[Yorkie]

Don't worry Suzie, I don't think it will make or break your plot for next year 

[suziet88]

Suzie that's what we are here for - to provide you with little nuggets of information. 

Thank you

[JimS]

Oh flip - I did not know about the nitrogen business and have dug up and thrown away my runner beans.  Am still a allotment virgin and learning every day!

I wouldn't worry too much about it Suzie.

We got our allotment this time last year and me not knowing any better, I just dug up all the left-over stalks and roots that the previous owner left behind.

I saved the beans though and sowed them in the same spot this year and had a bumper crop! So much so that we were giving armfuls away to our neighbours.

This year though, I have dug in the roots and it will be interesting to see if there will be that much of a difference.

It's all a matter of trial and error.

 

[DD.]

The point Jim is not that it will make a difference for beans sown on the same spot, but to use the fact that this plant is fixing nitrogen for another crop that can use it, such as brassicas.

[JimS]

The point Jim is not that it will make a difference for beans sown on the same spot, but to use the fact that this plant is fixing nitrogen for another crop that can use it, such as brassicas.

Point taken DD. I understood the OP's question as being one in general and not necessarily regarding making the nitrogen available for other crops.

Nice thing is, Suzie has the answer that now covers both eventualities 

[puffinstuff]

thanks all for the advice.  i intend trying to rotate my beds and will have a go at brassicas next season in the bean bed as suggested. 

jim