Grow a Row of Beans

Climbing French and runner beans are among the most productive vegetable plants in the garden, but you do have to treat them well to get the best crops. They are easy to care for once planted out and established, but the key to success is to nourish the soil well before planting time.

When to Start: Spring
At Their Best: Summer
Time to Complete: 3 hours over a few months

Materials Needed:

• bean seeds
• coir pots
• seed soil

• garden stakes
• string
• finished compost

Sow Seeds in Pots

French and runner beans are sensitive to frost, so sow them inside, one to each pot. Set the pots on a tray in a warm, sunny spot, and water the seedlings regularly; do not let them dry out. Plant them out-doors once all risk of frost has passed.

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Prepare Your Trench

Dig out a trench to at least one shovel's depth and fill the base with a deep layer of compost. This will give your beans the energy they need. Then, use long garden stakes to create a sturdy climbing frame to support them all summer.

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Tie in Stems

Plant one seedling at the base of each stake and tie the stem to it, until it takes hold by itself. You can also sow bean seeds directly into the soil in late spring, after the frosts. If you do, plant two seeds per stake in case one fails to grow. If both come up, weed out the weaker one.

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