[bean]

Last year when I grew runner beans, when I cut down the folliage but left the roots as I believe they fix nitrogen in the soil.

I have now noticed that in one corner where they were there are lots of little bean shots coming through, which must be from a left over root from last year.

Does anyone know if this will flower and give me more beans this year or should I take it out (it is now in the carrot/spring onion patch!)??

[gobs]

All runners are perennial, not often survive the winter here. Lucky you.

[bean]

Thanks gobs - I'll let them grow and see what crop I get  

[amberleaf]

They do re-grow, frost permitting and some say that they get good crops, others say not so good after year one.

It could well depend on the variety. Let us know how you get on.

I think a lot of us clear the ground too soon in Spring, to find out if the beans have survived the winter, but they are simple enough to grow from fresh seeds.

Grand-dad always kept his seeds from one year to the next drying out the old bulging pods on top of the coal bunker. Then putting the distinctive seeds in a manilla envelope. He kept loads of seeds taken from plants from one year to the next, I do not think he bought many packets from the shops. The peas he grew were from those meant for soaking and cooking. I did try it myself one year and they were all right but I didn't think I got as many peas as I do from a commercial seed variety. The beans I did though, they worked very well.