Helpful Information for Growing Runner Beans
The great thing about growing runner beans is that virtually anyone could have success. Although at first it seems growing this vegetable is a little complicated, beans are actually one of the more popular choices because they are so easy to work with once you know how. With beans, you simply need to start by providing the basics and from there the plants do most of the work.
The first step in growing runner beans is to choose the best location. Keep in mind that this variety and other bean varieties prefer warm climates. Additionally, beans need plenty of sunlight, as well as soil that are fertilized and well-drained. Most gardening experts recommend that the soil be prepared first using manure and/or compost. Then, after any potential for frost is gone in early spring, you could start purchasing the seeds.
Depending on the space you have for growing runner beans, you could place the seeds in rows using a traditional garden setup or if you have a hillside, they do amazingly well on that type of ground too. It is also important that you provide decent moisture in that all bean varieties like a once a week watering and in exceptionally hot weather, watering more often.
To help retain the needed moisture, we suggest you place grass clippings, straw, or mulch around the base of the plants as they begin to grow. Keep in mind that growing runner beans or other types, means watching for insect damage. This particular vegetable is prone to a number of insects, usually the beetle. In addition to removing them by hand, you should use an organic means of pest control such as a spray bottle of water mixed with a few drops of mild dishwashing soap.
Another consideration when growing runner beans is that if you live in a part of the country with high heat or high levels of humidity, disease could become a problem. Wilt diseases and bacterial diseases are among the most prevalent but others could challenge you. Therefore, spend some time researching the possible diseases for runner beans so you would know what signs to look for and then, we again recommend an organic solution.
Along with growing runner beans, you might add other varieties of beans to your garden. One of the easiest to grow is bush beans. These plants are small and grow close to the ground. Unlike pole beans that need a support system about six to eight feet tall, bush beans need no support at all. Other options to growing runner beans would include lima beans, which are rich in nutrients and delicious, pole beans, which can grow to around six feet tall and yellow beans, similar to green beans although the flavor is unique and these beans are tenderer.
Of all vegetables that people choose to grow, green beans are by far the most popular. Just remember, to be successful in growing runner beans, you need a prepared area, good soil, and lots of water with proper drainage. Finally, when the beans are ready to harvest, you want to pull them off quickly to avoid rotting. If beans are allowed to over ripened, they develop a bitter taste.