The runner bean is both reliable and easy to grow, makes them a very rewarding plant
for any amateur gardener. These plants are perennials in their South American home
land, but in our temperate conditions they are grown as an annual. They a great choice to
follow brassicas in crop rotation, as like other legumes they posses root bacteria which
convert nitrogen gas from the air to nitrogen compounds, thus enriching the soil for following
crops.
Runner beans prefer a open sheltered location, avoid low lying frost pockets. If planting more than
one row, due to their height plant rows north to south, to minimize shading. Also because they can reach heights
of 3 metres consider what you plant around them.
As with most beans they prefer a rich loam soil, avoiding fresh nitrogen rich fertilizers, as the high nitrogen
content can stop the flowers from setting. Also avoid soils with high acid levels.
Before sowing the beans you need to think about what type of support the plants need.
The most common support is bamboo canes, these can be tied in pairs and then linked horizontally across the top
with another bamboo. Another method is to a single line of netting, supported on a wooden frame. Both structures
due to the dense foliage, will be vulnerable from cross winds. Further support can be achieved by using two pieces of
string either side pegging them into the ground, as used when putting up a tent. In smaller gardens multiple bamboos
can be tied together at one central point at the top, resembling a wig-wam.
If you are using bamboo's in a row, sow 2 seeds per bamboo base, these should be 5 cms deep 30 cms apart. If using
netting stagger the seeds either side, keeping the spacing the same. For germination to take place the soil temperature
should be atleast 14 degrees C, seeds can be planted under glass and later transplanted for an earlier crop.
During the growing period keep plants weed free and do not let the ground completely dry out. When they grow to the height of the
support pinch out the head, this will encourage lateral growth.
Harvesting can begin mid to late summer. The younger the pod the more tender they will be. Remove any matured pods throughout
the season, to encourage further pod production. If you have a surplus of runner beans, they freeze very well.
