[MickyB]

It's not at all unusual to still be picking some runners at the end of September in a good year, although obviously to some extent it depends how early they started producing.

I will have to secure the structure as best I can and hope for the best.

I had a quick look at 'munty frames' I take it the plant grows up and along the wires, it looks to a good idea and a possible winter project idea for me any pointers as to construction ideas?

[mumofstig]

lots of ideas if you wade through this thread 
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=50801.msg49805#msg49805

[Steveharford]

It's not at all unusual to still be picking some runners at the end of September in a good year, although obviously to some extent it depends how early they started producing.

Very much so. Mine always go through to middle of October. Should be overrun with them long before that the way it is looking. Just salting down a basket full now.



Edited to separate quote from reply.

[Ghost]

How long do they last in the fridge once picked?

[JayG]

Unlike some veg which sweat and go mouldy I think runner beans are better for being wrapped in a plastic bag in the fridge - I'd say up to a week although they will be a bit floppy but still perfectly edible by then.

[Steveharford]

IMO. Ghost. Up to about a week. But getting a bit limp( the beans)  by then but once they start producing you have a job to keep up with them so you may as well go for fresh ones.

[Steveharford]

Just noticed my reply was edited to separate the question to which I was replying. Off topic I know but could someone point me to instructions which show me how to do it on iPhone. Many thanks and sorry again for OT.

[kathrose]

Had very heavy winds here in Brumland last night.  I had to fasten my bean frame to the fence post.  Like another poster I didn't realise just how heavy it would be.  I have two feet in the ground and it's still seems firm.  I want so much to have something more sturdy for next year, but has to be cheap and easy. 

Isn't it a lovely feeling to be able to give family and friend some of the things that you have grown yourself.

[BobE]

Runner beans do freeze.  I prep them, bag them, freeze them.  When they come out to be used, its just bring to the boil and serve.

[Salmo]

How long do they last in the fridge once picked?

Wrap them in several layers of newspaper and put them in the veg part of the fridge. They will keep for several weeks. They might start to look a bit tired.

[Totty]

How long do they last in the fridge once picked?

I needed six for a show today, and started picking them at 17 inches last Sunday. Wrapped in a damp towel in the bottom of the fridge and they were perfectly fresh, still snapped with no stringy ness, and managed to win so they will probably keep perfectly well for well over a week.

Totty

[Godhelm]

I have used those steel poles that are used to hold temporary orange mesh fencing on building sites and roadworks to reinforce my bamboo frames for beans, cucumbers and tomatoes.  They are 1.5m long so I have about 75cm in the ground and the same above, using cable ties to secure to bamboo. All safe and secure so far. Cost about £1.50 each on eBay.

[MickyB]

Still standing