Runner beans are a tasty addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and can be a fantastic source of protein. The best part is, they come in a wide range of colours and tastes, so you can have your pick!

Seeds to sow

Runner beans are a relatively easy vegetable to grow. They produce an abundance of pods over several months. They are also a useful source of edible seeds.

There are several varieties of runner beans, which can be bought from garden centres or online. Some of the most decorative varieties include the Painted Lady and St. George.

Most runner bean varieties are climbers, so they need to be protected from the wind. Runner beans can be grown in containers, but they will need a sunny spot. These plants are quite thirsty and will need to be watered on a regular basis.

To help ensure a successful crop, it’s best to prepare the soil ahead of time. The best way to do this is by digging the area thoroughly. It’s also a good idea to add some compost or well-rotted manure. This will add fertility and moisture retention.

Fertilising

Runner beans are a great crop to grow in your garden. They are easy to grow and are highly nutritious. They can be harvested when they are young. They are also easy to grow in pots or containers. You can also grow runner beans in your greenhouse.

If you plan on growing runner beans in your garden, you need to prepare the soil for them. They grow best in soil that is well-drained and has a higher alkalinity. They also require phosphorus and calcium. A soil that is poor in these nutrients can be improved by adding compost or well-rotted manure.

When you plant your beans, you will want to plant them at least 5cm deep. Plant them in rows and space them at least 9 inches apart. A 2m row will provide a family of four with a sufficient amount of beans to last them through the summer.

Harvesting

Runner beans are a great vegetable to grow. They are easy to grow and they can be planted at any time of the year. They are an ideal choice for a vegetable garden, and they also make a great companion plant.

You should be able to harvest your beans after about a month. The best time to harvest runner beans is when the pods are about 10 to 15 cm long. They should be light pink, and they should be just starting to form.

Beans should be harvested early in the morning. They should not be picked in wet weather. The pods can be hidden among the leaves.

Runner beans are ideal for containers. They should be planted in a container that is approximately 30 inches wide. It is important that the container has good drainage holes. This will allow the plant to remain moist and will also help the bean pods stay fresh.

Controlling slugs and snails

Having a large population of slugs in your garden can be quite frustrating. While some gardens have a lot more slugs than others, there are some steps that you can take to control the problem.

The first step to controlling slugs is to find out which plants are the most attractive to slugs. These include geraniums, marigolds, sunflowers, hostas and larkspur.

Slugs also like beans, potatoes, peas, and other veg. They can be particularly bad for young sprouts.

There are a number of commercial slug killers on the market. They may work, but they’re often toxic to mammals and are less effective after rain.

Another way to control slugs is to create a sacrificial bed. This is where you put in a plant that is resistant to slugs. You can also use coffee grounds, which are a great slug repellent.

Runner bean varieties

Runner beans are easy to grow in most areas of North America. They prefer a sunny site and a rich, well-drained soil. They are perennial. They require regular irrigation. They produce beans all season long. They have a delicious taste. They are also easy to save the seeds from.

There are several varieties of runner beans, each with a slightly different look and color. Some are taller than others and can grow up to two feet. Others are dwarf varieties that grow around one and a half feet tall. Runner beans are good for use in containers or in a dual-purpose border.

The classic runner bean variety is a reliable cropper. It produces mid-season beans with a non-fibrous texture. It is also prized for its white flowers.