GET YOUR RUNNERS OFF TO A FLYING START!

As one of the summer and early autumn's tastiest and more prolific vegetables, runner beans are a must-grow crop, says KG staff writer Tony Flanagan. So get sowing now!

- Tony Flanagan

DID YOU KNOW?

Originating in Central America, runner beans have been grown in Europe since the 1600s, initially as an ornamental rather than for their edible pods.

Picked when they are young and tender, runner beans are one of the crops I really look forward to harvesting each year. Not only are they high-yielding but with their attractive flowers, they are pleasing on the eye too. And then, of course, they are a real winner in the kitchen, a succulent and tasty green to grace a Sunday roast.

TOP TIP 

Make sure your uprights are pushed down to at least 38cm (15in). This is because when the structure is heavy with pods, a strong wind can blow it over if the uprights are not securely sunk in.

PREPARING THE SOIL 

Runner beans, like other beans, will benefit from a moist, fertile soil so add plenty of organic matter (well-rotted manure or composted kitchen vegetable waste) to the plot over winter, either digging it in or leaving it on the surface of the soil if you’re using the no-dig method.

TOP TIP

Dig a 38cm (15in) trench in winter where you will be planting your beans, fill it with kitchen vegetable waste and then backfill the soil over it.

FRAMES