End of my runner beans

I think my runner beans are just about finished. It was my first year and I didn't make a proper support so missed quite a few beans which went huge and purple deep in the foliage, so the plants have probably finished producing. We have had plenty though and there is quite a supply in the freezer and I was able to introduce my french neighbours to runner beans - which was fun in itself :D

My question is - as the plants look healthy and no pests can I put all the plants on the compost heap? Should I pull them up or just cut them at the base and leave the roots in to rot?

Ta muchly

 

Kryssy are there any beans left on the plants? If so you could leave them for next years seed. David.

 

I also meant to say that if there are no beans and no flowers left then cut the plants off at the base and put them in the compost, leave the roots in the ground for now to add nitrogen. David.

 

I used to find my runners always made a come back in september, quite often flowering much better than in the summer.
Pretty sure they dont like heat, so if you've had a hot spell that might have stopped them, its just an idea.

 

hey there, guess what I am trying a late crop. I planted these last week and they are abot twenty centimeters high, I will be uploading the picture on my website tonight, why dont you have a go at a late batch, who knows this english wether might be a belter in september

 

Let me know if you want some seeds!

My family have been growing the same batch seeds collected year on year for about 50 years. Great croppers too , mostly longpod variety of some ilk.

Email me if you want some, i have seed from last 2 years.

This year I'm trying something a bit different: I'm collecting approx 50 seeds each month, to try next year to see if i get a difference in crops.

 

Thank you all for your good advice. There are just a few flowers on the plants so perhaps I'll leave them a little longer to see if more beans develop. We haven't had really hot weather this year, but it has been quite dry. I didn't realise the beans needed so much water and some shade. They are out in the sun all day long and they only get watered when it rains. I suppose they are rather neglected !!

I wouldn't mind trying some of your seeds Oktarine so I will email you about that - thank you for your kind offer. And, I will try to let any new pod develop into seeds too.

So, the plants have gained a reprieve - for now :D

 

50 years with cross pollination, you must have either a new variety or a very mongrel strain. At least they should have adapted to local conditions by now. I grow Enorma and get pods up to 18" long.

 

Not sure about the technical bit shiney, I just keep picking and they just keep growing.

I leave the tech stuff to the RHS!

 

As this is the first time I have ever tried growing from seed I bought a packet of runner beans to put in with sweat peas I had no idea what to expect.When I saw the lovely flowers I was delighted and the beans were a bonus I had only ever tasted beans out of a tin I have just been picking them when they are about the length of my hand ,I dont know if I should leave them on longer But they taste super

 

I've grown them from seed (or bean) for the first time this year too. They have been cropping for ages and I have loads stored in the freezer. I harvest them when they're about 8" or 10" long. There's no end in sight yet!

My sweet peas are still going great guns too, I cut off any pods that form on them so they'll keep flowering.