Why do we call French beans 'French'? I have not been able to establish the reason. In fact, Phaseolus vulgaris come from Central and South America, where they were often grown as part of the 'three ...

When I was young and idle, I’d dream of a self-refilling pint of cider. Now I’m older and immeasurably less interesting, I dream of the slightly more realistic horticultural equivalent: beans and ...

Runner beans come in a range of varieties and can be easily grown as climbers or in containers. These stringless beans are ideal for adding to home-cooked meals, offering a large harvest throughout ...

How to grow runner beans: month by month The best runner bean varieties from our trials How we test runner beans Growing runner beans Common runner bean growing problems Runner beans are one of the ...

How to grow runner beans: month by month The best runner bean varieties from our trials How we test runner beans Growing runner beans Common runner bean growing problems Runner beans are one of the ...

Fresh, demi-sec or dried, the bean is a nutritional powerhouse. And they’re one of the easiest vegetables to grow – so no need to buy frozen or canned The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will ...

I once met a woman whose enthusiasm for handing out seeds vied with that of Johnny Appleseed, that legendary spreader of apple trees across the Midwest. "Everywhere I go, I hand out scarlet runner ...

If there’s one veg I’d never be without, it’s green beans. As well as being easy to grow, just a small patch will keep you well supplied for most of the summer – or longer if you extend the season by ...