Runner Beans and Frames

JWK · May 22, 2024

I noticed there has been some discussion about runner bean frames, I thought it would be good to show how we do it. I've nicked ideas from previous posts.

If using a traditional 'A' frame structure using bean poles/canes a North/South alignment will ensure sunlight to both sides.

@shiney uses a modified 'X' frame system:

shiney said: ↑
We grow a lot so I use this method:-

I used to cross the canes at the top and run the supporting can along there. Then I found that strong winds could blow them over as there was little give in the structure. I then started crossing them lower down with the supporting canes across them below waist height. This allowed flexibility for the upper half of the canes and also had the side effect of the beans hanging outwards and easier to pick.

I then decided that as the beans grow quickly I wouldn't bother to pinch them out at the top of the canes but ran strings overhead (cat's cradle style) and train them across like vines.

Once they really got going it did require me to weave them across the cat's cradle otherwise they tried to climb to the sky.

This is a view across the top later on in the season.

I even extended the cat's cradle outside the main framework to run to strings stretched across outside poles

The beans across the cat's cradle are much easier to pick

A lot of the plants grow as much as 14ft using this method.
Click to expand...

JWK · May 22, 2024

I use a 'Munty' frame, it has a single sloping side (a goal post type structure with the beans as the 'net'), the open end faces south. I have just re-built it as the old one started to collapse:

This next image is pinched from the net and shows the frame a bit more clearly than in my crowded plot:

From a previous year, view from behind:

My frame allows use of the bed underneath for growing other crops.

With the beans at the top of the frame they cast a fair bit of shade, which helps keep my greenhouse cooler at the height of summer.

shiney · May 22, 2024

Thanks @JWK

Here's one I did earlier

I've Bean Meaning To Start This Year's Thread

misterQ · May 24, 2024

I don't have the materials to construct a proper Munty frame but I found that a bed frame and a curtain pole will serve the same purpose.

I grow swiss chard, potato and runner beans together in the same container. Chard will be harvested within the next 2-3 weeks, then the runner beans and then the potatoes at the end of the season.

Goldenlily26 · May 25, 2024

I am impressed. Because we have such strong wind I have to build Fort Know with a lot of bracing support for anything I grow my runners on. I have tried tunnels and wigwams and this year am trying plastic covered metal poles. Part of my problem is shallow soil with compacted shale. I have considered using scaffolding poles for the frame. It is so disheartening to have the beans in full crop only to be flattened.

Hanglow · May 25, 2024

Great reuse of an old bedframe

I use old aluminium supports from an old conservatory at the ends and along the top, and then washing line poles at an angle for the beans to run up. It's very secure, I did try bamboo the first couple of years but by august they couldn't take the weight and wind.

DiggersJo · May 25, 2024

I've started using x3 canes tied together in a triangle to boost their strength. Will definitely extend the structure based on information from this thread.

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Runner Beans and Frames

JWK Gardener Staff Member

JWK Gardener Staff Member

shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

misterQ Super Gardener

Goldenlily26 Total Gardener

Hanglow Total Gardener

DiggersJo Head Gardener

Where should I plant out these runner beans?

Supporting Runner Beans

Runner beans

Collecting runner beans to plant for next year

Runner beans being left to dry

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Runner Beans and Frames

JWK Gardener Staff Member

JWK Gardener Staff Member

shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

misterQ Super Gardener

Goldenlily26 Total Gardener

Hanglow Total Gardener

DiggersJo Head Gardener

Where should I plant out these runner beans?

Supporting Runner Beans

Runner beans

Collecting runner beans to plant for next year

Runner beans being left to dry

Share This Page

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