Discover how to grow runner beans with our step-by-step guide, and youll be enjoying this delicious crop for months to come
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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.
Growing runner beans in pots is a great way to enjoy a bountiful harvest, even if you don’t have a lot of garden space. As a climbing plant, runner beans make excellent use of vertical space when grown in containers. With just a little effort, you can have a prolific crop of tender beans on your patio or balcony.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to successfully grow runner beans in pots, from choosing the right container to harvesting an abundant crop. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or seasoned green thumb, read on for pro tips and expert advice.
Selecting the Right Container
The first step is choosing an appropriate pot for your runner beans. Here are the key things to consider:
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Size – Runner beans have deep roots and need ample room for water retention Select a container at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and 9 inches (25 cm) wide Bigger is better!
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Drainage – Good drainage is crucial, so ensure your pot has several drainage holes at the bottom. AvoidAnything that allows water to collect and pool will lead to root rot.
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Material – Porous terracotta or plastic pots work well. Avoid anything metal or wood that can leach chemicals.
For best results, use the largest container you can accommodate. A 5 gallon (20 L) pot is ideal, but even smaller 3-5 gallon containers will work if sufficiently deep.
The Right Soil Mix
Runner beans need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. The ideal potting mix for beans includes:
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High quality potting mix – Use a general purpose mix as your base.
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Compost or manure – Mix in 1 part compost or aged manure for added nutrients.
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Perlite or vermiculite – Add a handful to improve drainage.
You can make your own mix or use a quality organic vegetable potting soil. The soil should retain moisture but not get waterlogged.
Sowing & Planting Your Beans
Runner beans can’t tolerate any frost. Plant them after all danger of frost has passed.
If starting seeds: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in small starter pots. Keep them warm and wait for sprouts to appear in 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings into your final pot after the 2nd set of leaves appears.
If using transplants: Very gently loosen and separate the root ball before planting in your pot. Plant them at the same depth they were growing at in their nursery pot.
Place 3-4 bean plants around the edge of your container, spacing them 6 inches apart. Planting in a square shape works well.
Setting Up Supports
As climbers, runner beans need a trellis, cage, or poles to grow vertically. Set this up when you plant them or as soon as you see sprouts. Options include:
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Bamboo poles or sticks – Place 1 pole per plant. Tie loosely with soft twine as needed.
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Cages – Wire cages keep plants contained and are easy to install.
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Trellises – Attractive wooden or metal trellises offer great support.
Choose a support at least 5-6 ft. tall. Help train tender shoots to cling to it as they start vining upwards.
Watering & Feeding Tips
Consistent moisture is key for bean growth and production. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Hot or windy weather will increase their water needs.
To boost yields, feed every 2-3 weeks with a liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion or seaweed extract once flowering begins. This provides extra nutrients during the fruiting stage.
Adding a thick mulch layer helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. Grass clippings or shredded leaves work perfectly.
Preventing Pests & Diseases
Runner beans are relatively hardy, but be vigilant about watching for potential problems:
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Aphids – Blast off with water or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs help control populations.
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Bean beetles – Hand pick adults; discard any infested leaves. Row covers prevent problems.
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Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation. Prune affected foliage. Apply neem oil or a fungicide.
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Blossom drop – Ensure adequate water and nutrients. Mist flowers to aid pollination during dry or hot spells.
Check plants frequently and take action at the first signs of pests or disease to avoid major issues.
Harvesting Runner Bean Pods
You’ll start picking beans 55-65 days after sowing seeds. For optimal taste and texture, harvest pods before bulges from seeds are visible. Use scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging vines.
Pick beans every 2-3 days to encourage maximum production. Gently twisting pods off instead of pulling prevents vine damage.
Picking often keeps plants blooming and fruiting into fall. Expect 25-30 lbs. (10-15 kg) per 10 ft. (3 m) of plant row.
Caring for Plants After Harvest
Bean plants can be kept producing into fall by continuing to harvest pods. Once the last frost hits, it’s time to clear them out:
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Cut back vines at ground level and pull up stakes and trellises.
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Place any remaining pods in a paper bag to finish ripening indoors.
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Optional: Leave roots in place to decompose and release nitrogen into the soil.
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Mix in 1-2 inches of finished compost before winter to replenish nutrients.
With proper care after harvest, your container will be replenished and ready for next year’s runner bean crop!
Key Tips for Success with Runner Beans in Pots
Follow this checklist for a thriving potted crop:
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Use a deep, well-draining container 12+ inches deep. Bigger is better.
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Prepare nutrient-rich soil mix and add supports when planting.
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Sow seeds or transplant after all chance of frost. Space plants 6 in. apart.
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Water frequently, up to twice a day in hot weather. Add mulch to retain moisture.
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Feed with a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks once flowering starts.
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Scout for pests like aphids. Take action quickly on any issues.
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Harvest regularly once pods appear to encourage more production.
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Cut back vines and amend soil after final harvest to prep for next year.
With the right container, soil, and care, it’s easy to get a prolific harvest of tasty runner beans on a porch, patio, or balcony. Pay close attention to providing ample root space, moisture, support, and nutrients. Maintain vigilance against pests and diseases. Pick pods young and often. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying fresh beans all season long!
What are your best tips for growing runner beans in pots? Ask any questions below in the comments! I’d love to hear about your container bean gardening adventures.
Making a runner bean wigwam
For experienced growers, making runner bean wigwams is a yearly ritual. Its 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 youd 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. ( credit: Leigh Clapp)
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. ( credit: Getty s)
Grow Green Beans In Small Containers
FAQ
Do runner beans do well in pots?
If you don’t have much outside border space runner beans can grow well in large containers. I’d like a generous deep pot – ideally 30 litres, and I find you can use a mix of garden soil with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost, so spending less on bagged compost.
How deep does a container need to be to grow runner beans?
Alternatively, sow into a large container as their final growing site. For dwarf runner beans the container should be 30–45cm (12–18in) wide, and for climbing varieties 75cm (30in) wide, 45cm (18in) deep and heavy enough to keep it from toppling over once the beans are growing strongly up their supports.
What is the best month to plant runner beans?
Being a warm-season crop, scarlet runner beans are best planted after the weather has warmed up in spring. Early March is the best time to put these seeds in the ground here.
How big of a container do you need to grow beans?
For climbing varieties, choose a container at least 75cm (30in) wide, 45cm (18in) deep, and heavy enough to keep it from toppling over once the beans are …
Can you 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.
Can you grow runner beans in pots?
Growing runner beans in pots is a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homegrown beans even with limited space. By following these steps, you can cultivate a flourishing bean patch on your balcony or patio: Choose the right pot and soil. Select your favorite runner bean varieties. Sow the seeds indoors.
How do you grow runner beans in containers?
When growing Runner bean plants in containers, a wigwam framework is preferable. This can be formed from a circle of garden canes, tied together at the top. Growing Runner beans against walls and fences it is easiest to attach a piece of plastic horticultural mesh which will make perfectly adequate support.
How long do runner beans take to grow?
‘Runner beans take an average of 12 weeks to harvest.’ 1. Choose your pot well Start by picking out the right-size pot to accommodate both the plant’s long roots and moisture needs. ‘Runner beans require lots of watering so a large pot prevents the compost from drying out.
How do you grow running beans?
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.
Can you grow runner beans indoors?
Runner beans can be started indoors on a sunny windowsill, in a propagator, or in a greenhouse from the middle of April to the beginning of May. This will give you an earlier crop than sowing outdoors. Use small pots or trays of deep modules and fill with moist multi-purpose compost.