17/06/2026
The humble runner bean is considered an easy win in UK gardens. Whether you’re new to growing your own or an old hat, the process of sowing runner beans and reaping the rewards at harvest time is often a smooth one – but only with the right advice!
June is the perfect time to sow runner bean seeds or plant out seedlings. It takes just 12 to 16 weeks for a runner bean seed to become ready to harvest, with germination taking as little as 5 to 7 days.
Time watering well
It’s not just support runner beans need to succeed. They are known for being very, very thirsty, but remember, there’s a fine line between moist and waterlogged soil, especially when growing runner beans in containers. Balance regular watering with a layer or two of mulch to retain moisture.
Harvest when young
It is important to time your harvest right too. The best flavour comes from young, stringless pods that are around 15 to 20 cm in length. Picking your runner beans regularly encourages your plant to produce more flowers, which means a bountiful harvest for you! If you miss this window, don’t worry; old beans should still be picked to prolong production.
If you have more runner beans than you can eat, don’t forget that runner beans freeze well, meaning you get to enjoy them long after summer has been and gone.
Looking for something to support your runners beans? Look no further than one of our fantastic Obelisks.
https://www.gapgardenproducts.com/garden-products/obelisk/