Topic: Newbie Question

[Gordon]

Hi Ladies & Gents

I have 1 question although it might be a silly 1. My question is which way up do you sow Runner Bean Seeds as i have never grown my own veg before i am struggling to work out which way i should be sowing them.

Thanks for your help in advance

Gordon

[Tee Gee]

Quote; My question is which way up do you sow Runner Bean Seeds

As a general rule I don't think it matters they will germinate which ever way you do it.

But for the record I sow mine vertically and  on edge

The choice is yours, why not try a few different ways and see what you find best.

Edit; oops!! sorry for that I was thinking of another veg!

[tim]

I put scar edge downwards - probably wrong?

[windygale]

hi gordon, when planting your beans plant then up,


hope this helps right click on pics then open link to see a bigger picture
windy

[Tee Gee]

Thanks for the pictures Windygale.

Nice to know I have been doing it right for all those years.

I guess Tim is on the same wavelength as me, regarding germination emanating from the scar.

What I didn't know was; does the tap root or the cotelydon leaves emerge first from the bean??? my logic for sowing them vertical meant they couldn't be planted upside down.

[teresa]

Tap root normaly first then the main leaf shoot will apear.
If you want to start them off and watch ( which is very interesting) get some bean seed kitchen towel and a plastic box with fitting lid.
inside box put a double layer of kitchen towel wet it let excess drain away place seed in and cover with a double layer of kitchen towel press down so all towel is damp put lid on box.
Check daily you then will see life before your eyes the bean starting to grow.
When the tap root shows you can pot up with the root pointing down.
This way you only pot on growing beans, dud seeds which dont grow you can throw away.
Or leave untill the main stem appears and pot up or plant then as long as they get a good watering they will be fine.
I still do this after years of gardening and watching new life never stops amasing me. Great to show children
I remember doing it in school with a jam jar, blotting paper and two bean seeds. Ah the good old days ha ha.