[erainn]

After hardening some potted Dwarf French Beans decided yesterday to plant (tied with cane) out on our allotment, along with some butternut squash. Only to hear during the night a gusting wind. Today discovered that wind has a cold feel to it, as have the beans which have been battered, along with two of the squash seedlings. Although the larger leaves on the beans look very stressed, wilted and have come off on some, the plants otherwise look healthy, with some new growth. I wondering if there's any action to take which may either recvive or protect them, I do have fleece, but thought maybe they may just pick up once the wind dies down, although it's blowing still. Any help or ideas most appreciated

[peapod]

Could you put up a temporary windbreak to give them time to recover?

[Paul Plots]

When planting out runners or climbing French beans early I've used a couple of sheets of corrugated plastic either side of the frame (like a ridge tent). This helped enormously. Kept them warmer and out of the wind. It can be quite damaging at this time of year when plants are small.

On the other hand it is such a lot of extra work that this year I simply haven't the time to fiddle about. My beans are still growing in their pots as are the butternut squash.

I can't be doing with risking a late frost even down here in sunny Sussex. 

I'm not sure if this picture is large enough to show what I mean?

[peapod]

Thats cracking Learner...as an aside, my sis has done the same with glass to protect her cucs frame

[erainn]

Thanks folks, lacking any suitable frame or sheeting poses some challenge in terms of immediate relief for the beans, hoping the wind abates and they recover.

[peapod]

You could also try earthing up to the bottom two leaves for a bit more stability?

[arugula]

Nice idea Learner, but that would get smashed to smithereens where we are.

[mumofstig]

the only consolation is that my beans suffered in the same way last year, but survived and grew bushy, once the wind dropped.
Fingers crossed for yours

[erainn]

Thanks Peapod, nice idea

[Paul Plots]

Nice idea Learner, but that would get smashed to smithereens where we are.

You'd be surprised just how solid that wind / frost protection was. It had a framework of plastic covered metal rods both sides of each sheet. The rods were pushed at least 18" into the ground and tied above the plastic sheeting to its corresponding neighbour. It took ages. This year I simply don't have the time.

South coast winds can (once in a while) be pretty fierce too you know. 

[erainn]

mumofstig, thanks for your kind and encouraging thoughts.