Runner beans are a popular vegetable in many UK gardens, known for their striking scarlet flowers and delicious pods. They’re not just a feast for the eyes but also for the stomach. Here’s everything you need to know to grow them successfully in your garden.
Sowing and Growing Runner Beans
Traditionally, runner beans were planted in trenches filled with compost or well-rotted manure, often prepared in autumn. This method ensures a deep, moist root system, which helps the plants resist drought—a major threat to beans. You can also use kitchen scraps or shredded newspaper for added compost.
Start sowing seeds in early spring, and continue sowing every couple of weeks until early summer for a staggered harvest. The exact timing will depend on your climate, so check your local conditions. In cooler areas, start seeds in modules or trays in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill, then transplant once the weather warms.
Runner beans thrive in soil that is at least 10°C (50°F). If your soil is too cold, you can warm it up in advance using cold frames, cloches, or plastic sheeting. Direct sowing can be done in later spring but protect seedlings from slugs and wind damage by using cloches or even a recycled plastic bottle.
For cooler climates or windy conditions, consider growing your beans in a greenhouse or tunnel, which helps protect them from the elements and boosts pod production. Be sure to pinch out the growing tips when they reach the roof to prevent them from getting too unruly.
Pollination and Watering
Unlike self-pollinating French beans, runner beans rely on pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Wet, cold summers can limit pollination, reducing your yield, while dry spells will require extra watering. Mulch around your plants to retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Keep an eye out for black bean aphids, which tend to infest growing tips. If you spot them, simply cut off the affected tips and dispose of them.
Supporting Your Runner Beans
Before planting your beans, set up sturdy supports. A traditional “wigwam” of canes or poles works well, allowing the vines to climb freely. Runner beans can grow over 2 meters (6.5 feet) tall, and they will become very heavy once they start producing pods. Ensure your supports are strong enough to hold them.
Runner beans are often grown as ornamental plants, with varieties like the vibrant red “Scarlet Runner” or the elegant “Painted Lady” with its red-tipped white flowers. In addition to their beauty, they make great focal points in both vegetable and flower gardens.
Initially, you may need to tie young plants to their supports, but once they start climbing, they should do fine on their own. If the plants catch the wind, additional ties may be necessary. When the vines reach the top, pinch out the growing tips to encourage flowering and pod production. This also prevents the plant from becoming a tangled mess of stems.
Harvesting and Storing Runner Beans
Keep up with weeding, watering, and mulching during the growing season. Applying a liquid feed occasionally can also help boost growth. Harvest begins around midsummer and continues until the first frost. Regularly picking beans encourages the plants to keep producing. Beans grow quickly, so pick them every other day to avoid over-ripening. Modern varieties are usually stringless, but it’s best to pick them while they’re still tender to avoid stringiness.
If you’re going away during the summer, ask friends or neighbors to help themselves to your beans to keep the plants producing. Alternatively, you can switch from fresh pods to maturing beans for drying. If you end up with a glut of beans, freeze them after blanching or just chop and freeze the pods.
Conclusion
With their vibrant flowers, delicious pods, and ease of growth, runner beans are a fantastic addition to any garden. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh beans throughout the summer. Whether you’re growing them for beauty or taste, runner beans are a rewarding crop that every gardener should try.