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Runner Bean Calculator — Canes, Spacing & Yields
Work out cane quantities, spacing, and expected yields for runner beans.
Ground length each support run occupies. For a double row this is the length of one row; for wigwams it is the line they sit along.
Wigwam: a teepee of 5+ canes (decorative, space-saving). Double row: two rows 45–60cm apart with canes crossed into an A-frame (highest yield). Single row: one line of upright canes.
Unit price for cost estimation
Expected bean yield per plant (default 0.5 kg)
Diameter of each wigwam circle (default 0.9m)
Distance between plants in row (default 0.15m)
How We Calculate This
Wigwam: each wigwam uses 8 canes (the RHS suggests five or more) in a 90cm diameter circle, one plant per cane. String secures the top and provides horizontal support.
Double row: plants are spaced 15cm apart in two parallel rows 45–60cm apart, with the canes crossed and tied to a top rail in an A-frame pattern.
Yield estimate is approximately 0.5 kg per plant over a typical UK growing season with regular picking.
Frequently Asked Questions
The RHS recommends 2.5m (8ft) canes or hazel poles. Pushed about 0.3m into the ground, that leaves roughly 2.2m of growing height — enough for runner beans, which routinely climb 2–3m if not pinched out at the top.
Sow indoors in late April, or plant out / direct sow after the last frost (usually late May in most of the UK).
Each plant yields roughly 0.5 kg of beans over the season. A family of four typically needs 20-30 plants for regular harvests.
A wigwam is a circle of 6-8 canes tied together at the top, forming a teepee shape. They are decorative and space-efficient.
Runner beans grow 2–3 metres tall, so the RHS specifies 2.5m (8ft) canes — about 0.3m sunk into the soil leaves ~2.2m of growing height. Tie the tops to a horizontal cane or string and add crossbars for extra stability in exposed plots.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.