[ruffmesiter_69]

when you you start to sow the main crop of runners, as you can see from here Runners

that was for a test but when would you start to sow for the main crop?

[richyrich7]

Now, mine went in about 4 days ago. and geographically we are reasonably near. Mine wont be planted out for another month so there's plenty of time in a greenhouse, or are you planting direct ? never had much luck that way myself. Your beans are looking good BTW.

[GrannieAnnie]

I start to grow mine in pots, some are about 5 inche high now, they'll go out this week, then next week I'll put the others out.  I used to do mid May for seeds outside, but the last few years I've always given them a start inside first, that way nothing eats the seeds

[ruffmesiter_69]

thats what i thought we were going to do them on 1st may,

if we plant them direct 'something' manages toeat them when they are young

[wellingtons]

... beans outside at all.  Peas no chance, but beans are good.

I am growing two types of french beans this year and runners ... I can never remember whether to plant my french beans first or my runners first, because I really don't want them all cropping together.  

But when I do plant I plant half the row or wigwam, leave it a fortnight and then plant the other half, and filling in any gaps from the first planting ...  

[dawninspain]

My uncle who ran a nursery and market garden in Essex for about 50 years always said that runner beans should be planted (i.e. seed into ground) on 9th May. We always think of him when that date comes around in the calendar

Dawn

[leeky]

some beans are in for me, nearly 50 up the lottie. they sprouted between wet carpet so i put them in day before yesterday. more soaking now. i also have some about 5 inches high in a pot/wigwam out back they seem to be ok.  but if theres a frost i suppose they will bite it.  :?

[ruffmesiter_69]

yup ours are climbing well will be starting the main batch toniht though

[corndolly]

I read a thread but now cant find it, where its suggested soaking beans first before sowing. Can anyone tell me how long to soak them for ?

is it the same for climbing french beans ?

[WG.]

I read a thread but now cant find it, where its suggested soaking beans first before sowing. Can anyone tell me how long to soak them for ?

is it the same for climbing french beans ?

I have more success by sprouting all bean family on damp kitchen roll before planting out.  Plant out as soon as they sprout (which is a roor so don't point it up the way).

To answer your question directly, I'd suggest soaking for 4 to 6 hours.

[corndolly]

Thanks WG , I presume sprouting takes 24hrs or longer? Do I spread them out on damp paper then cover with more damp paper and where do you keep them whilst sprouting, do they need to be in the dark ?

[WG.]

Thanks WG , I presume sprouting takes 24hrs or longer? Do I spread them out on damp paper then cover with more damp paper and where do you keep them whilst sprouting, do they need to be in the dark ?

Takes 3 to 4 days.  I use a plastic icecream tub, paper in bottom only & an identical tub on top.  I guess this excludes most light but mainly it makes it easy to rinse / drain them.

[corndolly]

Thanks .I think soaking is going to be most practical way for us, cos we grow a lot of beans !Perhaps I'll try both ways !

[ruffmesiter_69]

ours are going into to start tonight

[WG.]

Perhaps I'll try both ways !

At least try a few on damp towels as an experiment.  Every seed you plant is alive & it is up quicker.