Scarlet Runner Beans

by John Buxton
(New Zealand)

After growing scarlet runner beans could you tell me what crop to sow to replace the nutrients that have been depleted from the soil?

Also, what nutrients should I put back into the soil to get the beans to grow again?

Many thanks,

John

ANSWER:

Hi John,

My experience with scarlet runner beans has been using them as a cover crop to boost the nitrogen level in the soil to help the next season's plants in the garden.

When rotating crops in the garden, beans are often followed by brassicas; cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, turnips. These plants feed on the nitrogen left behind by the bean plants.

Since bean plants produce nitrogen, they can be fertilized with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.

If you want to use a nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) fertilizer, you could look for a formula that is lower in nitrogen, higher in phosphorus and potassium.

It's a good idea to add compost to the soil each season before planting your bean crop.

Some gardeners in our area of the Pacific Northwest also use a fish fertilizer on their runner beans with good results.

You might want to have your soil tested to be sure that it is a fairly neutral pH. You can add lime or bone meal if your soil is acid. Runner beans like a neutral soil.