Thinking ahead.....

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by JJ28, Aug 24, 2015.

  1. JJ28

    JJ28 Gardener

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    ......to when the - very, very prolific :-) runner beans are over. Should I pull up the whole plant, roots and all, or cut at bottom of stem to leave the roots in the ground? I've got the idea from somewhere that the roots should be left, but don't know why I think that. Thank you experts.
     
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  2. *Potash*

    *Potash* Gardener

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    Yep, the roots have got nitrogen fixing nodules on them, left in the ground they'll provide nutrient.

    If you cover them with about 4 inches of compost they could survive over winter, they're tender perenials :)
     
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    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      We always leave them in the ground, until digging and composting time. Some of ours usually hide during the digging and start growing next season. :)
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        I leave mine in the ground too. Come the winter when I prepare the bed for the following crop (I grow runners in the same spot year after year), the roots get chopped up along with a generous helping of very fresh compost.
         
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        • shiney

          shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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          I'm with John :blue thumb:. Although there's all the information about rotation of crops we always have our beans in the same place, and they've been there for over 40 years. Good digging and composting seems to cope with any negatives. I think that having the ground covered all the time, as we grow the beans through weed suppressant fabric, also may help.
           
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          • JJ28

            JJ28 Gardener

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            Thank you for replies. I hadn't realised they could grow again next year, although I was going to give rotation a try.....now it seems the beans will be in same spot next year.
             
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          • shiney

            shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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            It makes things easier if you want to build a permanent frame for growing the beans. :blue thumb:
             
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