GARDENING: Runner bean failure? Buy new seeds every three years, says Brian Kidd

Runner beans are causing a stir this week. Several readers have written or phoned to tell me they have problems.
Causing consternation... runner beansCausing consternation... runner beans
Causing consternation... runner beans

I'm delighted many of you grow runners, especially those who tend only to grow flowers. They are attractive climbers and a magnet for bees.

The first letter was from a new allotment holder at Portchester. Leaves were sent in and only their veins were left intact. The problem? Slugs and snails. There were no signs of these pests during the day but after being watered on just one night, the whole row was shredded. Slugs had come through the allotment fence from land outside the site.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To stop this treat the area below the fence with Slug Gel liquid slug killer. One application squirted correctly will solve the problem immediately. It does not hurt any other creature.

I sometimes get letters from gardeners who suddenly have a complete runner bean failure. The seeds germinate well but as the plants start to climb, they die. This is because the seeds have been saved year after year from the same stock. It's even worse if the runner beans are always grown in the same place. To overcome this buy new seeds every three years. I never save mine because we eat all our beans leaving none to produce seeds!

Germination is the next problem '“ the beans don't come up. There are numerous reasons. Too dry? Old seed? Crows and pigeons? The answer? Pre-chit the seeds before planting.

Put a sheet of wet absorbent kitchen paper in a lunchbox. Pour in the seeds and put the lid on. Keep in the dark and look daily to see if a little root has appeared. Keep the paper moist.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Once roots are visible put each seed into inset cells with Universal compost. Plant out the seedlings when they are four inches high. Birds are not interested in the seedlings but slugs and snails will be. If roots don't appear, the seeds are not viable. Don't blame me '“ the seeds were no good.

The next problem is that the flowers fall off and there are no beans.The culprit? Early morning sparrows. The answer? Make the shape of a cat lying down out of cardboard. Paint it black with a white patch on the front and put marbles where the eyes should be. Put this on the ground half way along the row of beans and move it every day. Don't hang it up '“ birds know cats can't fly.

Finally, loads of leaves but no flowers. Reason? Too much manure. Remove half the leaves and compost them. Fork over the soil and scatter just half an ounce of sulphate of potash to a yard run, no more. Water in. An alternative is to cut the plants down to half their height. They will soon grow again. Now add the potash; this will do the trick.

Inspired to grow some? I hope so and if sown in the next week you'll have a good crop from early autumn until we have a frost.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Can't grow them because you live in a flat? Oh yes you can. Plant seven in a growing bag on its side on a path and fix eight-feet-long canes to a wall. Many of you do this already.

THIS WEEK'S TOP TIP

Remove single flowers on begonias which should have double flowers. If you forget to do this even more single flowers will appear.

 

Â