How to Grow Runner Beans Against a Brick Wall

Plant the beans in mid-spring when temperatures rise to 65 degrees F. These sensitive plants require warm, frost-free starts and growing seasons. Choose a site 4 to 5 inches from the wall, where the beans will get full sun all day and good air movement.

Prepare a large, long bed for the beans. Turn 5 to 6 inches of organic compost into the top 10 inches of soil for nutrition, moisture and soil drainage. Beans need rich nutrition and drainage for flowering and bearing, and fail in tight soil. Mix 5-10-10 fertilizer into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil before planting.

Plant the bean seeds 1/2-inch deep, or plant seedlings in holes deep and wide enough to accommodate their root systems. Plant seedlings rather than seeds in cool areas to get a jump start on the growing season. Give each bean plant 6 to 10 inches in the row, and do not plant double rows.

Water the beans with 2 to 3 inches of water and put them on a schedule of 2 inches of water every week. Mulch the soil around the plantings with 2 inches of organic mulch for soil moisture and warmth.

Build a trellis for the beans. Dig two 1-foot holes at the ends of the bean row, within 1 inch of the wall. Put 4- to 6-foot stakes into these holes and secure them with soil. Secure trellis netting to the poles with clips to form a trellis against the wall.

Run two lengths of wire between the stakes at both the top and bottom of the netting. Thread the wire through the loops for better security in the trellis. Secure the wire at the stakes with three to four wraps and wire clips.

Tie the runner beans up to the trellis a they grow to train them and cover the wall. Use soft twine ties and tie loosely to avoid damaging the plants.

Fertilize the beans with 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer at mid-season to encourage blooming and pod formation.