Harvesting

Harvesting runner beans is a delicate job especially early in the season. Beans on the same bunch will be ready for picking at different times and rough handling may tear the stem from the plant.

Use one hand to support the bunch while pinching out the desired beans with the other hand. A small pair of scissors may help.

Continuous picking from the start of the season will encourage the plant to grow more beans and this will give you a longer season so, do not be afraid to pick and freeze from early on in the season.

When freezing your beans prepare as normal and blanche, (pop into boiling water for 1 minute and then strain and put directly in to cold water), dry and freeze straight away.

Any beans that have been missed will grow dark green, old and stringy. These beans when discovered should be picked and discarded to encourage the plant to produce more.

At the end of the season some beans can be left to grow old. Leave them on the plants until any danger of frost and then pick them and leave to dry. Leave the seeds in the pods until totally dry when you can then use them like Pinto Beans or keep to plant for next season.

There is no guarantee that dried seeds from last year will germinate so for best results always use certified seeds from a reputable supplier.

If you have done well and I am sure you will, and have eaten and frozen as many beans as you can then you can always try making some delicious runner bean chutney.