Topic: Overwintering runner bean roots

[okra]

I have read that it is possible to dig-up and overwinter runner bean roots in pots somewhere frost free like a greenhouse. Then reactivate them by watering in early Spring.

Has anybody ever tried to do so and what were the results? I am thinking they might produce an earlier crop and may be stronger and less susceptible to slug and snail damage. Any thoughts?

[alkanet]

there was a thread on it
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,78296.0.html

it's worked for me by accident, but not when I tried it deliberately

[Jayb]

Cheers Alkanet, I was trying to search for that thread with no luck. Galina gives a good method.

[Digeroo]

Thanks from me for bringing this up too.  I dug up some plants yesterday and will put them with some compost in a double plastic bag.  It will have to be in the corner of the kitchen next to the window. 

Problem will be that I will forget to water it.   I think I will have to put a reminder on my phone to check every week.   

[okra]

Thanks for the link - its seems well worth trying a few strong looking roots as an experiment to see what yields are like.

[galina]

Thanks from me for bringing this up too.  I dug up some plants yesterday and will put them with some compost in a double plastic bag.  It will have to be in the corner of the kitchen next to the window. 

Problem will be that I will forget to water it.   I think I will have to put a reminder on my phone to check every week.

And in the kitchen they will need more water.  Unfortunately in the warmth and light they will also come back into growth sooner than desirable.  Do you have anywhere cooler?

[Digeroo]

Not really.  We do have a garage but it is not frost free, it is a bit of a mess so things go in never to be found again and the mice will find anything edible.  I have put them against the glass so it will not be very warm, and will source a black plastic bag to keep them dark. 

Might try a couple in the fridge.  If I dip the roots into a solution of aloe vera first it might keep the fungi at bay.  At least in the fridge they will be neither too hot or too cold.

[galina]

Not really.  We do have a garage but it is not frost free, it is a bit of a mess so things go in never to be found again and the mice will find anything edible.  I have put them against the glass so it will not be very warm, and will source a black plastic bag to keep them dark. 

Might try a couple in the fridge.  If I dip the roots into a solution of aloe vera first it might keep the fungi at bay.  At least in the fridge they will be neither too hot or too cold.

That's an experiment!  Hope it works for you.  Against the glass might too of course.  Best of luck.