Well, this was stupid...

[Nickerly]

I've just planted some runner beans and dwarf french beans which have started to sprout, and, you've guessed it, I didn't label the pots so have no idea which is which...

Any way I can tell?

I did a similar thing when I accidentally potted radish seeds thinking they were coriander and something else, no idea what, thinking it was basil.

[zazen999]

The leaves are USUALLY smaller on dwarfs...

Of course depending on the colour/type of dwarf beans...when they come up some might have their bean shells still stuck to their little arms so you may be able to tell from that.

Do we need to talk about the importance of labels?

[SarzWix]

The runner beans will get much bigger... No, but seriously, you might have to wait til they get a bit bigger to be able to tell the difference - the runner beans will try to twine but the dwarf beans won't.

[Nickerly]

Do we need to talk about the importance of labels?

But where's the excitement in actually knowing what you've got growing?

Consider this a lesson learned

[FionaH]

Do we need to talk about the importance of labels?

Yes we do! I labelled, just didnt read them!
Did you know that red cabbage and strawbini have exactly the same seed leaves? Well you do now!
Planted out my cabbage then looked at the labels that came out of the pots. Mix of both
Oh well time will tell

[Creemteez]

You want stupid? I'll give you stupid! How about planting courgettes and butternut squashes on the same day, in the same types of pots - keeping them all carefully seperate, and THEN ruining it all by having a serious "senior, blonde moment" (the worst kind) and labeling everything as "Courgettes"?
I HAVE. NOT.GOT.A.CLUE!!!

[teakdesk]

I've just planted some runner beans and dwarf french beans which have started to sprout, and, you've guessed it, I didn't label the pots so have no idea which is which...

Any way I can tell?

I'm assuming these are in sepearate pots - like one or two seeds per pot?

As soon as they show their heads start to separate them into two areas depending on any similarities and differnces you can detect; such as speed of germination, colour of leaves, size of leaves, size of growth after a week, two weeks etc.

Then carefully dig up one seed to see which is which.

As the season goes on you can keep a tally and see how good you are at telling plants apart!!

[Zenithtb]

Do we need to talk about the importance of labels?

You could also be talking to me on that one

Mark

[snohare]

Alternatively of course you could get fed up of the perennial search for water/wind/sun/snow/pigeon/mould/ yeti proof labels, and just get some white metal blinds, etch simple numbers onto them with a Dremel, and use them in the ground. Works a treat, the labels are practically indestructible - I have them yet, all 200. Of course you have to have the numbers listed with all the plants corresponding to the number. Can you guess what the one bit of paper that I mistakenly tidied into the bin last year was ? DOH
And let's not get onto the subject of carting seed packets about when they are open...every pocket is an adventure, and my mother has carrots amongst her roses.

[Zenithtb]

and my mother has carrots amongst her roses.

lol!!! (1234567 - stupid min length!)

[Nickerly]

Ahh - you guys rock! Thanks for all your great advice and for making me feel better about being such a moron!

[snohare]

making me feel better about being such a moron

That's quite all right, any time you need any tips I can oblige !