Can't get beans to germinate

[Scarlet]

Well we are almost into June and still no germination of runner beans. Tried in new compost in cold greenhouse, soaking in a bean sprouter and then planted outside and everytime rot rot rot. Absolutley beyond me how to get these seemingly easy things to germinate. You plant them dry and they don't sprout. Plant moist and they rot.

It's been really cold. I've only just started mine. Kept the compost indoors by my Aga to warm up and they will all stay indoors either next to the aga or on a sunny windowsill in trays until they popup. Night time temps are still chilli in the greenhouse for germination.

[Bren In Pots]

Marb leave it until the weather starts to get a bit warmer then try sowing your seeds outdoors were you want them to grow.

[veggiechicken]

I sowed 4 beans each of at least a dozen different varieties a few weeks ago. 4 to a module, all within the same tray, same compost, same treatment throughout.
Almost half of the varieties didn't germinate at all - the other half romped away. The only conclusion I could draw was that most of the non-germinators were older seeds - although this wasn't 100% true as some in-date beans didn't germinate either.
Its a lottery!
Good luck Marb - never give up. Still plenty of time

[Jungle Jane]

Maybe try a different variety,although in the blow-away mine took about 2 weeks to show through,it is cold out there at night. I got offered some runner bean plants the other day,by my sisters neighbour,I said "oh what variety are they" they both said "runner bean"

[Dorothy rouse]

I've also had very poor germination of Runner beans this year, only about half of those sown germinated. So I tried the soaking on damp kitchen roll and plastic bag, after a week of still nothing, I threw them in the airing cupboard, and at last some success. I've now just potted these into modules. I don't know why this year has been so bad.

[Scarlet]

Every gardening year is different. Last year was so warm, all through winter and into Spring we had a very early start. This year night time temperature have been unusually cold so everything is late.

[Marb67]

I have planted them in the same large tub outside that my dwarf runner beans (which I had no problem getting to germinate) are now growing. I haven't watered them for fear of rotting but the compost is moist with the bit of rain. If it warms up this week they should be ok. We are still lighting the coal fire in the evenings and having the heating on here and there. Usually by mid April we are done with fires.

[Jay-ell]

My scarlet emperors (self saved) germinated ok.
My Blue Lake (also self saved) were a no show.
Cobra and Borlotta were partial with about a quarter germinating.

Some new seeds and I've just sown directly with 3 or4 seeds per pole

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have been lucky this year sixteen seeds, sixteen plants, now about 2 to 3 foot high, hiding behind a fleece shield to keep the wind off.