Plant out vegetables now?

[deltz]

My runner beans and marrows now seem to be outgrowing the pots Ive put them in. Is it a good time to plant out or should I wait a little while.

(The runner beans have 2 big leaves and the middle stem is now about to sprout)

Weather during teh day is going to range from 10-16 degrees and at night ts about 5/4 degrees.

[Florence Fennel]

I put my runner beans (from modules in the blowaway GH) into the ground (wigwam) last Monday (3rd May). They were 5" tall and are growing away happily. My squashes are still in the blowaway, but I hope will go out this weekend. It must be colder up here than where you are, so they should be ok, you could always fleece them if the temperature drops.

[deltz]

Thanks for the advice, much appricated!
Just transplanted my runner beans, fingers crossed

[Capsid]

I'm not planting out frost tender veg until the end of may. There was a frost Tuesday morning.

[Flummery]

I'm with Mark here - I know we may well not have more frost - but we equally well might. I haven't even planted the stuff in my greenhouse borders yet. Cautious - but I always get a crop!

[deltz]

What if i cover the plants at night with plastic, will that prevent any damage?

[Alison]

I will probably plant my runners out in a couple of weeks time although last year planted out a lot earlier as somebody gave me some and they were huge. Got away with it but not risking it this year as it's been much colder for longer. My squash won't get planted out until either the end of this month or even the start of June, weather and time dependant which is the same as last year and I got a great crop. If you're planting in the garden then you fleece at night to protect if necessary but I can't get to the lottie every day so can't be taking off and on all the time and I'm not totally convinced you get a much earlier crop either.

[Two_Sheds]

You also need to harden off the plants for 7-10 days before they go out into the big wide world on their own.
If you don't, you're likely to undo weeks of work

[Wendie]

Hi Deltz.

i've been growing my runner beans on the windowsill - looking south. They are about 6 inches tall with big leaves and the middle bit has grown, I don't think they like the cold so am reluctant to put them outside yet. Hope you get a reply so I can follow suit.
Wendie

[pjh75]

I don't grow runners but I haven't put my french beans out yet. Courgette, pumpkin and squash have been out since the weekend but fleece is at the ready in case a frost is forecast... haven't needed it yet.

[Sanjo]

I have put out my runners and some are already clinging to the strings. They are strong and healthy looking so I took a chance. Having said that, I did harden them off first.
I would normally have left it another week before planting out but family/holiday time contraints have left me no choice. I had to go out in the dark this week to put fleece over them as a frost was predicted.
Now you have them in, check your local weather every day for at least the next week - 10 days. If a frost is forecast them cover the beans with newspaper, fleece, plastic anything really to afford a bit of protection. Make sure you take it off during the day though.
I am not planning on putting out my outdoor cucumbers or butternuts for at least another 10 days. Won't risk wasting all my time and efforts already put in.