Planting out runner beans

[giley69]

Hi there

This is our first year with an allotment and so far the pots,onions and garlic are coming on just fine!

I got some runners and dwarf french beans started at home (2 weeks ago) and the runners are huge and quite tall - they look a little 'drunk'. I understand that they need to hardened off but as we don't have a cold frame, I have been keeping by our balcony door in our flat.(I am not sure if this is right!)

Anyway, we were going to take them down the plot today to leave overnight and possibly put them in tomorrow but it's pouring with rain!

Any ideas on what to do as the leaves have turned in slightly and I am worried that they need putting in the ground.

Many thanks
Giley

[JO,JO]

you could pot them on.as we are due a few cold nights coming up.then plant them out at the end of may beginning of june.or plant them out now and cover with fleece til warmer nights come again

[giley69]

you could pot them on.as we are due a few cold nights coming up.then plant them out at the end of may beginning of june.or plant them out now and cover with fleece til warmer nights come again

Thanks Jo Jo..

They are in peat pots at the moment.. if we were to pot them on, will it harm the roots?

They are so tall I think I need to use some pea sticks to keep them up

[JO,JO]

just be careful with them.as the roots will need more space now

[giley69]

just be careful with them.as the roots will need more space now

OK.. mmmm, I have just checked and the roots are coming through the peat pot... shall I still pot them on?

[peanut]

I wouldn't plant them out yet (though others have)...nights are still cold for Runnners. Pot on if you can and give them a support to wind up.

[margotay]

Is it too late to sow my runner beans in pots now ? Or should I sow them straight out in the beds?

I've been meaning to get them in pots for a few weeks but because weve been away haven't got round to it ! Naughty me .

margo

[giley69]

I wouldn't plant them out yet (though others have)...nights are still cold for Runnners. Pot on if you can and give them a support to wind up.

I have some bean sticks to help them, so I will give that a go...

I am not sure about potting them on though as I worried that I might damage the roots as they have come through the pots

[peanut]

I have some bean sticks to help them, so I will give that a go...

I am not sure about potting them on though as I worried that I might damage the roots as they have come through the pots

The roots will be fine, just be gentle with them!

[peanut]

Is it too late to sow my runner beans in pots now ? Or should I sow them straight out in the beds?

I've been meaning to get them in pots for a few weeks but because weve been away haven't got round to it ! Naughty me .

margo

No you can still sow into pots.....I always sow into pots and plant them out when there bigger and more able to withstand attack!!!

[margotay]

Thanks for that Joanna. I think that will be my job for this morning. My little grandaughters are coming later so that will enjoy sowing the beans in the pots !

margo

[peanut]

Thanks for that Joanna. I think that will be my job for this morning. My little grandaughters are coming later so that will enjoy sowing the beans in the pots !

margo

How lovely! It's great when children like to plant things....have a good afternoon

[giley69]

Well, I went to the garden centre, bought some bigger pots and we have just potted the runners on... we have used a support too & will leave them in the sunshine by the balcony door.

I am hoping that now we have given the roots room to move, they wont be so lanky. Would this be right?

Hopefully we can put them in next weekend, when we have some time.

Thanks all for your help

[rustylady]

Well, I went to the garden centre, bought some bigger pots and we have just potted the runners on... we have used a support too & will leave them in the sunshine by the balcony door.
Hopefully we can put them in next weekend, when we have some time

Whereabouts do you live? I planted my potgrown runner beans out today in Suffolk, and unless we get a frost they should be fine. BTW you can edit your profile to show where you live (county will be fine) - this helps enormously when replying to queries as weather conditions vary so much from region to region.

[giley69]

Whereabouts do you live? I planted my potgrown runner beans out today in Suffolk, and unless we get a frost they should be fine. BTW you can edit your profile to show where you live (county will be fine) - this helps enormously when replying to queries as weather conditions vary so much from region to region.

Hi there

We live in Kent... I was hoping to get the runners beans out but we have been busy with family commitments, so unable to get up the plot. Fingers crossed we can get up there one night this week!