Hello, This year is my first attempt growing some vegetables in containers. I was given some scarlet runner beans from a friend, which to my delight, pushed through the soil last night. Woo hoo! I was so excited (: Here is what I did, based on this friend's advice (who grows his beans this way): Using an 18 inch container, I inserted three 6' poles into the soil and tied them together at the top. I ran garden twine spiralled down each pole, and then for added support, secured those to the pot under the rim (which made the poles much sturdier). I planted 8 beans (two near each pole and two in the middle), with the fear that not all of them would germinate. My main question now is: if all 8 grow, how many do I have to thin out for my 18" container? How many plants will this size of container support? My friend who gave me the beans seems to think at least 6 would be ok -- does this sound right? Also, if I have that many beans in one container, how often should I fertilize? I added compost to the soil before planting, and have bought an organic liquid fish fertilizer for my veggies. Thanks in advance.
I say, let them all grow. What if two die? If they all grow and mature, then get crowded you will learn. Don't kill what has yet to grow. If this year's crop does superb, and is crowded, then grow 2-3 less. Maybe yours will do better? It may be quite bushy, but show photos as they progress....
Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll just leave them all and see how it goes. My only concern is that I used just 3 poles. Will I need more for 8 plants? Should I try to add another pole or twine support in the middle of the pot (so I will have 2 plants per)? I'm not sure how much support these fellows will need, or if they all can just be trained up the 3 existing poles. Thanks!
Often people construct tee-pee type pole systems that have both vertical and horizontal sticks in the ground. You want them to have the ability to climb, and if you have huge gaps in between the poles, how do they climb and grab? They would likely colapse into the middle. Then you have a big mess inside the poles. If you are using a large container I would say to use some poles to limit the gaps, then you then want to tie them off at the top. Use some chicken wire type mesh to wrap around them. The idea being that the vines need to grab onto something as they grow, thus the reason for horizontal poles, sticks, mesh, etc on larger scale poles. Does this make sense? If you put time into building it, make sure to delicately place it aside for next year if you still maintain the interest to repeat it.
Multiple bean plants can grow up one pole. I would just guide them to the nearest pole when they get long enough.
I have been growing the scarlet runner bean plants for two years in my limited space. Planting the seed three inches apart along the fence, grew a jungle that was prolific on both sides of the fence, as it wove itself around. harvest galore. NO FERTILIZER. The leaf is huge, so be prepared. The seeds generally produce a plant. So don't be surprised when all the seeds germinate. It needs root space, as it is not going to stop growing, and growing! I planted morning glory seeds also, and the plants entwined as they grew, with a display of deep blue (glories) and deep reddish orange (scarlet's) blooms running together. Very hardy, so I picked my last beans off the plants on Halloween last year. This year, I planted along the fence again, but also in pots in the yard, both hanging and ground resting. The plants will be beautiful when they bloom. In the 12" pots I have planted 4 seeds (pushing it (: ), three in triangle and one in the middle. Really pushing it. You'll see why with your own. I agree with everyone, leave you's in the pot to grow. Here is something different...morning glories are not edible, but you won't mistake that for your beans anyway. Nasturtium is edible. The whole plant! Can be added to your salad. The large seed can be ground and used as a black pepper substitute. It is tasty. I have some in a pot myself. They climb somewhat and look great hanging. Big orange blooms. I like to shock people who are squeamish and unaware you can eat this, by plucking the bloom off the plant, and eating it while they look in wonder. Then I laugh! Experiment with mixing the colors and plants. Herbs and lettuce in a pot. Etc. Pole them, hang them. In my 20 x 16 yard, strawberries, lettuce, herbs, spinach, green onion, potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beets, Swiss charade, tomatoes, and flowers in pots, both hanging and sitting on the ground, and few lounge chairs table and umbrella. With all of that, there is still 16 x 8' of easy room and walking space in open area. So organize your space, trust that you already have a green thumb telling you to be confident, and I hope you enjoy your garden as much as I enjoy the peace and joy, mine gives me. Lynne
