[Fat Hen]

I grew some runner beans (polestar) in tubs last year and intend doing same thing again this year.  When I got my tubs out I notice a bean plant with new growth  in one of them.  Presently about 6" high.  Whats the likelyhood of getting a crop of beans from this?  Fresh seed planted and soil refreshed in the other.

[WG.]

Haven't heard of this before but all things are possible, I guess.  No chance that it is a self-seeded new plant?

[richyrich7]

Hi Fat Hen, runner beans are actually a perennial plant. I've often fancied trying to keep and overwinter some, lucky you ! I've read that they crop well 2nd year just earlier ! So keep a few and see what happens make sure they are well fed and watered. And please let us know on how you fair.

[splodger]

you should get a good crop. i have dug a new trench for this year - but will leave half of the beans in - for next season - this is common practice in my area.

 but in my opinion, after the second season the quality of the bean reduces but i will sow fresh next season and keep those for the year after...and repeat each year.

 i will keep my bean trench for 4 or 5 years before i move it - my father kept his previous trench for 8 years and his beans are always great.

i will only do this for runners.

[grunt&groan]

when i was still at school, many moons ago, i used to do garden jobs for a neighbour and he used to lift and store his beans every year in a seed tray of sand,  just like dahlia tubers. as i recall, he had extremely prolific results compared with ourselves and other neighbours.

[WG.]

 but will leave half of the beans in - for next season - this is common practice in my area.

I learn something new every day.  Tell me, how far north is this practised please?   I have a hard time getting the blighters to grow as annuals!

[splodger]

hey wg maybe you should play less golf, drink less whisky and try harder at gardening

[WG.]

hey wg maybe you should play less golf, drink less whisky and try harder at gardening

      Check my Profile "Interests: Golf, organic gardening, history and whisky (in that order)"

Warmer summers would help tho'

[GrannieAnnie]

[quote Warmer summers would help tho'[/quote]

and damper springs!!!!

[Fat Hen]

Haven't heard of this before but all things are possible, I guess.  No chance that it is a self-seeded new plant?

No not self seeded I dug up some large tubers when replacing half the compost in the tub with new compost and manure.  Most of the tubers had new growth but looked a little manky so threw away (didn't  want any disease spreading to new plants).  Just kept one healthy looking one as an experiment.  From the sounds of others comments maybe I should have kept more if they do well in second year!  Oh well always next year I suppose.

[WG.]

Yup, I learned something too  

[Trillium]

I don't even grow runner beans but was interested to learn this.

This spring, while cleaning up the veg garden, I noticed the old swiss chard roots had new growth. I pulled up the roots and found 1 sort of side shoot on each. I'm guessing that a seed from last year finally germinated, so I carefully separated all the young 'uns and now have 8 swiss chard plantings thriving nicely. Sometimes it pays not to be in a hurry to tidy up.