Introduction
Runner beans are a popular choice for UK gardeners, especially in the southeast. Known for their long, tasty pods and vibrant flowers, they add both beauty and productivity to the garden. Runner beans are easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest throughout the summer months.
Runner beans can be grown as ground cover, but you are likely to lose them to slugs and snails. So it is more usual to grow them as climbing plants and they will need tall, sturdy supports. Runner beans do best planted in the ground, but can also be grown in large containers. As they grow vertically, climbers produce a large crop in a small area of ground.
Why grow runner beans?
Runner beans are not only delicious but also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fibre and protein. Growing your own ensures you have fresh, chemical-free produce at your fingertips. Plus, runner beans are prolific producers, giving you plenty to enjoy and share.
Suitability for different growing environments
Runner beans thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and prefer a sunny spot. As mentioned previously, they can be grown in the ground or in large containers, making them versatile for different garden setups. Providing tall supports is crucial as they are vigorous climbers.
Lifecycle
Runner beans are annual plants. They are sown in spring, grow rapidly through summer, and are harvested from mid-summer until the first frosts. The plants die back after the first frost, completing their lifecycle in one growing season. Depending on the variety, runner bean flowers are sometimes self-fertile, ie they don’t need insects to pollinate them.
Sowing and harvesting periods
- Sowing: Late spring (April to June)
- Harvesting: Mid-summer to autumn (July to October)
Recommended varieties
Some popular varieties of runner beans include:
- ‘Scarlet Emperor’
- ‘Painted Lady’
- ‘White Lady’
- ‘Enorma’
How to sow
Sow runner bean seeds indoors in pots in late spring, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. Transplant the seedlings outside after the last frost when they are about 3 inches (8 cm) tall. Alternatively, sow seeds directly in the ground once the soil has warmed up, spacing them 8 inches (20 cm) apart.
How to prick out/pot on
Seedlings grown indoors should be transplanted to their final positions when they are about 3 weeks old. Handle the seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting out.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting will improve fertility and drainage. Avoid planting runner beans in areas where beans or other legumes have been grown recently to prevent disease build-up.
How many to plant (spacing)
Plant runner beans 8 inches (20 cm) apart within rows spaced 18 inches (45 cm) apart. This spacing ensures each plant has enough room to grow and climb without overcrowding.
How to plant
Dig a trench and plant the beans at the recommended spacing. Provide sturdy supports, such as bamboo canes or a trellis, for the beans to climb. Water the plants well after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protecting your plants
Young plants can be vulnerable to slugs and snails. Use organic slug pellets, beer traps, or hand-pick them off the plants. Protect seedlings from late frosts by covering them with fleece or cloches.
How to feed and water
Water runner beans regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. Apply a balanced fertiliser or liquid feed every few weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and prolific flowering.
How to propagate, prune/manage while growing
Runner beans are usually grown from seeds, but you can also propagate them from cuttings. Pinch out the growing tips when the plants reach the top of their supports to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Remove any side shoots that are not climbing the supports to keep the plants tidy.
How and when to harvest
Harvest runner beans when the pods are young and tender, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. Regular picking encourages the plants to produce more pods. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the pods from the plant, avoiding damage to the vines.
How to store
Runner beans are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. For longer storage, blanch the beans and freeze them. This helps to preserve their flavour and texture.
How to eat/cook
Runner beans can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or added to casseroles and stews. They pair well with a variety of dishes and can also be enjoyed cold in salads. To prepare, simply top and tail the beans and slice them into manageable pieces.
How to deal with pests and disease
Common pests include slugs, snails, and aphids. Use organic methods to manage these pests. Watch for diseases such as rust and bean mosaic virus. Practice crop rotation and good garden hygiene to reduce the risk of disease.
When and how to remove the plants
Remove plants after the first frost has killed them. Cut down the vines and compost them. Dig up and compost the roots as well, or leave them in the ground to decompose naturally, which will help enrich the soil.
What to plant before and after
Runner beans can follow crops that have been harvested early in the season, such as spring onions or early potatoes. Adding compost or manure before planting will help improve soil fertility. After harvesting runner beans, you can plant autumn or winter crops such as kale, spinach, or winter lettuce. These crops will benefit from the enriched soil left by the beans.
What to interplant with
Companion plants for runner beans include sweetcorn, which provides support for the beans to climb, and marigolds, which help repel pests. Avoid planting with other legumes to reduce competition for nutrients.