RUNNER BEANS
Of all the different types of pulses, Runner Beans are probably the most popular for home growing. Thinking ahead will achieve the best crops, do not wait until sowing time as the most important time is the autumn. It is then that the ground should be prepared by choosing the site and digging well and incorporating a good quantity of manure. Runner Beans are frost tender so sowing has to be started under glass in late April or in the growing site in mid-May in the south or mid June in the north. Sow seeds individually in pots under glass at 12 degrees C and transplant in late May or sow seeds at 15cm intervals in rows 60cm apart.
Canes are then placed at each plant leaning to form triangles and cross members are added at the top and all tied together to form one long arch which the plants can then cover. In smaller areas the canes can be formed into wigwam shapes. When sowing outdoors, plant a few extra seeds at the end of the row to transplant into any gaps.
Regular watering is essential once pods have started to form and no pods should be left on the plants to get old or the production of new pods will cease. Pinch out the growing tip when the plants reach the top of the canes. All the varieties can be grown on the ground by pinching out the growing point when about 20cm long but quality and yields are poorer. Harvesting should start in July until the frost arrives.