New Idea for Runner Bean Frame

I need to build a cold frame next year. I'm getting T-d off carrying things out and back. Not that I haven't been doing that for years (yeah, OK, and Years and YEARS ) but this year I have been much more organised so have a succession of veg plants coming on in pots.

That reminds me, haven't down my July sowings yet ...

But I have 10 trays, at least, with up to 20 pots in each one ... and opening / closing the lights on a cold frame would be better, and moving them in and out every day causes occasional damage of course.

I used to have a lovely cold frame. Built it in Woodwork class at school. Perhaps I should go back? No, probably not such a good idea ... I expect I would get arrested with all that temptation!

 

Looks fantastic John and I'll definately be using this method next year as it utilizes all the space and can be underplanted too.

Our beans are 3-4 inches long now so should be cropping soon..we hope.

Steve...

 

I have only grown half the number of Runner Bean plants this year ... to try to stem the flow!

I planted two wig-wams of climbing French beans in the greenhouse (for an early crop). Can't see a single bean for all the foliage :( so next year I'll either make a frame like yours (up the greenhouse wall, and up the roof, not hard if I thought about it a bit, eh? :( but I'm thinking that Dwarf French beans might be altogether easier in the greenhouse. Going to try some of them in the greenhouse this Autumn.

Very smart looking bean frame John. Are the bricks to stand on whilst picking - because you have got something planted between? (If so I'm curious as to what?)

 

Am I the first to grow them up a trachycarpus :lollol:

Sown late I am still hopeful of a reasonable Sunday dinner :gnthb:

 

My boy brought them home from school, but as space is a premium they are grown in compost bags just bought slit open and sown. Lol I have tomatoes growing up another on the deck.:D

 

Is this some sort of latter-day three-sisters? :D

 

I'm about to put in my bean poles, and I'm curious about something...

Why is it that generally bean poles are placed in either an inverted v shape ^ or a wigwam shape.

Giving this some thought, wouldn't a V shape be a better option in respect of picking the beans, as they would simply hang down, and not get potentially hidden?

 

An old boy I knew years ago always grew his on an X shaped row for that very reason.

Its a bit more stable and self supporting than a V shape would be, I guess.

 

I agree a V shape would probably be better for the beans but it's a much less stable arrangement. the classic inverted V braces the beanpoles and makes them less likely to get blown over.
Perhaps you could design a system to support the poles - you could make a fortune

 

Thank you both for your replies.

That's the good thing about me and my job. I design and make timber structures for a living, so a simple V shape frame work shouldn't prove to be over taxing. I already have a plan in my head, and now just need to find the time to make it.:(