Runner Beans

[melv16]

Why did I plant so many int allotment. I'm getting rather bored with them.

[MargoTester]

Send some to me melv - I love them especially fresh from the garden.

[ladyalex]

Try making piccallilli with them.

[237SJ]

Runner bean chutney?

[melv16]

I'm going to deep fry them tonight in a tempura batter, flavoured with cumin, chilli and coriander. I also do the same with courgettes, another vegetable I get fed up with.

[alavahalf]

Melv .. I gave up a few weeks ago and have been picking them and throwing them straight on the compost. When you have them fresh, you wil never lower your standards and eat supermarket beans. But I know what you mean enough is enough.
Tonight I have brought home a bucket full of dwarf french beans. They have already been blanched and are in the freezer... I will not freeze another bean this year ! The rest will be left to mature and used in soup over the winter.
My problem is tomatoes .. every few days I bring home about 6 kilos or more !

[hellywelly4]

I want some!!!!

[Quizproquo]

I've just brought home a carrier bag full of peas. I pulled the plants up at the same time and planted 42 strawberry plants.
My beans just sit there. I don't actually like them

[Cloverjo]

Why did you, indeed, melv? They are the most hideous veg I've known apart from beetroot.
My dad used to from grow them and it seems we ate them at every meal when I was young. He still grows them and tries to make me take some, but I just can't.

[melv16]

Chippy, how many tomato plants do you have! The beans needed 3 sowings before I was successful, slugs and cold weather took their toll. All my main crop spuds ended up on the compost heap, for the same reason as the beans.
Not a good year on my allotment, due to above problems and big temperature differences between night and day.

[funkylad20]

My Mum ALWAYS insists I plant runner beans each year; the first couple of pickings are really nice then they are all stringy and horrible!
This year we grew climbing French beans (as a compromise!) and they have grown well and are much nicer!

[alavahalf]

I've just done a stir fry tonight and had what is propably the last picking of runners before they get pulled out. Fresh crispy beans in a stir fry .. it's got to be up there as one of my favourite meals.

[melv16]

It all depends on the variety you grow, funkylad. I cultivate white lady runner bean and cobra climbing French bean. You've got to keep them well watered and keep picking them. This encourages the plants to produce more.

[melv16]

The beans won't be there for much longer... I've just discovered evidence of a badger. I'm sure its got a JCB :-(