting out as a gardener, perhaps the dwarf variety is more suitable at this stage, as the seeds will grow and develop into a small bush-like plant, needing less care and looking after. The climbing variety, on the other hand, grows upwards and will need the support of canes, bamboo sticks and wire.
Soil conditions for growing runner beans
A warm, well-prepared, light, rich and neutral or slightly alkaline soil is required for growing runner beans.
Poor soil conditions will result in beans of inferior quality.
Do not plant runner beans in the same spot as the previous year, as disease may be left in the soil and destroy the plant, nor should you add extra nitrogen to the soil.
Poor soil conditions will result in beans of inferior quality.
Do not plant runner beans in the same spot as the previous year, as disease may be left in the soil and destroy the plant, nor should you add extra nitrogen to the soil.
Climate conditions for growing runner beans
Runner beans will need a spacious position that has plenty of direct sunlight and sunshine, although partial shade is also acceptable. The climbing variety requires a spot that is sheltered, as strong winds will damage the plant and may cause them to blow over. The cold and frost in particular, are the enemies of the runner bean plant, and in these conditions the seeds will not germinate and the plant will not grow.
Soil preparation
Depending on your location and therefore climatic conditions, the runner bean seeds are generally sown between the middle of April and the beginning of May. The soil should be prepared approximately a month in advance but can be done any time from February.
Dig into the ground at a depth of about a spade and a half and add plenty of organic material such as manure, well-rotted compost or peat. Add a few handfuls of bonemeal per square metre and work well into the soil. Runner beans need a lot of moisture, and a soil with plenty of organic matter, retains water and is ideal for this plant.
Dig into the ground at a depth of about a spade and a half and add plenty of organic material such as manure, well-rotted compost or peat. Add a few handfuls of bonemeal per square metre and work well into the soil. Runner beans need a lot of moisture, and a soil with plenty of organic matter, retains water and is ideal for this plant.
Planting the runner bean seeds indoors
Runner beans must be planted outside once the frosts have disappeared and the soil has warmed otherwise it is unlikely that they will survive.
For an early crop and harvest, plant the seeds indoors in April, in peat pots or boxes and leave in a spot that has plenty of sunlight. Plant two seeds per pot and thin out to the strongest plant once germination has taken place and the plant begins to grow. The plants should be ready to transfer outside after approximately 3 weeks.
Two weeks prior to planting outside, place a cloche in position in order to warm up the soil. Runner bean plants must be introduced to the cooler temperature gradually. If the temperature is still not high enough for the plants to thrive, leave the cloche in place until it is warm enough to remove.
If using peat pots, soak in water and then plant directly into the ground.
For an early crop and harvest, plant the seeds indoors in April, in peat pots or boxes and leave in a spot that has plenty of sunlight. Plant two seeds per pot and thin out to the strongest plant once germination has taken place and the plant begins to grow. The plants should be ready to transfer outside after approximately 3 weeks.
Two weeks prior to planting outside, place a cloche in position in order to warm up the soil. Runner bean plants must be introduced to the cooler temperature gradually. If the temperature is still not high enough for the plants to thrive, leave the cloche in place until it is warm enough to remove.
If using peat pots, soak in water and then plant directly into the ground.
Planting runner bean seeds directly outside
As runner beans grow so tall, they will need support through the growing stage. There are 4 main ways in which to provide support for your runner bean plants and you should choose the one that most suits your gardening area's requirements.
Double row of poles
Before planting your seeds, you must erect your support structure. For a double row of poles or canes, push 8ft (2.4m) bamboo canes sturdily into the ground at 15cm (6 inch) intervals and the same number of canes opposite at a space of 60cm (23 inches) between the two rows. Pull the two opposite canes towards each other and tie at the top with twine. Plant seedlings on either side of the cane at a depth of 5cm (2 inches). Thin out and remove the weakest plant after a few weeks.
Wigwam
This structure is ideal if you are lacking in space. Push one cane into the ground into the centre of your chosen area. Measure approximately 15cm (6 inches) in each direction and push a separate pole into each spot. You will need about 5 or 6 canes in total. Lean the outer poles towards the central one and tie together with twine, thus creating a wigwam structure. Plant 2 - 3 seeds into a hole at the base of each pole and thin out a few weeks later.
Single row of poles
This can be used if you want your runner bean plants to grow against a wall or fence. Poles are spaced apart along a wall and reinforced with plastic mesh netting for the plants to grab on to and climb up.
Caring for the runner bean plants
Very little needs to be done once the seeds are in the ground and the plants begin to develop. Ensure that they receive plenty of water, especially during the dry and hot summer months. At this time of the year mulching the area will help retain moisture in the soil. Remove any weeds that appear.
Harvesting the beans
The beans will be ready to harvest from July onwards and all the way through until October. Pick the pods whilst they are still young otherwise the beans will not taste as good. Look at the texture of the pods and choose those that are smooth, fresh and where the beans are not yet swollen. You may have to harvest your runner bean plants daily to ensure the best quality, yet the effort will well be worth it in the taste!
