runner beans

[x-ray]

When the beans get to a certain height, do you have to crop the shoots ?

[sddsddean]

Wait until they get to the top of your bamboo wigwam (or whatever you are growing them up) and then just nip off the bud at the end of the stem with your fingers. This will stop the 'vine' growing up, so it can put all its energy into making big beans.

[x-ray]

Thanks sddsddean.
Will try this. Thought you had to do something like this but wasn't sure. Hopefully we will get a good crop. Supposedly the side shoots will grow further (with more beans)

[sddsddean]

Yes, it does that too.

[logic]

I have nipped the tips out of mine now at 5 foot, as they will still go another two foot anyway.

[tamborine]

Big runner beans are stringy, pick them at 6inches - far more tender & sweeter. Keep some in August/Sept large, to dry off for next years seeds.

[x-ray]

Thanks logic and tamborine for your comments