I have loads of mange tout to plant and one solidary runner bean plant (the rest got mauled before I realised how much slugs loved them).
I have 30 4ft bean poles. Looking at the back of the packet it appears this is high enough for mange tout.
So... do I arrange them in teepees or straight?? I see different styles on the allotment and don't know if its just personal taste. Any tips on tying etc.
And how high should the runner bean be supported for (will it be okay on the same size and with the mange tout?)
Becky
Your runner may make 8 foot ,as for design well ease of picking something to think of.
For my runner beans I make teepees as they make less shade on the other plants - will your mange tout shade anything? Will you need to make a tripod for your runner to support it?
At the moment the only thing it will shade is black plastic !!!!
I have only cleared about 10% of my allotment so far (which is already full with onions and shallots). I have been told that you shouldn't put beans and peas next to them so I will be clearing a space (if the rain ever stops) at the other side of the allotment for them).
Becky
Hi Becky. I think it's a personal thing. I've had teepees before and didn't really get on with them for picking but they were in the garden so space meant it was the best option. Now I have the plot I have made a row where you put in 2 rows of canes and tie them in at the top with a cane going along the top for support. I've netted this too.
My runners usually make about 6/7 foot but they can reach 8. I have all my beans together this year. They are all climbers of different varieties. I haven't tied them in coz at the moment they seem to be fairly self supporting. I guess you can use twisty ties or soft garden string.
Love that black plastic! 8)
Is your's a windy site? If so, teepees win hands down. They are harder to blow down anyway, but if the worse happens, you've only lost one teepee; a straight line can collapse like a pack of cards.
And I think they look prettier as well: you can place them artistically at ends of beds, or to create a bit of height, or act as a focal point. And they don't shade as much as a straight run would.