[Anton]

I was just reading an article about sowing dwarf beans in blocks or double rows so they support each other as they tend to fall over when they get bigger. What do they mean by blocks or double rows? Does double row mean placing two beans directly next to each other all along the two rows?

Anton

[Christine]

I always do blocks. Have done for years. It's easier that double rows and a good space saver.

[Anton]

Thanks but what do they mean by blocks and double rows. Excuse my ignorance.

Anton

[New shoot]

A block is like this :

   1   2   3   4
   5   6   7   8
   9  10 11 12

A double row is like this :

 1   2   3   4   5   6
 7   8   9  10  11 12

For a block you need to leave a decent gap on all sides.  For a double row, you put the rows closer together, but leave more room either side.  Either way you end up with giving the plants enough soil, even if they are close to another plant. 

[Hampshire Hog]

That’s a very good visual new shoot I too wondered what would count as a block for dwarf beans having normally just used a double row.

[Anton]

Thanks a lot for the advice. Just one last question. What spacing between the double rows?

Anton

[New shoot]

You don’t need to go wild, but the beans will grow out of the row more as there isn’t the space to grow into it, if that makes sense. 

When I have done this, I leave a decent gap each side -  say 30-40cm.  It is also worth making sure you keep them well fed and watered, as they will be growing close together.

[Goosegirl]

I put a little stake next to them and tie the main stem on to it so they don't flop and it also makes picking beans easier.

[bobbyt]

I tend to stagger the double rows, they still get supported ok.
1   2   3   4   5    6
  7   8   9   10  11

[Growster...]

Same here, Bobbyt, it used to be called a 'Tom Tiddler' layout for some reason...

I prefer the dwarf beans as if they get so leggy, they shade the other veg nearby and also need a lot of string to support them!