great guys

Sounds like a real family effort! Well done. :-)

Hi Mazz! Runner beans needn't take up much space at all! I made 2 raised beds with old wardrobe shelves (c.2ft long and 2 ft high, filled with earth and compost. In one I made a wigwam of canes and, in the other, a £4.99 green powder-coated obelisk from Lidl. I grew my plants from seed in a cold greenhouse in early May, then transplanted 4 to each of the beds. They always grow to over 6 ft tall. From these 2 beds (which take up only 4ft X 2ft) have eaten fresh beans twice a week and frozen over 5lbs in weight). I also found that my 72 yr-old Dad has found a renewed interest in growing an edible garden, but he is amazed at how, here in Scotland, i can grow pumpkins, sweetcorn, etc., which he considers to be "exotics" (or is there really such as thing as "climate change" going on? With all Best Wishes!

mazz, keep an eye on the timing of your planting, you maybe a little late for runners , try some winter spinach & october is a good time to plant out garlics to overwinter, get these at your local garden centre. like your raised beds, you can grow more in a small space this way, it's worked for us, happy growing....steve