Runner beans.

[grannyjanny]

We will have an 18'x5' bed to grow beans in. We also have a seating area at the top of the plot. If we grow an 18' row of beans they will block our view. If we were to grow shorter rows how many could we get in the 5'bed. We have 3 beans to grow, teeny beany, red rum & bleauhide, (sp).
Janet

[grannyjanny]

[zigzig]

I take it that you mean three varieties of beans. NOT just three beans.

You can space them at 7 inches apart. Less if you want to. They do thrive just as well close together despite what any one else says and I think look better that way. You could do 10 to a 5 feet row and then another row so that the canes rest on each other, making a sort of tent frame.

They will certainly make a wall you can not see through because they grow up to 8 feet tall eventually, but most of us let them hang over at the top after about 6ft, because most of us would need a ladder to pick them if they went to their full height.

Remember to pick them young or they gett stringy and the more you pick, the more they grow.

May is soon enough to plant them in the UK, if you try too soon in pots, indoors they get too big before it is frost free enough to get them in place. They grow fast.

[Tulipa]

Hi Janet,

Could you still plant your rows lengthwise but instead of a solid row tie each four canes into a wigwam?  I do that to minimise the shade on the veggies near to the beans.  At least you would have glimpses of your view.  Obviously if you don't use canes this might be a bit difficult. ;)

T.

[saddad]

On a related theme... don't forget the decorative effect... painted lady for two tone flowers, sunset (pink) and there is a yellow foilage one. Or just throw in a few sweet peas as well...  ;D

[Barnowl]

For runner beans, I found two plants per bamboo pole about 10" apart yielded better than one per pole 6" apart but that might not be true in all soils and seasons - it was a very good year for runner beans last year: lots of rain.