[chris23005]

My French beans HAVE to be planted today because the roots are poking out of the sides and bottom of their newspaper pots, and they are so big that they are starting to set flowers 

My question is - do I place the plants in FRONT of the canes or BEHIND or doesn't it matter? Is there any advantage in planting position?

[JayG]

It's no big deal but planting out of the way of potential damage from clumsy "plates of meat" is not a bad idea. Planting inside the line makes it easier to net the young plants if that's something you are contemplating..........

[chris23005]

Good idea - the clumsy plates of meat in question are likely to be our two bearded collies!!! They don't usually trample on to flower beds, but one should never take the chance, especially if a badly aimed ball is thrown in that direction! Many thanks.

[Nikkithefoot]

Planting 'under' the slope of the canes just makes it slightly easier for the plants to start climbing, as they can 'find' the canes. Also makes it easier for you to throw a fleece round in the event of a late frost.

[DD.]

If we're talking the non-climbing French bean, I find canes totally unnecessary if you plant like this:


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Double rows, 9" between each plant (star), 18" between the double rows. They've always been self-supporting.

[chris23005]

Thanks everyone. I don't have masses of plants as I don't have an allotment, so have put canes up against a garden wall and planted behind the slope of the cane. Is looking very neat and tidy I must say! (Is proud!!!) Let's just hope the army of slugs don't move in now!!