Runner Beans and Frames

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.