Spring 2011 Cornish Gardener 11


A garden full of beans F


ew vegetable gardens in summer are without at least one row of runner


beans, because we British love our runners. Probably more than any country in the world. Runner beans arrived in the country by way of South America in the 17th century, but it took another 100 years for anyone to realise they were edible. Before that they were grown just for their flowers. Now the beans, sneered at by some chefs who favour the French bean, are a top favourite vegetable. They are simple to grow, but because they are fast growing and produce a huge crop, they need high-quality soil and this entails a bit of hard work. Now is the time to dig a bean trench, at least 2ft deep and 18in wide, and fill it with well-rotted compost or manure. Firm down and replace the top soil. This trench will ensure the plants get plenty of moisture and nutrients as they grow. After the trench is prepared, put in the supports, remembering that the mature bean row will be heavy. Don’t worry about the height, you can curtail the growth once the beans reach the top, but around 6-8ft tall is most suitable.


Push the poles in firmly at least 1ft deep, cross the tops and lay other poles across,


tying firmly in place with weatherproof string or wire. For those with small gardens, a couple of wigwams made from bamboo are ideal, in which case make a circular trench rather than a long straight one. Beans are only half hardy and susceptible to frost, so can’t be planted too early. You can either sow in warmth at the end of April, singly in small pots, or sow in late May and early June straight into the soil. To be sure of a good supply of plants it might be an idea to sow some under glass as well as some into the ground. The former should be hardened off properly and not put out until all danger of frost has gone, about the end of May.


B


eans need little care. You can help the young ones attach themselves to the


supports by tying in, but it isn’t really necessary. Provide some slug protection for the new seedlings, keep well watered and hoe out any little weeds, leaving them on the surface to act as a mulch. Feed occasionally. Pick the beans as soon as they are big enough and continue to pick to prevent them setting seed. There are dozens of varieties with scarlet, pink or white flowers, differing only in the length of the pods. They all taste the same.


Family business keeps its traditions R


ising Sun Nurseries is a family-owned garden centre that has been in


business for more than 40 years. It is now getting ready for the 2011 season, starting with onion sets, shallots and seed potatoes which they still sell in the traditional way, ie: loose and priced by the lb/kg. They also have a vast range of plants including herbaceous, rockery, roses, fruit trees and bushes and a good selection of herbs and vegetable plants. The new range of patio plants for


hanging baskets and pots are available from April onwards, or simply choose from the range of summer filled baskets ready for you to hang outside which are available from mid-May. The garden centre has recently updated its website so please go online and see all the many other things it carries by visiting www.risingsunnurseries.co.uk The website also includes the full range of compost offers which are available for the summer season. Happy gardening to you all.


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