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Growing runner beans
The main thing in growing runner beans (which I only worked out when we started an allotment) is that you have to feed the greedy little buggers.
Runner beans are hungry, but if fed well, and watered, they will grow well.
The best trick is to dig a trench where you want them to grow and fill it with as much compost/manure as you can find. Top it up with soil (possibly with a low ridge on the outside so you can water them without all the water running away).
When they're small, protect them with mini-cloches made from cut up drinks bottles. A one litre pop bottle will make tubes for two baby runner beans. Just cut two large cylinders. They provide shelter from the wind and if pressed well into the ground also help to deter slugs.
Runner beans are hungry, but if fed well, and watered, they will grow well.
The best trick is to dig a trench where you want them to grow and fill it with as much compost/manure as you can find. Top it up with soil (possibly with a low ridge on the outside so you can water them without all the water running away).
When they're small, protect them with mini-cloches made from cut up drinks bottles. A one litre pop bottle will make tubes for two baby runner beans. Just cut two large cylinders. They provide shelter from the wind and if pressed well into the ground also help to deter slugs.