I read that for broad beans you should dig the roots into the ground
(something about nitrogen?). Does this apply to runner beans too?

TIA

Paul

In article ,
Paul wrote:
I read that for broad beans you should dig the roots into the ground
(something about nitrogen?). Does this apply to runner beans too?

Yup, except that they tend to be very lumpy. But it doesn't do any
harm if you compost them - what goes around, comes around.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

Paul writes
I read that for broad beans you should dig the roots into the ground
(something about nitrogen?). Does this apply to runner beans too?

All sorts of peas and beans. Things in that family are able to 'fix'
nitrogen via nodules on their roots, therefore the roots are full of
nitrogen, therefore worth digging in to improve the soil. Clover is in
the same family, but I'd be worried about digging that in in case of
getting overrun by it.
--
Kay

"Paul" wrote...
I read that for broad beans you should dig the roots into the ground
(something about nitrogen?). Does this apply to runner beans too?

The problem with Runner Beans is that the roots are large and woody so don't
break up easily, and as they are also perennial they will regrow from the
roots after a mild winter. Been there done that.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
just W. of London

Paul may be interested to know that my runner beans are now producing a second crop. I grow them in large buckets and 3 weeks ago I cut them down to about 3ft. They are producing flowers and beans and are nearly to the top of the canes again.

Regards shirley ......