Rotten Borlotto Beans!

[Mr. Sandy Loam]

I sowed some Borlotto beands under glass in april which shot from the pot and were a good 10" in length before I put them into place in early May.

They seemed to grind to a halt almost instantly, now the leafage and stem look perfectly healthy but when you pull them up they are completely rotten from the ground down.

I keep reading everywhere that they are thirsty plants and should be kept moist but am I overwatering or do you think I put them out too early?

The same happened to a couple of Dwarf French and a few Yellow French Climbers yet the Runners are half way up the pole. - PLEEAAASE HELP!!

Ps, I have sowed some more in 5 litre pots which I will cut the bottoms off and put in the soil if successful.

[Paulottie]

What is odd is you saying leaves look healthy. If it was too early the normally go yellow (were they well hardened off first? ) It is most often the cold wind that does for early beans and wind rock could be the trouble (were they tied on to start? are they in a exposed position?)

...and also if they've got foot rot fungus the then tops die too. (is rotation of crops running well? Tried cheshunt compound?)

[Two_Sheds]

Yes and yes. They are tender plants, and don't like being cold.

I reckon you are probably over-watering too ... most people do.