[lovemyveg]

These are all at present growing vigorously in the greenhouse.  I am not sure when I should be planting them out into the already prepared beds.  On the 20th May for 5 days, I shall not be able to water them in the greenhouse and feel that they may survive better in the ground.  So, is it too early to plant them outside - I have been hardening them off on good days.  Any help would be appreciated.  Last year I did not plant them out until early June, so do not want to lose them.  The runner beans are 8-12 inches in height and all have good root systems.

[TerryB]

Put mine in at the weekend, they had been a cold frame with the lid open for a week.

[Kleftiwallah]

My dwarf French beans and Painted ladies went in last night, they've been open to the elements for a fortnight now.   Can you not ask someone to splash a bit of H2O over them while you're away?      Cheers,   Tony.

[totalnovice]

I'll transplant mine in a couple or three weeks when all risk of frost has past. Only sowed them this last weekend. If you are frcast a frost do your best to protect. them.

[lovemyveg]

Thank you all for your replies.  Yes, my son would splash some water over them as he will be here, but can I rely on him to remember this?  I don't think so and I would hate to waste all my efforts so far.  As some of you have already planted yours out, I will take the chance and put them in the ground next week if the weather stays favourable.  I much appreciate your help.

[Hampshire Hog]

Put my climbing french beans out last week(after frost).
They were getting scorched in cold frame.
I have protected them though by erecting a wind brake to protect them.
Lots of comments here seem to suggest that wind can cause almost at much of a problem as low temperatures.

Cheers HH

[Kajazy]

I have a similar issue - is horticultural fleece any help in this situation, or am I wasting my time?

[Yorkie]

I'd have thought it's worth a try.  It may rip in strong winds though.

[polly nator]

I would probably take the risk and put them out (knowing how "reliable" offspring can be) but why not hedge your bets and put half out and keep half in?

[LittleRedHen]

I've been a little wonky with my Scarlet Runners.  I planted the seeds in the ground this past weekend, about three inches deep.  I then put hen house bedding on top of them, watering well.  I have two litre clear plastic Coke bottles to put over each one of them if the weather gets foul in the next few weeks.

[greenhead]

Planted my Purple Queen dwarf French beans out a couple of weeks ago and lost the lot last week after that frost.  Not putting any more out until the first week in June.

[strangerachael]

My runner beans have grown enormous in just two weeks so I'm hardening them off for a few days then planting out on Friday. They grew so quick I can always start some more if I lose them.