OwnGrown

The runner beans are being gradually thinnned to one per station and the canes for them to climb up have just been put in. These canes must be secure - there is a fair area for wind to blow at when the beans are up to the top and the whole lot will collapse if not secure. A big part of the problem isthe structure collapsing along its length so notice the two canes in the middle providing support / stability in the opposing directions. Another method is a circular wigwam type structure instead of straight as here.

A week or so early but the spring has been very warm so it should be safe to sow runner beans Enorma. These were sown 8″ apart 2 seeds per station in rows 2′ apart. Some will fail and they will be thinned to 1 seed per station. When they start to appear, canes will be used in straight rows. An alternative, particularly if space is restricted, is to plant in a circle with canes tied at the top to form a wigwam. These start germinating about two weeks later and will be reduced to one seed per station where necessary when about 6″ high.

First Runner Beans ready mid July and picked when young and tender. These will continue for many weeks now - the main problem tends to be a surplus as they are very prolific.

Erect canes end May for Runner & Barlotta Beans. 2.4m (8′) canes pushed into the soil at a slight angle beside each plant as can be seen in this picture. A cane is then put along the length inside the “V” at the top and the whole of the “V” junction tied securely. Note also the canes within and along the length of the structure - these ensure overall stability in case of high winds which could otherwise cause it to collapse lengthways. The beans can now grow up the canes - a little help is usually needed to get them started 

Sow Runner Beans early May two seeds per station, 8″ apart and in rows 2′ wide. Remove weaker plant later if both grow as should happen in most cases. Enorma is a variety with plenty of flavour. We should have 8 plants in each of two rows.