Topic: Possibly a daft question about potatoes and beans

[gwynnethmary]

We have a few 2nd earlies ( Kestrel)  at the end of our maincrop potato bed.  When they come out, what could we usefully put there until the maincrops come out?  I was thinking on the lines of dwarf french beans, as I have read that these are good as a green manure.  Would that count as the next crop in a rotation system, or could I still plant legumes there next spring, as was my intention? And could I sow beans when the maincrops come out, or would it be too late by then?

[Unwashed]

None of the legumes are fussy about rotation, not being too demanding on nutrients and not accumulating soil pests.  Potatoes need a four-year rotation, but you could plant legumes in the same place without much trouble.  For example, it's not unusual to find people who grow their runners in the same place up a permanent frame.

[antipodes]

Yes, stick in  a little fertilizer and plant your beans. When they have given all they can, just chop them down, don't pull them out and let them rot back into the soil. I have always done that with my beans. By spring they will be just a memory...

[gwynnethmary]

And could I sow beans when the maincrops come out, or would it be too late by then?

[Unwashed]

Much too late I'd have thought.  I think your only options are peas and beans that will over-winter - Aquadulce Claudia broad beans, but I don't know pea variety off the top of my head, I think they can go in in October.

[aquilegia]

Not sure when you're spuds are coming out, but could you sow some peas or beans in containers now to plant out after the spuds?