Topic: runner bean trench rotation?

[Kevins299]

Most people on our allotment tend to keep their runner bean bed in the same place each year as the semi/permenant framework is difficult to move. Most compost the trench each year. However I am concerned that the lack of rotation may lead to problems. most swear that they havent had problems but that goes against rotation principles. so what do others think. do you rotate or keep them in the same spot. I am planning a more solid bean structure this year and will need to plan it propoerly if  I need to move it regularly

[grotbag]

hi kev , have kept runners in same spot for last 4 yrs and neverhad any probs always got a really good crop.hope this helps.

[tim]

Since it has long been said that, at least, a semi-permanent bed is OK, this is good, because beans want to be out of everything else's way. Unless you just have wigwams.

[supersprout]

Lots of views at http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/joomla/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,57/topic,13137.msg123780#msg123780

I am thinking of making permanent climbing bean beds on the North side of the plot (to avoid them shading other beds), but continuing to rotate peas, bush beans and broadies as normal.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Runners don't really have pests or diseases in the UK (apart from slugs) so they can be grown on the same spot indefinitely. They do need plenty of feeding though.

[Roy Bham UK]

I was fortunate enough to be given 8 old steel fencing spikes so I simply move the wooden posts each year to another bed for my rotation.

[MrsKP]

Since it has long been said that, at least, a semi-permanent bed is OK, this is good, because beans want to be out of everything else's way. Unless you just have wigwams.

'cuse me for being dumb but ..... please explain.

many thanks.

 :)

[Robert_Brenchley]

I plant a few wigwams every year whereever I've got space. They're simply eight 8-foot poles tied together near the top, with the beans grown up the poles.

[tim]

Mrs KP - I'll try!

1. It has often been said that you can use the same bed for years - 7 was quoted, I think.

2. Which means that you can put them where they do not shade other plants.

3. But, if you grow up wigwams, they give little shade & look attractive dotted around.

[MrsKP]

cheers tim.  my bean bed is the northest anyway and if i can leave it there, all the better.  with the plot being so small, there's no really much chance of just plonking a wigwam somewhere.  i think it's going to be a matter of how difficult it is to tie the poles together as to whether i get wigwams or not  ;D

[katynewbie]

Mrs KP, I use green cable ties to tie canes together for runner beans. Am useless with string, it ends up in a tangle and I lose the scissors/knife, so tasteful dark green cable ties work for me!!

 ;D