Runner Beans---TRIFFID!

Jack's_mummy · 13 April 2008 at 6:34PM

I had a good crop last year from 6 plants in a old wooden blanket box that was quite deep but this year I want more:rotfl:
So I thought about doing some extra tubs - my question is how deep/shallow a tub or pot can I use?

MRSMCAWBER · 13 April 2008 at 7:15PM

Hi there

Addictive isn't it

.... i have grown them well in 15" tubs and this year im doing them in troughs too that are only about 8" deep as my mum has done this and they were fine..plus i can get loads more tubs in the garden too

. It just means making sure i water them more often as they drink loads...

Jack's_mummy · 13 April 2008 at 8:24PM

Thankyou. Freezer full of yummy beans here I come

I have been reading about your growing veg collection on the OS weight thread! Very impressive - I hope it all crops really well for you.

MRSMCAWBER · 13 April 2008 at 8:38PM

Hi there

Thanks... think im getting a bit carried away with some of the things im attempting to grow in tubs -but i don't think the army would like me digging up all their garden

.
Im sure you will end up giving other things a go

Jack's_mummy · 13 April 2008 at 8:41PM

Oh I have a few things in the pipeline - DS is 3 and has just sown a few too many tomato seeds that amazingly have all come up so I am looking forward to those and loads of spring onions too (he doesn't even like them!)

~Chameleon~ · 13 April 2008 at 8:47PM

I'm hoping they grow ok in 10" deep troughs as this is what I've planned to put my beans this year because I doubt I'll get sufficient ground prepped in time for them too as there's just so much weed to tackle

squiggle37 · 14 April 2008 at 8:20AM

i had a great crop of beans last year im still eating them from freezer, dont think they will be any good this season as i moved house and the soil is clay and gooey so it wont be ready to plant im gonna have to put some in large pots, i have also ordered some dwarf runners for pots gonna compare them see how they go.
Happy beaning!!!

MRSMCAWBER · 14 April 2008 at 1:32PM

Chameleon...

You should be fine.. im growing allsorts in troughs, tubs and pots... Apparently hubby has decided that there is soooo much going on out there that i have an " apotment" in place of an allotment

Jacks mummy.... is your little one having a go at carrots? they grow well in tubs..in fact quite often better than in the ground as the forks and funny shapes happen when they hit stones -in pots they all seem to grow all lovely and straight..and they should grow quickly enough to keep him happy.... and raddishes grow really quickly -although you might have to eat them for him

I have even resorted to lining some collapsible crates with really thick cardboard to grow in..they hold a lot of compost and are nice n straight for lining up and making the most of your space.... not exactly classy but no-one will see them

Jack's_mummy · 14 April 2008 at 1:55PM

Oh yes we have done carrots the last 2 years - sooo sweet and yummy.

I like the collapsable crate idea. mmm think I have one somewhere...

Primrose · 14 April 2008 at 2:07PM

I think it's best to have containers about 12 inches deep if possible because runner beans have quite deep roots. Another hint for bean lovers. In very hot weather, runner bean flowers often drop without being fertilised and no beans will appear, especially if there are no bees around to fertilise them. If you grow climbing French Beans, the flowers are self fertile so will generate beans regardless of the weather. I now grow 50% of each variety to ensure I always get a crop. Thompson & Morgan have a purple bean variety called Blauhilde, who has purple flowers too, although the beans turn green when put into boiling water.