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Grow Your Own Runner Beans
Runner Beans
This method of growing runner beans can be used with a cane or pole support system consisting of a single row of 6-8 ft canes pushed into the soil at 6-12 inch intervals. The bean plants can be grown up the canes or supported with runner bean netting. You can also use four canes to form a wigwam support measuring 3x3 foot at the base.
A double row runner bean support system consists of two rows of canes tied together at the top to form an inverted ‘V’ shape. If planting a double row of runner beans, leave a 24 inch space between the two rows.
Position and Soil Preparation
Runner beans grow best in light, well drained and fertile soil. Heavy, wet soils are best avoided because the seeds can rot before germination. For the best results, mark out a strip 18 inches wide (for a single row of runner beans) and dig in well rotted manure or garden compost. Make the area as long as required bearing in mind the bean plants and poles need to be spaced between 6 - 12 inches apart.
Runner beans should only be planted after any danger of frost has passed. Early May onwards in usually safe across most of the UK. For an earlier crop, you can raise runner bean plants from seed in a greenhouse to be transplanted outside.
Starting Runner Beans in the Greenhouse
Allow four weeks between sowing and planting out in early May. Chit (pre-germinate) the runner bean seeds between moist kitchen towel before planting into pots in a cool greenhouse (10C or 50F). The seeds are ready to plant into pots when the shoots are 1 inch in length.
When the plants are 6-7 inches tall you can harden off them off in a cold frame or cloche for a couple of weeks before planting outside. Ensure all danger of frost has passed otherwise the plants will die. Plant each runner bean plant next to a cane and water the base thoroughly.
Sowing Runner Beans Outside
Runner beans seeds can be sown outside from early May onwards but will need a soil temperature of at least 10C to germinate. If required, warm the soil with cloches for a couple of weeks before and after sowing to encourage germination and encourage healthy growth. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2 inches and space them 6-12 inches apart next to the supporting canes. For extra protection, you can cover the seedlings with the cut-off bottom of a plastic bottle until they are a few inches tall.
Growing Runner Beans
As the runner bean plants reach 4-5 inches tall, gently twist the stems around the supporting canes. Too much water early on will encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers and beans. Manure and bulky organic compost dug into the soil beforehand will help keep the root systems moist and mulching around the bean plants will help conserve moisture in the soil. If flowers drop off and bean pods fail to develop, this indicates a shortage of water.
Insect activity will pollinate the plants so care must be taken when using insecticides. If needed, apply during the evening when bees have finished their days work. Common runner bean pests include aphids and red spider mites.
Harvesting Runner Beans
When the plants have reached the top of the cane supports, you can pinch out the growing points (leader) to encourage bushier growth. You can expect the first crop around the beginning of August. Pick the runner beans whilst they are young and tender. Regular picking every couple of days will encourage new bean pods to form. Runner beans usually continue to produce until the first frost kill the plants.
Buy Runner Bean Seeds & Netting
See our selection of runner bean seeds available to buy online from Unwins including dwarf runner bean varieties for growing in pots on the patio. For additional support when using canes or poles, use runner bean netting.
