Topic: Can I put my runner beans in yet ?

[sandra Riley]

I have started my runner beans off in the polytunnel and they have bean transplanted to bigger pots, we have prepared the trench, can I risk putting them out yet ? :-\

[silly billy]

Can you afford to lose them? Personally I would wait until the middle of May at the earliest and maybe even abit later just to be sure.

[Lost-The-Plot]

I am pithering about this too. A packet of Aldi Scarlet Emperors went in at the very end of March and they are now big, healthy and raring to go. The Pole Stars started a week later are not quite so vigorous. Just feels as if we haven't seen the last of the cold weather, even though it's beautiful today but afraid that my beans will start getting asbos if I don't let them out soon. :o

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

think it's couple of weeks early at least. I only sowed mine a few days ago. I have planted some french beans outside though.
Remember to harden them off in a sheltered spot for a few days brfore planting them out properly

[Tee Gee]

transplanted to bigger pots,

How big is bigger?

Are they pot bound?

If not stick a four foot cane in each pot and grow them on in the tunnel for another few weeks.

Let me tell you I have lost plants,and known others to lose their plants as late as the 31st May so if you can predict the weather go ahead but I would wait!!. I base this on the information you have given

Looks like another packet of 'patience' is required ;D

[sandra Riley]

It doesn't look like they are pot bound so I will wait if thats best, I am going to have to learn the 'patience' thing !  Don't want instant results I just get excited about seeing things grow.  My potatoes are just peeking their leaves through so I will have to get them covered up next.

[saddad]

Hello Lost-the -Plot.... great tag.. Still too early here in the Midlands. A newbie on our site planted some last weekend and they were dead by Tuesday...
 :(

[Lost-The-Plot]

Hello Saddad!
I'm from the Midlands but now a bit further south in Gloucestershire. We lost all our our beans in the floods last year but when we took our canes down - we found the cucumbers I totally forgot I'd planted with them, just as an experiment. They were HUMUNGUS and much too tough for salads but became an ingredient in a very nice pickle. :P

[PurpleHeather]

You can watch these things grow they come up so fast.

If you have cloches or fleece to cover them with, then you could get them in now and put the long canes in later. (put in short canes where the long ones will go so that you can take them out and put the long ones in exactly the same place without harming the bean's roots) Putting the cloches in place a day or two before sowing to help warm up the soil can help too.

Even if we do not get any more frost, they do not seem to gain much advantage from being put in early, without cover. In fact, cold soil and wind chill can slow their progress.

It is hard being patient though innit?

[tonybloke]

I put my first 12 out today,Scarlet Emporer, with cloche, another dozen just germinated in greenhouse, White Lady, then another dozen of 'Best of All' direct sown in a fortnight. should give me a succession. I also plant some more in July, after onion harvest, can give a late crop, if not it's good for fixing nitrogen in the soil ;)