Try freezing your runner beans in a single layer first, so that they don’t all freeze together in one big clump. Once frozen, you can then place them all into a bag or container to be used as and when needed. How to Prepare & Cook Runner Beans Runner beans are one of the easiest most versatile crops to grow, making them one of the staples of an edible garden. The majority of varieties are climbers, so not only take up less space than other crops but add height to the aesthetics of the garden. Planting

Timing is critical when sowing frost-tender beans into the ground, because you want them to appear above ground until the first week of June. If they come up too early they may get frosted. Mid-May is perfect. Popular red-flowered, self-setting hybrid with slender smooth-skinned, slender fleshy pods. Excellent yield – it crops heavily and produces 9" long beans with a plump profile. Plant 'Firestorm' with 'Moonlight' for a good crop, whatever the weather.

Making a runner bean tripod

If you’re still struggling to decide between green beans and runner beans, then there’s one final factor you should consider – cooking. Whatever veg you grow, it should always be chosen for flavor, above all else.

Romano beans are not runner beans, despite sharing many of the same characteristics. Romano beans are flat French beans and can be eaten at any stage in growing without developing those frustrating strings that can catch in your throat – common in runner beans. Conclusion In general runner beans produce beans which if planted the next year will be slightly different from the parent plant. Major differences are unlikely but these small differences add up over 10 or more generations. Each seed company therefore will sell beans which produce slightly different plants. One seed company stands out head and shoulders as far as breeding runner beans is concerned is Tozer Seeds. They are specialists at developing new varieties and improving existing ones of this tasty vegetable. VARIETIES OF CLIMBING RUNNER BEANS WE RECOMMEND White-flowered hybrid with long, straight, smooth-skinned fleshy pods. High yielding and good for the show-bench.

A personal favourite of ours which we have grown for many years. If you just can't stand even a small amount of "stringiness" to your runner beans then this is the one for you. Even if you let them reach past maturity they still remain stringless. In these circumstances the whole pod will eventually get a fibrous quality to it but definitely no string! Runner beans can be stored in the fridge, canned or frozen for an extended supply - however with them being loved by everyone (even then dog) you'll probably end up with none left!