Now it's come to the end of the season, the Runner Beans in Mitch's Garden will need clearing. Check out this video as he runs us through the simplest way to clear our bean structures! 

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As with all legumes, these Beans are awesome nitrogen fixers, so when you clear them it's best No Dig practice to leave their roots in the ground. Cut at the base of the stem and let the nitrogen nodules feed your soil as the roots biodegrade. Perfect for your succession planting, try salads in this spot next and 

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Clear from the top of the plant, cutting the greenery into small bits for your compost. Smaller pieces allow for more surface area & break down quicker.

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You may also find some dry runner beans you've missed so harvest them for drying at home, you'll be glad of them in the depths of Winter to add to a hearty stew.

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Food for Thought: Saving seed may be tricky on an allotment site where your beans will inevitably be cross-pollinated by the friendly bees.