Introduction
French beans are an essential crop for Wellies and Waxjackets due to their prolific nature and versatility. They freeze well, but fresh beans are preferred for their superior taste. There are two main types of French beans: climbing and dwarf. Dwarf beans thrive in small spaces, making them ideal for containers and early crops. Climbing beans require tall, sturdy supports and do best in the ground, although they can also be grown in large containers. By growing vertically, climbers can yield a substantial crop in a limited area.
Dwarf beans are quick to grow but have a short harvest window, so multiple sowings are recommended for a continuous summer supply. Climbing beans take longer to reach maturity but provide beans over a more extended period, from mid-summer to early autumn, if picked regularly. A combination of both types is often the best choice.
Why Grow French Beans
Wellies and Waxjackets utilises a rating system to decide on crops, evaluating factors such as taste, health benefits, cost, yield, harvest period, and organic availability. French beans score highly in this system, being delicious, relatively expensive to purchase, prolific, and offering a consistent harvest over a long period. Organically grown French beans are rarely found in stores.
How Many to Plant?
French beans are incredibly productive and popular for freezing. For a family of four, approximately 2m² of dwarf beans is sufficient for fresh eating, while a single 2m row of climbing beans will also suffice. This equates to around 10 dwarf plants or 7 climbing plants per person. However, for those who wish to freeze or dry beans, more plants may be necessary. While many prefer to grow for freezing, Wellies and Waxjackets focuses on fresh consumption.
Suitability for Different Growing Environments
Both dwarf and climbing French beans can be cultivated in containers, though dwarf varieties are more suited for this method. However, yields from containers can be limited. For early crops in a polytunnel, climbing beans are preferred. Both types benefit from large containers; dwarf beans can produce a good harvest in a 35-litre container, while a 50-litre container is ideal for both types.
Lifecycle
French beans grow close to full size before flowering. The flowers are self-fertile, eliminating the need for insect pollination. Dwarf beans have a brief harvest window of a few weeks, whereas climbing French beans can last 6-8 weeks or longer. Runner beans offer an even longer harvest window.
Sowing and Harvesting Periods
A mix of beans provides an extended harvest window from early May to mid-October. Starting with broad beans and concluding with runner beans, it’s possible to harvest from legume plants year-round.
Super Earlies (Sow in Early March)
For a harvest in late April or early May, sowing early in a heated space is recommended. This method can yield beans about a month earlier than those grown in a polytunnel, without the risk of frost. Starting in a container that can be moved outside in May is advisable, though a modest harvest means one container is sufficient.
First Earlies (Sow in Early April)
Cobra climbing beans can be sown indoors and planted out 2-3 weeks later, ideally in a polytunnel for protection against late frosts. This early crop typically lasts about 6 weeks, allowing for a smooth transition to the second early crop.
Early Maincrop (Sow in Early May)
Dwarf French beans are perfect for early main-crop sowing. They mature faster than climbing beans and can be grown under a low tunnel for protection against frost and high winds. Direct sowing is preferred after winter crops, but pre-germination techniques can expedite the process.
Main Crop (Sow Mid-May)
These are the first beans sown outside. Although beans can be grown earlier, unpredictable weather makes later sowings more successful. Dwarf varieties are better for early sowings, but a mid-May direct sowing tends to yield better results.
Late Main Crop (Sow in Early July)
French beans thrive in mid-summer warmth, enabling rapid growth to maturity and extended harvest periods. These beans can be planted directly in the ground or started in modules for staggered harvesting.
Late Crop (Sow in Late August)
Late sowings of beans are not recommended, as they prefer the warmth and light of summer, which diminishes by late October.
Recommended Varieties
Wellies and Waxjackets offers a wide variety of French beans, particularly yellow and green climbing types. Amethyst is a notable dwarf purple variety. However, dried bean varieties are not grown due to the affordability of dried and canned options.
How to Sow
Beans are typically sown directly in the ground, spaced about 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep. However, mice can be a problem, so starting seeds in modules is advisable. This method reduces germination time significantly.
How to Prick Out/Pot On
Pricking out and potting on are generally not necessary for beans.
Where to Plant
A sunny location, ideally sheltered from the wind, is best for planting. Mulching with compost before planting is recommended, and adding blood fish and bone can be beneficial.
How to Plant and Spacing
If not sown directly, simply dib a hole and place the module inside, firming the soil around it without burying the stem. Dwarf beans should be planted 6 inches apart, while climbing beans can be spaced similarly in rows or around the perimeter of containers.
Protecting and Supporting Your Plants
While dwarf beans typically don't need support, they may become floppy under heavy yields. Planting them close together can provide additional stability.
How to Feed and Water
Both climbing and dwarf beans require ample water, with no additional feed necessary if the soil is well-prepared with compost or manure. Liquid seaweed can provide exceptional results.
How to Prune/Manage While Growing
Young plants may need assistance winding onto canes. A thick mulch can help retain moisture. Pinching out growing tips and side shoots is advisable once the beans reach the top of their canes.
How and When to Harvest
Harvest beans when they are young and tender, typically 6-8 inches long. Frequent harvesting encourages continued production.
How to Store
Beans can be stored in their pods in the fridge for about a week or blanched, frozen on a tray, and then bagged.
How to Eat/Cook
Beans are often steamed, but numerous recipes are available for various preparations.
How to Deal with Pests and Disease
Wellies and Waxjackets experiences minimal pest and disease issues.
When and How to Remove the Plants
Plants should be snipped off just below the soil surface, leaving the roots in place. These roots contribute organic matter but can be removed if they interfere with subsequent crops.
What to Plant Before
In the polytunnel, plant after removing containers of carrots. In the ground, plant after garlic, chard, brassicas, spinach, lettuce, or salad onions.
What to Plant After
Post-harvest crops can include salad onions, garlic, broad beans, lamb's lettuce, claytonia, and peas.
What to Interplant With
Beans are best planted in a single row on the west/north side of a bed, with lettuce, spinach, kale, spring cabbage, or chard on the east/south side for optimal growing conditions.
