mulching runner beans

[hawthorns]

im about to plant out my runner beans into a wooden trough. ive read somewhere that you can mulch them with fresh grass cuttings. is this good practise

[Matt.]

Yes and adding the clippings to the base of the trench before you plant is good too.

[Flummery]

The main point is - keep them damp. They do like a drop of moisture!

[rustylady]

Runner beans are thirsty plants. Any steps you can take to ensure the roots have enough water are good. If you make a bean trench and fill (or part fill) with well rotted compost or manure, and then mulch with the same or grass cuttings, you should be OK. However, if we have a long hot dry summer you may still need to water. If you do, then give enough to penetrate the ground to about a foot depth once a week. Watering little and often does more harm than good.

[Two_Sheds]

The function of a bean trench is more to keep water in, than to feed the plants. Mulches are brilliant - I mulched my onions with grass clippings today, and will do the same with my spuds when they're up a bit more.