Mixing beans and peas - advice please

[shirlthegirl43]

I am growing climbing and runner beans for the first time this year and, as we are not big bean eaters, I only have a few of each plant.

Question is, can I plant the different types of bean (and my broad beans) in the same row or do I need different rows for each?

Also, if I can put all the beans in the same row, can I then plant peas on the other side of the framework?

Cheers folks, sorry if it is a really daft question but I thought I better check before doing something that would not help with changing our attitude to beans!

[smallblueplanet]

We grew runners and climbing frenchies up two halves of the same wigwam, and different types of frenchies up the same wigwam, no problem. But peas aren't as vigorous and depending on the type don't climb anywhere near as tall as climbing beans do/can. Broadbeans will crop a lot earlier than climbing beans (very cold sensitive) and again don't grow as tall.

On the other hand if you've only room for certain things, give your sowing pattern a go and see how they grow!

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks Manda. Was concerned about cross-pollination but I suppose if I am not saving seed it won't matter. Just wanting to try a few different sorts this year to see if we find one we like and then concentrate on that one next time. I usually just grow dwarf french but decided to experiment more.

[terrier]

Same here, I am just growing a few of each for variation, peas and beans and they will all be growing together along a wall. I have too much shade already on my small patch to put up wigwams,etc. The only problem is the wall I'm going to grow them on only has sun for about 6 hours a day (if I'm lucky and there is some sun!)but I'll give it a go and see what happens.

[slooky]

last year i planted my runner beans one side of a frame and climbing beans the other and they did ok. my only thought about mixing peas in is they may not get as tall and if the runners take off they may swamp them. you could also be picking broad beans before runners and climbers, my broad beans are in already in a double row 2 seeds to each hole 6-8 inches apart as i was advised by my 84 year old allotment neighbour
hope this helps

[Flummery]

I think it will work ok Shirl,as I see from another thread you are growing Alderman peas which are a tall vigorous variety.

[JennieAtkinson]

Shirl - I always plant a wigwam of half and half (half runner and half french). I successional sow, so there is always a wigwam at a different stage which means I don't get too bogged down in beans at the end of teh season.

I've never mixed beans and peas, although I do mix different varieties of peas. One one side of the frame and another the other side. It seems to work ok.

[shirlthegirl43]

Thanks for all the advice folks. I think I will put all the beans in one area and keep the peas separate.

[davefromthechipie]

Thanks for all the advice folks. I think I will put all the beans in one area and keep the peas separate.

I grow my peas about 1 foot away from runners only because beans will overtake/shade the peas too much . Keep um apart for that reason+ picking will be a nightmare

[Mike and Louise]

We grow our peas next to our broad beans and never had any problems.

[Eyren]

I'm growing peas and broad beans in the same bed because they finish at about the same time (early-midsummer) and can then be followed by something else. Ditto french and runner beans (but finishing in autumn)