Runner Beans 6'6" x 4' Plot

[Convolvulus]

Hi All,

A (hopefully) simple question.

We have a small 6'6" x 4' plot which we want to plant runner beans in and are keen to maximise the yield.

Assuming that 4' is too narrow to get two parallel 6' 6" rows in, should we just go for a single 6'6" row, two 4' rows, two "wigwams" or something else?

Many thanks for any suggestions and apologies, if this been covered elsewhere, please point us in the right direction.

Mr & Mrs C.

[Greenleaves]

You will be suprised how many beans you will get off a 6 foot row, basically if you keep picking they will keep cropping right up until the first frost. I love runners but cant eat them every night so my 8 foot row will give me enough for fresh pickings and also plenty to freeze

[snakeshack]

My beds are 8ft by 4 and I have no trouble getting 2 rows

[veggiechicken]

Some photos of bean frames for ideas!

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...mes_70103.html
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...mes_58608.html

[Convolvulus]

Edit: Apologies, I'm thinking in terms of structures not plants - so "one row" = two rows of beans.

[veggiechicken]

You'll need space between the 2 (double) rows to pick the beans.

[Martin H]

Last year I did a double wigwam in approximately that size space. It worked fine:

[Thelma Sanders]

If you do a double row of canes (2ft between the rows of canes) down one side you could add a short row at right angles at each end of the bed. Making a double
[ shape.
This would give you another 4ft of double rows in the bed(2ft extra at each end)
It would still give you space to put something like a few lettuce or a courgette in the gap,

[Convolvulus]

Thanks all for feedback. we've bitten the bullet and put up my bean poles in a single straight line (we might add on the "ends" suggested by Thelma if we find a few more poles).



The beans chosen by Mrs C are Moonlight (currently enjoying life in the GH until the risk not frost abates) which according to the packet should be sowed min of 6"- 9" apart which should give us 18-20 plants.

Looking forward to planting soon!

[maverick451]

Could you put some dwarf beans (runner or french) in front? or maybe something else to make use of that space?