runner beans

Question 1

When should you sow runner beans?

Answer 1

Sow outdoors mid may to June after the risk of frost has passed.

Question 2

Describe the ideal site for runner beans

Answer 2

Shelter from wind, good drainage, no frost pockets, good moisture retention, light neutral soil.

Question 3

Describe how to sow runner beans

Answer 3

dig organic matter into site
sow double row in drills 30cm apart and 5cm deep
Leave 15cm between each seed.
Water well.
Mulch when first truss of flowers is developed

Question 4

When should you harvest runner beans

Answer 4

July to September

Question 5

How can you get a higher yeild

Answer 5

continual harvesting

Question 6

Named cultivar

Answer 6

Phaseolus coccineus ‘Achievement’

Question 7

How can you store runner beans?

Answer 7

They can be stored in trays for a few days, or they can be dried and kept in a cool store.

Question 8

How long can you store runner beans for?

Answer 8

Can be stored for a few days in trays, or if they are dried they can be stored in a cool store for one year.

Question 9

One pest that effects crop and how to control it

Answer 9

Black bean aphid - Black aphids cover the tips of the new shoots and eat the leaves. Remove with a strong blast of water and a fatty acid spray.

Question 10

One disease that effects crop and how to control it

Answer 10

Botrytis - a grey mould appears on the end of the pods. Plant with adequate space for good air flow around the plants.