Mavens - are these scarlet runner beans you are growing or Phaseolus vulgaris? I don't think runners would enjoy having a perennial in with them. gorbelly, if you Google growing runner beans in pots there are lots of pictures showing pot size and number of beans in each.

yes scarlet runner beans. Beans are perfect companion plants here.

Three Sisters Planted in a Container: http://youtu.be/OAqL-y0Q23w

I documented the whole process including how to make the self watering bucket. This video was done at the beginning and the runner beans were already up to the roof When the rhubarb came out of dormacy. I also put pictures on gardenweb but cant remember my old post. See if i can find some late season video or pictures

Update on there sister's in a Container: http://youtu.be/pzIFdYIPLzw

here's an update,

DIY EARTH BOX USING FOUND MATERIALS: http://youtu.be/UpYOGR6Mmi4

UPDATE ON DIY SELF WATERING CONTAINER: http://youtu.be/oMnCO9dCvjY

That's an interesting technique Mavens but I have to say that those Scarlet Runners are not looking too healthy and really haven't reached their true potential. They look sparsely blossomed and much of the foliage appears yellow and stunted. They could be at least 8 feet tall and loaded with tasty beans. They truly do need a lot more space than you have given them and no competition.

BTW the plant you were hoping to get a pumpkin from looks like a Hyacinth bean, Lablab.

The beans got to be to the roof top eventually, fell down and grew back up.

If you do your research it is common knowledge that runner beans dont always produce beans in southern California but they're perennial here so we get another chance next year.

The light beans are chrismas lima it grows in summer after runner's die down from heat.

If you check gardenweb i did keep posting picture here on other peoples spots as the beans continued to grow but i came on here to help someone that wanted some information in an area that i get good results time after time.

If you grow in container just tell your technique so people can learn.

This year im growing peas in that container and trying some dwarf pickwick runner beans.

Sorry to have annoyed you Mavens. I was just speaking from many decades of experience growing Runner Beans. They are the number one vegetable for home gardeners here in the UK. People who grow nothing else will grow a few runner beans. We eat the beans almost exclusively as green beans and do not grow them for the flowers so it is important that they crop optimally. The OP is not in California so waiting for a better crop from an overwintered tuber is not going to help him/her. I truly believe they would do far better giving their beans a lot more room than you have. Runner Beans are heavy feeders and water lovers and putting them in with other plants, although it works to your satisfaction, is not the optimum way to grow them. I suggested the OP look at illustrations on line but if figures are required they can put 6 - 8 beans into a container 18" high and 18" deep.

P.S. you mentioned eating the Runner Bean leaves in salads. In small quantities this may not be a problem but you do need to be aware that Phaseolus coccineus should not be eaten raw as they contain a toxic protein.