Planting out Runner Bean and Courgette

Learner,

Thanks a lot mate.

Alles Klar, as the locals in Vienna would say.

Phil

Sorry for posting what is probably a really stupid question, but I am a beginner. Here goes: what exactly is hardening off? And how do you do it?

You put it very well, Learner! Just a bit to add - don't plant out until the last frost, or be ready with the fleece/newspaper to cover them if frost is forecast.

As for sowing more courgettes if yours have gone leggy - they appear to hach fairly quickly, so have a go - your may well have a slightly later crop, but I am sure there will be plenty of people on the plot with courgettes to give away!
Oliver

You are spot on Gobs and DD, they are very very weak, no sooner did I start to move them out to harden off than one of the stems split.

Interestingly enough, courgettes and pumpkins can be grown on with split stems. If it's not too bad that is. :blink:

Is that what the term 'leggy' means (this is my 1st attempt by the way), I have had them on the windowsill, but think that maybe they got too warm, and hence the weakness??

No, unnatural elongation of growth running after light, which is common in windowsills as light comes only from one side, put a tinfoil on the other side for reflection or turn the plants frequently.

So I have tried to sow a couple more, see if I can do any better

Good luck!

Quote from: bovboy on May 12, 2009, 21:42

You are spot on Gobs and DD, they are very very weak, no sooner did I start to move them out to harden off than one of the stems split.

Interestingly enough, courgettes and pumpkins can be grown on with split stems. If it's not too bad that is. :blink:

I agree - it's happened to me a few times.  not many, i promise (or at least, it won't this year....  )