runners

[Gazza]

Is it ok to start putting runner bean seeds in yet? They'll be going into a warmed large trug. We're on the East coast, just down the road from the good old North Sea!! I'd like your expert opinions as Im very new to all this.

[Hans Mum]

i'd say youre too early yet, they cant go out until the last frost has DEFINATELY been, thats early june up here usually.i'll be starting mine of at the end of this month

[Mike and Louise]

We are leaving ours untill at least May.

[fiveravens]

I sowed a batch yesterday (in pots in the greenhouse). I'll sow another batch in a fortnight's time. The first batch will be planted out when they're ready, if the weather is mild enough, and the second batch will be kept as back-ups in case frost gets the first ones. Mind you, the Gulf Stream is a help down here in Co Kerry - frost is not a major problem.

[Two_Sheds]

Hi Gazza, I'm in Suffolk too. Won't be sowing Runners or Frenchies for another fortnight at least, weather permitting (they can't stand cold wind or cold wet soil).
I'll be sowing in pots indoors, and planting out when the plants are strong enough to withstand slugs and snails (about 6 inches high ... my slugs are about 5 inches long on tippy toes)

[Flummery]

I'd trust Two Sheds - she's the Bean Queen. Planning to sow mine end April in pots in the cold greenhouse to plant out end May/early June.

[matthew2riches]

Here in Ipswich, Suffolk I will be planting mine in mid April in pots in the greenhouse. I will also have some backup ones. I will transplant them when they a 4 - 6" high depending on the weather.

[Gazza]

Thanks for all the advice. Will wait a while before popping them in. Cold wind is something Im still getting used to here!

[The Doctor]

I wish I'd waited.

I currently have six runner beans, all about two feet long, and about 30 Blue Lake frenchies not far off the same and I'm trying to nurse them through another few weeks before putting them out!!

[Madasafish]

waiting for end April to sow.. (It's freeezing just now , hail,sleet,snow and frost. Global warming is off this year:-)