Runner beans can produce a very large crop for a long period especially if two or three successional plantings are made, they grow best in fertile ground that has received compost or manure the preceding winter or early spring.

Years ago it was usual to sow seed direct into the ground, in some areas you might still be able to do it however for many reasons, at Ashbrook, I find it far more reliable to start runner beans off in 3” pots in the shelter of a frost free greenhouse or cold frame during April, May and June. This way plants are normally ready for transplanting into open ground about four weeks after sowing. I normally chit the seed first in a tray of damp compost, once a small white root appears, I know the seed is alive and they are then sown in a pot.

Runner beans are not frost hardy so there is no need to put plants out until at least early June also the first blossom on early plantings often fails to set this can be due to either bad weather affecting pollinating insects or hot night temperatures. One sowing might suffice however two or three staggered sowings should give a succession of picking over a longer period.

Runner beans need support and bamboo canes are commonly used.  Many gardeners use twin rows of canes or poles at 30cm (12” apart) centres forming a continuous 90cm (3’) wide A frame and incorporating wind bracing which is fine.

 Alternatively, wigwams of six or eight bamboo canes 8’ long and lashed together at the top work well and are normally better at withstanding the strong winds we now experience.

I find young runner bean plants do not like cold wind so if they are planted just inside their supporting canes and a piece of Rockalene or similar netting is wrapped round the outside to give wind protection for couple of weeks they then grow away strongly.

Slug prevention is advisable for young plantings until they are established.

When blossom appears and right through cropping the plant roots should not be left short of water.

Pick the beans regularly, if you have too many give them away, if not picked they will go coarse and stringy and the plants are likely to cease producing.

There are many varieties of runner bean most of which are capable of giving very good crops. For many years I have grown Enorma (red blossom) but in recent years found white blossom varieties such as White Lady and Moonlight set better.

French beans can be either dwarf (low growing) or climbing. I grow climbing varieties as the crop keeps clear of soil splashes, is more visible when picking and seem to crop for a long while.

Climbing French beans also seem to set better than runners. Otherwise climbing French beans are grown the same way as runner beans.

Cobra and Blue Lake are particularly good varieties of French climbing beans.