Runner beans are an ideal solution for those who want to grow vegetables in a fairly confined space. They can grow up to 3m tall and need support in the form of wigwams of canes or runner bean nets. They will grow quite happily in a large pot as well as in a bed. There are a few varieties of runner bean - I have grown both white apollo and white lady, both of which cropped well and produced white flowers instead of the more usual red flowers. Runner beans ar sensitive to frost, so it's best to start them off indoors in small pots before transplanting them outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. They will tolerate shade, but you'll get a ...  Read the complete review

I know this isn’t my usual sort of topic to write about but I thought I’d have a go at a gardening opinion and tell you about my runner beans. I have always grown runner beans for two reasons really, firstly because my dad, and now my partner, Dave, love them especially home grown, and secondly because they’re dead easy to grow! The seeds that I use these days are a variety called Lady Di, which were originally recommended to me by my uncle, as they are stringless. I grew them for one year and was so impressed by the crop and the taste that I have used the same variety every year since. I had a conservatory built about 7 years ...  Read the complete review

I haven't had so much time for gardening in recent years. There always seem to be more pressing demands. But this year I've been making a determined effort to grow at least a few healthy vegetables, including an old favourite: runner beans. Despite the somewhat mixed weather here in Scotland, and less than ideal garden conditions, my efforts are finally being rewarded. It's no secret: there's nothing quite like fresh food straight from the garden - and it's really not too hard to achieve, even with limited time and space. So, in a departure from my usual subjects, I felt this most recent experience worth sharing. The 'Scarlet runners' that I grow ...  Read the complete review

Well it?s that time of year again, time to get busy in the garden digging, weeding, sowing, planting and hoeing to mention but a few things. I only have a very small back garden so it?s up to me to make the best of the space provided as I do love fresh veggies straight from the garden mmm there?s nothing better, except chocolate of course. This week I?ve been sowing some of my favourites, the good old runner bean. When you first start off growing these you will need to buy a packet of seeds, they are readily available from loads of places from garden centres to supermarkets, after your first year simply allow one of your plants to go to ...  Read the complete review

Of all the vegetables that can be grown in this country, runner beans are my absolute favourite. I can eat pounds of them and still come back for more. Homegrown runner beans bear little resemblance to those bought in a supermarket, and are so easy to grow and care for. Even a few beans grown in a small garden will produce plenty of vegetables for the kitchen. Most people are aware of the scarlet flowers we usually associate with runner beans, but there are many varieties that produce different coloured flowers. I have grown runners with white flowers, pink ones and even multicoloured ones. Because of how attractive they are when growing, it might even be worth ...  Read the complete review