Choose a sunny position, sheltered from wind with well drained, fertile soil.
Climbing beans will need a support - a wigwam or frame made from bamboo is best. Tie in with garden twine. Plants will then naturally wind bamboo around as they grow.
Space 30-40cm apart
Don’t plant out until all risk of frost is past (keep them in pots in greenhouse or sunny windowsill in the meantime)
Protect from slugs (beer traps/slug barrier)
Planting Dwarf French/Runner Beans
Sunny position, sheltered from wind
Well drained, fertile soil
Space 20cm apart - or in individual pots approx 20cm wide/deep. They will grow well in grow bags too - 4-5 plants per grow bags.
Don’t plant out until all risk of frost is past (keep them in pots in greenhouse or sunny windowsill in the meantime)
Protect from slugs (beer traps/slug barrier)
Growing Tips
Water well and regularly. Don’t let them dry out.
Keep weeds down.
Protect from slugs
Pinch out the growing tips of climbing beans once they reach the top of the support.
Problems & Pests
Yellow/patchy/brown foliage - not enough nutrients/water - water well and regularly (so that soil doesn’t dry out), use a liquid feed fortnightly
Not many fruits - poor pollination. Plant edible/companion flowers to encourage more bees etc.
Leaf damage - slugs/snails - use beer traps. Do nightly slug patrol.
Aphids/blackfly - these tiny black critters can sometimes be a problem. Spray off with hose or pick off foliage that are affected.
Harvesting/Storing
Pick beans regularly when they reach approx 10cm +
The more often you pick, the more will grow
They will keep in a cool dry place, or in the fridge, for several days.
To freeze, either blanche first or freeze without blanching
Planting Climbing French/Runner Beans