runner beans

[Yvonne]

I have saved my runner beans seeds (Scarlet Emperor) from last year and have started them off in pots indoors. I was wondering if they could be grown in large pots up a wigwam. I have read my gardening books but nothing there to confirm this. Should I use soil or buy compost/John Innes? How frequent would they need feeding? What do you think?

[Alice]

yes Yvonne, you can grow your runner beans in large pots. I am doing this and they are getting on fine. Still indoors as weather really unseasonably cold.
I am using the compost from grow bags as this contains some feeding then I will feed them frequently as they are very greedy. when you are finished growing them in the pot be sure to give the compost to other plants as a feed as the beans fix the nitrogen in the compost and makes great feed for others. Good luck. Hope you get a great crop.

[sewer rat]

Hi Yvonne
I grew Scarlet Emperor last year and had eight planted in a half whisky barrel filled with multi purpose compost, trained up a bamboo cane wigwam. Had good results from them - fed them once a week with Tomrite tomato feed. So crack on

[Yvonne]

Runner Beans

Thanks for the prompt reply. I will transfer the beans to large pots soon and will protect from frost.

[nick the grief]

My Sister always grown runners in tubs Yvonne. What she does is puts a layer of rotted manure (she usually buys a bag or two from the garden centre) then tops it up wth Multi Purpose. Beans are hungry feeders esp in pots, so it gives them a bit extra. You could always use a JI no3 instead of Multi purpose, it would make watering a bit easier in the height of summer (if we have any )

[JennieAtkinson]

My first year in the polytunnel I grew runner beans in pots and they were fantastic. Lots of leaf, but a great number of beans too. I didn't use too big pots as someone told me they like to be constrained. Anyone else heard that one?

Don't laugh - but I think I fed them on tomatoe feed.

[Jaxom]

Tomato feed encourages flowers so thats what you want with beans. Loads of flowers which will turn into wonderful bean pods.
Jax

[andrewo]

You can grow must beans and peas in pots as long as you give them a good feed, plenty of organic matter to start them off and make sure that the pot never dries out.