Runner Beans

Last year i planted "stream line" it was my first year so for the most part i bought cheap seeds across the board. Most of the stuff produced good crops but i wasn't impressed with this variety of Runner Bean, they where prone to being abit stringy if you didn't harvest them when they where tiny and often had a hard "skin" over the pod.

So this year i'm going to invest in a decent packet of seeds any sugestions?

KT I am wondering if your poor crop might also have been down to conditions? You often get the results you have described if they are not kept well watered and fed?  They really are hungry thirsty things.

I always grow Desiree runners from T&M, over the years I've tried other varieties as well but always find the Desiree give me the best results.

I've not found them stringy at all but I did find  that if left too long they do seem to get a hard outer skin. As others have said - keep well fed and watered and pick regularly.

I grew Celebration and Lady Di last year, both stringless unless old.
The Celebration looked pretty, but the Lady di set an awful lot more beans.
Perhaps the sparrows preferred to peck at the pink flowers  

blinkin sparrers

I'm also growing Enorma - except not quite yet, they're still in the envelope - for free! Gathered 60 beans from Neighbour's plot - with his permission may I add - they will look a treat on Munty's frame.

For years now I have planted either (or both) Enorma and Scarlet Emperor....  Both do extremely well... not tough or stringy, good croppers and as long as you pick them regularly and don't let them get too big, the flavour of both is excellent...