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Runner beans container growing


Growing runner beans in pots in pots - and get a great harvest

 

Runner beans are one of the most productive and pretty crops for containers – and an excellent choice for small spaces. Growing runner beans in pots is not difficult.  They are one of the best crops for containers.

You can get runners with orange or white flowers. Mixing the two can look really pretty.

Here are some tips to grow an abundant crop.

1. Sowing

Sow once the threat of frost has passed (May or early June in most of the UK).  Start them inside in pots on a bright window sill or outside in their final pot. Tip: sow more beans than you need in case some are eaten by slugs.

2. They like lots of water

To grow and fruit well, beans need plenty of water. Use a large pot of at least 20 litres but ideally 40 – 50 litres (4 – 10 gallons). Big pots hold more water and dry out less quickly. Or use a large container with a water reservoir (like an Earthbox). Keep well watered, particularly on hot or windy days.

3. Sun

They need about five to six hours sun or more (around half a day) to grow and fruit well.  Tip:  In many small spaces there is often more light higher up – see if you can place your beans to climb up into more sun as they grow.

4. Pollination

In order for the fruits to set, they need pollinating by bees – so it can be fun and beneficial to grow some insect attracting flowers nearby. Sometimes you will find that your beans will flower but not produce beans. The possible reasons for this are summarised on the RHS website. But don’t worry too much – often the problem is temporary and resolves itself with warmer weather.

Runner beans were originally grown in the UK as an ornamental – the flowers look great
5. Protect from slugs

Slugs love runner bean seedlings. You can protect with small home made cloches – cut empty drink bottles in half and put one over each seedling – or start the seeds inside.

6. Support

Runners need a good tall support to climb up – like a wigwam. If you can find tall branches, they can look much prettier than canes. You could even grow two pots and make a runner bean arch, or grow them up netting. It’s a fun opportunity to be creative. You can find some excellent ideas on different supports on the Brussels Kitchen Garden website. 

7. Pinch out

When the runners reach the top of the canes, pinch out the tops (this means cutting the very tip off). This will encourage the plant to send out more shoots – and beans – below.

8. Pick

Pick, pick, pick. It’s very important to keep picking running beans – as this encourages the plant to grow more. Pick the beans small for a delicious, tender treat (big beans look cool but can be rather tough to eat).

Runner beans are tastiest when small – pick them regularly to encourage them to produce more.
9. Feed

To boost your crop, feed with liquid tomato food once every two or three weeks after the plant starts flowering.

Get the family involved!

Growing runner beans in pots is also an excellent project to do with kids. The seeds are large and beautiful (you can call them magic beans!) and easy to plant. And you can have fun making wigwams or other climbing structure together.

Harvesting runners from the balcony – accessing them via a ladder on the neighbours balcony! Over 5kgs of runners came of this one container (60cm x 60cm)

These tips were first published for The Secret Seed Society’s Giant Bean Competition.

How to grow runner beans – from seed and in pots

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Learning how to grow runner beans is a rite of passage for home growers, and it’s a wonderful crop for beginners. Success is almost guaranteed, and the plants will produce a glut of succulent pods that taste infinitely better than shop bought. The biggest problem is usually what to do with so many beans.

‘Runner beans are good yielders. They are climbers so use the vertical space rather than taking up ground space,’ says gardening expert Leigh Clapp. This makes them a highly efficient crop to grow, so make room for a couple of plants amongst your kitchen garden ideas.

Sadly, runner beans have previously been marred by a reputation for being tough and stringy. But this only happens when pods are picked past their best. 

The beauty of learning how to grow runner beans is that you can choose the best varieties and pick them at their peak, when they will be mouthwateringly tender. ‘The more you pick, the more the plant will produce,’ adds Clapp.

Great runner bean varieties to try are Polestar, Scarlet Emperor, Painted Lady and Moonlight.

How to grow runner beans from seed

The best way to grow runner beans is from seed, and then to add supports for the plants as they grow. ‘They are so easy to grow from seed that there is little point buying in plants unless you missed the sowing window,’ says Alex Mitchell in her book Crops in Tight Spots .

To grow runner beans from seed, you will need good, moisture-retentive soil. So before you start sowing, first prepare the ground by digging over and removing weeds and large stones. 

It's best to enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure, but don't add this just before planting as otherwise you'll get all foliage and few pods. Ideally add in the manure a couple of months ahead.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What month do you plant runner beans?

What month you should plant runner beans varies in different regions, but the simple rule is not to plant them outside until the risk of frost has passed.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the ground should be warm enough from late spring to sow direct. Alternatively you can start them off under cover from early April, and plant out around a month later. Harden them off for at least a week before planting.

You can succession sow runner beans until midsummer, to give you a crop into the fall. 'To avoid the problem of too much maturing all at once, sow little and often,' says gardening expert Matt James.

Growing runner beans in pots

If you're looking for ideas for a small vegetable garden, growing runner beans in pots or grow bags is a fantastic. Equally, if you are short on planting space and want to keep them on the patio, they make fabulous vegetable garden container ideas, too – they make an attractive feature, adding height and interest.

'Dwarf runner beans (namely Hestia Dwarf) crop well in large tubs,' says James.

Runner beans are thirsty plants with long roots, so you will need a generous container or bag size – at least 5-6 gallons. With a pot of that capacity, you should be able to grow three or four plants, and include canes for support.

Choose a compost blend that's designed for vegetables, or make your own, mixing in plenty of garden compost and some well-rotted manure.

When growing runner beans in pots, you will need to keep on top of watering, as the soil can quickly dry out. Check daily to see if the soil is moist – the best way to check is to push your finger down past the knuckle to feel the lower levels, as the top layer will dry out more quickly.

Fertilize every two weeks from flowering, using liquid feed, to maximize your harvest.

(Image credit: Peter Chatterton)

Making a runner bean wigwam

For experienced growers, making runner bean wigwams is a yearly ritual. It's such a pleasure to watch the plants scramble up the supports, and varieties with scarlet red flowers make a particularly stunning feature. 

To make your runner bean wigwam, simply insert four to five canes or sticks in the ground or container, equally spaced out. Gather them at the top and tie tightly together with garden string.

A wigwam can support a plant per cane, so position a plant near the base of each one. You will need to train the plants initially, but they should quickly take to the support.

If you'd prefer to grow your runner beans up a wall, then you can use trellis or wire supports. Thick, galvanised wire stretched between vine eyes is the most inexpensive and unobtrusive method,' says James. 'Space each horizontal line about 6-8in apart and tie-in early shoots with string – the plant should then climb unaided. '

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

When to harvest runner beans

You must learn the signs of when to harvest runner beans, in order to enjoy them when they are tender and tasty, rather than tough and stringy.

When to pick green beans such as runner beans will make a big difference to their taste and texture.

'Pick the beans before the seeds inside the pod start to show through,' says Mitchell. 'The bean should snap in half easily if you bend it – if it bends without breaking it’s already going to be too tough.'

As a rough guide, you should pick runner beans every couple of days, when they are between 4-8 inches long. 

'Pick regularly throughout the growing season, otherwise plants put all their energy into producing seeds rather than pods,' says James.

It's worth knowing that the flowers of runner beans are also delicious, but the more flowers you eat, the less beans you'll get.

If you get tired of eating runner beans, then leave some on the plant to grow on. The beans inside the pods will fatten up and can be used as an alternative to butter beans. You can also dry the beans for winter use.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Should I pinch out runner bean seedlings?

Pinching out runner bean seedlings will encourage them to grow more side shoots and to put their energy into producing pods rather than growing taller.

You can do this once the plants have reached the height that suits you best, but certainly before they outgrow their support.

How tall should I let my runner beans grow?

Runner beans can easily grow to 6 foot or more, so pinch them out before they get beyond a manageable height.

You also need to bear in mind the weight placed on the supporting trellis, as the plants will be heavy when laden with fruit.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Do runner beans need a lot of sun?

Runner beans need sun for at least half of the day, but are happy in partial shade and do prefer a sheltered spot. 'The most important thing is that they’re not planted somewhere too windy, since this can shred the leaves,' says Mitchell.

In very hot summers, runner bean production can struggle, so the plants will appreciate shade at the hottest part of the day. You also need to keep on top of watering, as it is crucial that the roots don't dry out. Mulching will help to retain moisture.

Runner bean problems

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When at seedling stage, the main problem with runner beans is slugs and snails, so protect the tender plants with cloches or pellets. Once they get past this stage, however, slugs and snails shouldn't be an issue.

Blackfly can be a problem with runner beans, so use companion planting techniques, such as growing marigolds to encourage ladybugs, which will feast on the flies. 'One prevention companion is borage, as the black fly will go to it rather than the beans,' adds Clapp.

You can also remove the flies by rubbing them off with your fingers, carefully hose them off, or spray with water containing a weak concentration of washing-up liquid, which will kill them.

Although runner beans are usually reliable croppers, occasionally they can fail to set pods. 'The main causes are lack of water at the roots, infertile or very acid soil, frost damage, very hot weather, and the absence of pollinating insects due to windy, wet weather,' says James.

Encourage pollination by positioning flowering plants close by. Growing sweet peas alongside runner beans is a lovely pairing.

As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.

planting and caring for her

String beans are a relatively new crop for gardeners in Russia. But she quickly and confidently gains popularity. In addition to its ease of cultivation, this is facilitated by its wonderful taste, the possibility of wide use in cooking, health benefits and high yields. Even a novice gardener is able to grow a crop on his own personal plot. But there are some nuances of its cultivation, which are worth knowing in advance.

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Description of the plant, its benefits

Green beans (aka asparagus) beans are one of the oldest plants "cultivated" by man. The birthplace of most of its varieties is Central and South America, but it was also well known in ancient Egypt and China. Europeans got acquainted with the culture only in the 16th century, when the continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean was discovered.

Green beans have been known to mankind for thousands of years

For a long time, string beans were used exclusively as an ornamental plant, decorating gardens and greenhouses. It began to be eaten only in the 18th century. And it was considered a privilege of the aristocracy. Around the same time, asparagus beans came to Russia, where they were known as "French beans". nine0003

String beans sometimes:

The flowers of the green beans are usually white or greenish, small. Decorative varieties have been bred by breeding, in which they are painted in different shades of red, purple, lilac, violet. The shape, length, color of the pods and beans also vary greatly. They can be almost flat, and rounded, straight and curved. The most common colors are green, yellow, purple. White, pink, mottled beans are less common. nine0003

Flowering beans (with the exception of some specially bred ornamental varieties) are not the most spectacular sight

The main difference between asparagus beans and grain or shell beans is the ability to eat the pods whole without removing the beans. They do not have a "parchment" layer and hard fibers inside. But this only applies to young pods. When overripe entirely for food, they are no longer suitable.

Asparagus beans are eaten with the pods, and it is in this form that they are sold in stores

String beans are included in many dishes, it is an integral part of South American and Mediterranean cuisine. Chopped pods are added to soups, salads, stews, boiled, stewed, steamed beans are served as a side dish for meat, fish, and poultry dishes. From vegetables, it goes well with broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes. And also with eggs, cheeses, mushrooms.

String beans are not only healthy, but also very tasty

Asparagus beans are not a wonderful taste, but also a great benefit for the body. Like all legumes, it is rich in easily digestible fiber and protein. Vegetarians appreciate it as a complete replacement for meat products. Rich in pods and trace elements. Most of all they contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, from vitamins - A, E, C, group B. Green beans can be included in the menu for those who are on a diet, wanting to lose weight. It has the ability to normalize carbohydrate metabolism and is low in calories (only 23 kcal per 100 g). nine0003

Pods of asparagus beans, in addition to the usual green, can be dyed in more unusual colors

It has been scientifically proven that green beans help, if you need to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, get rid of cholesterol "plaques", normalize the work of the stomach, intestines, gallbladder. If you include beans in the diet constantly, excess salt is removed from the body (very important for edema and joint problems), toxins, and the body's defense against the negative effects of free radicals improves. It is also important that the product always remains environmentally friendly. nine0087 Green beans when grown do not absorb harmful substances from the soil and the atmosphere.

There are also contraindications. The use of pods is not recommended for exacerbation of any chronic diseases of the stomach and intestines. And because of the high content of oxalic acid - also with urolithiasis.

Curly beans are often used to create hedges and "green walls" by landscape designers

String beans are very useful for women. With regular inclusion in the diet, it:

Women have appreciated the benefits of green beans for a long time. The Egyptian queen Cleopatra, who became famous, among other things, for her beauty and unfading youth, used it as an integral component of face masks. In ancient Rome, powder was made from it to soften, whiten and smooth the skin.

Video: how green beans are good for the body

Varieties popular with gardeners

In nature, there are about 50 varieties of culture. And much more than those created by breeders. When choosing, one must take into account not only the appearance of the plant and yield, but also the possibility of its cultivation in a particular region. nine0003

For central Russia and Moscow region

These regions are characterized by a relatively mild temperate climate. String bean is a southern, but not overly heat-loving plant. You can plant almost any variety, with the exception of the latest.

Gardeners often prefer the following varieties:

For the Urals and Siberia

The climate of the Urals and Siberia is much more severe than in the European part of Russia, the soil here warms up late. It is not for nothing that these regions are called the “zone of risky farming”. For cultivation, you need to choose early or mid-season beans, which are characterized by cold resistance.

The following varieties are grown in these regions:

For southern regions

Asparagus does not like heat and drought very much. When cultivating in these regions, competent watering will be required. Choose best from foreign varieties bred for cultivation in the Mediterranean and the southern United States:

Video: Overview of String Bean Varieties

Planting seeds in the ground

String beans are planted in the ground with seeds. Growing seedlings is not practiced. Initially, the southern culture is characterized by thermophilicity - be sure to wait until the soil at a depth of 6-8 cm warms up to 12-15ºС. In the southern regions of Russia, it can be planted already at the end of April, in the Moscow region and areas with a similar climate - in the last decade of May. In the Urals and Siberia, planting dates are shifted to the first half of June. The optimum temperature for culture is 20–25ºС. nine0003

String beans will not survive negative temperatures, even small ones. At the slightest threat of frost, the shoots that have appeared are covered with lutrasil, spunbond, or other similar material.

Always choose a place for a garden bed that is sunny and protected from drafts. The latter is especially true for climbing varieties - their stems are often thin and break easily. Such plants are best placed in partial shade than left in a draft.

The place for green beans is selected so that it is illuminated by the sun, but at the same time it is protected from the wind

String beans categorically do not tolerate acidic substrate, preferring light and fertile soil, well permeable to water and air (loam, sandy loam). Both sandy and heavy marshy soils, as well as areas where groundwater comes closer to the surface than a meter, are not suitable for it.

Humus - a natural remedy for increasing soil fertility

The bed is prepared in autumn. A couple of weeks before planting, the soil is loosened, potash fertilizer is applied again (this macronutrient is vital for asparagus beans). Suitable, for example, wood ash (0.5–0.7 l / m²). nine0003

Wood ash is a natural source of potassium and phosphorus

After any legumes and sunflowers, asparagus beans can be planted on the same bed no earlier than 3–4 years later. Other predecessors suit her. Good neighbors for culture are beets, Pumpkin, all varieties of cabbage, potatoes. But onions and celery, on the contrary, inhibit its growth.

Cabbage is a good neighbor for asparagus, when grown side by side in fairly fertile soil, both crops can even do without fertilizer

Seed preparation required. First they are sorted out.

High-quality planting material and its proper preparation are the key to future harvest

The next step is warming up. Dry seeds are kept on a battery for two days or 12–14 days on a windowsill well-lit by the sun. Then the asparagus beans are soaked for two or three days in warm (30–35ºС) water for sprouting, changing it daily. It is desirable that the water was melted, spring, rain. It is useful to add a few drops of a biostimulant to improve germination and increase plant immunity (Epin, Kornevin, Zircon). nine0003

Bean seeds preferably soaked in soft water

Ends the disinfection process. The easiest way to disinfect for 4-5 hours is to immerse the beans in a pinkish solution of potassium permanganate. For the same purpose, any fungicides of biological origin are used (Alirin-B, Maxim, Baikal-EM, Bayleton). Soaking time in this case is reduced to 20-30 minutes.

Potassium permanganate solution is one of the most famous and available disinfectants

nine0002 Some gardeners advise immediately before planting for a couple of minutes to dip the seeds of asparagus beans in a solution of boric acid (2-3 g per 10 liters of water). In their opinion, this has a positive effect on future yields and protects plants from many diseases.

Video: preparing bean seeds for planting in the garden

Seeds are buried in the soil no more than 7 cm. Bush beans are placed in rows, in a checkerboard pattern. The distance between plants is 25–30 cm, between rows is 35–40 cm. For climbing varieties, the interval is reduced to 15–20 cm, they are planted in one row. nine0003

Germinated bean seeds germinate faster

The wells are covered with a mixture of sand and humus. The bed is moderately watered. Before the emergence of seedlings, it is tightened with a covering material or plastic wrap. The germination of green beans is good, at the level of 90%. You won't have to wait long for sprouts to appear. Usually at a suitable temperature (at least 20ºС during the day) the process takes 6-8 days.

When planting beans, observe the interval between plants - their excessive crowding in the garden often provokes the development of diseases

When planting string beans, you need to decide in advance what the support will look like. You can, for example, place it near a fence, wall of a house or other building, let it curl around the gazebo. Other options are a plastic mesh with large cells stretched between the pillars or some kind of hut made of poles, separate vertical stakes or pipe sections, arcs made of strong wire. Do not count on thin sticks - plants, even without taking into account the weight of the crop, are quite large and massive. As soon as the beans reach the desired height, "help" the vines by wrapping them around the support. Most of the time, they are not able to gain a foothold on it on their own. nine0003

A support for climbing asparagus is essential and strong enough

Video: planting green beans

Further care and harvesting

String beans - a plant that is undemanding in care and is able to "forgive" some flaws in agricultural technology to an inexperienced gardener. But regular weeding is critical for this crop. She categorically does not tolerate neighborhood with weeds. Roots located quite close to the soil surface begin to experience nutrient deficiencies. Curly varieties are pinched when the vine grows to 2–2.5 m in length. This provides an increase in productivity. After pinching the top, nutrition is redirected from the green mass to the pods. Plus, it's easier to assemble them that way. nine0003

Hilling the asparagus bean helps to strengthen and develop its root system

The soil must not be allowed to dry out. Flowers and ovaries of green beans immediately react to this, starting to crumble en masse. Before the appearance of the first ovaries, it is watered daily or every other day, as the top layer of the substrate dries. Then the culture needs more abundant, but rare watering. The intervals between them are increased to 4-5 days, the norm - from 1-1.5 to 2-3 liters per plant. To retain moisture in the soil, it is mulched with humus, peat chips, freshly cut grass. nine0003

Irrigation is one of the main agrotechnical measures for asparagus beans

Bush varieties are fertilized twice during the vegetative season, climbing varieties - three times. Top dressing is applied at the moment of mass formation of buds, after the first fruiting and after another 2–2.5 weeks. It is advisable to use natural organics - infusions of wood ash, nettle greens or dandelion leaves. If green beans are clearly lagging behind in growth and development, add superphosphate (15–20 g per 10 l). In rainy weather, it can be mixed with a liter of wood ash and distributed over the bed in a dry form. nine0003

Nettle infusion - absolutely natural complex fertilizer

Of the trace elements, asparagus beans react most acutely to a deficiency of manganese, boron and molybdenum. During the growing season, it is useful to water the plants themselves and the soil 2-3 times with a nutrient solution (1-2 g of potassium permanganate, boric acid and molybdenum sulphate per 7-10 liters of water).

Harvest of asparagus beans must not be allowed to overripe. The pods are removed while they are not yet swollen, in a state of milky ripeness (they bend but do not break). nine0088 The beans are about the size of a grain of wheat by this point. On average, 10-12 days pass from the moment the ovaries form. Otherwise, they become rough, dry, it is no longer possible to eat them entirely, not only the taste, but also the benefits suffer greatly.

In bush varieties, fruiting is more friendly, the harvest can be harvested in 2-3 doses. Curly bear fruit for 6-8 weeks (some - until the first serious cold snap), the pods are removed at least once every 4-5 days. Timely harvesting activates the process of formation of new ovaries. nine0088 The best time for this is early morning.

Asparagus beans must be harvested on time, otherwise they will greatly lose their taste and usefulness

Asparagus beans do not particularly suffer from pests. Slugs, which are not averse to feasting on young greens and pods, can cause the greatest harm to her. Their massive invasions are extremely rare; folk remedies are quite enough to protect the landings.

Video: nuances of crop care

Growing green beans at home

In the absence of a garden plot, green beans can also be grown on a balcony. And not only bush, but also climbing varieties. They can be very effective decoration. But it is still better to give preference to bush beans - it is more early ripening, the crop ripens massively. Well suited for the balcony varieties Bona, Blue Lake, Neringa, Sweet Courage. The most decorative beans are Violetta, Golden Neck, Raspberry Ringing.

String bean belongs to short daylight plants: it loves light, but for no more than 12 hours a day. nine0088 Plants do not need additional lighting in spring and summer.

The root system of asparagus beans is superficial, not particularly developed. She does not need deep large containers at all. An ordinary flower pot with a volume of 2-3 liters for a bush and 30-35 liters for a creeper is enough. The main thing is that the substrate is sufficiently nutritious. It is best to mix regular garden soil or general purpose potting soil with manure in a 2:1 ratio. The latter not only provides fertility, but also reduces the acidity of the soil. To prevent diseases, add a little crushed chalk or activated charcoal. nine0003

Germinated seeds are planted in pots in the first half of May. Plants will bloom in about a month and a half, the harvest begins to harvest in another 2-2.5 weeks.

Water bean seedlings frequently, but sparingly, as the topsoil dries out. After the appearance of the second pair of true leaves, watering is stopped, resuming by the time the buds appear. Fertilizers are applied no more than once every two weeks. This can be an infusion of wood ash or special products for indoor plants (without nitrogen, but with a high concentration of potassium and phosphorus). nine0003

Reviews of gardeners

String (asparagus) beans are grown in garden plots not only for harvest, but also simply for decoration. You can plant it on the balcony. Breeders have bred many varieties with flowers and pods of various shapes and colors. When making a choice, take into account the climatic conditions in a particular region, give preference to zoned varieties. Caring for green beans will not take much time and effort from the gardener, the culture is unpretentious and “puts up” with individual mistakes in agricultural technology. nine0003

  • Author: Julia Golova