[ravenaround]

Hi there,

I planted a mixture of Runner beans and sweetcorn indoors on my windowsill in rootrainers about 7 days or so ago. (instructions told me plant mid April)

However they have germinated super fast and now stand over 1-2 inch tall already!

Taking all the guidelines I've read into account they tell me to plant out at the end of may/june.

If the growth rate keeps up they will be huge or grew out of there pots by then.

Am I over worrying or what do I do? will the plants hold size once they max out the pots space?

btw had my first plot since June last year and this is my first real full year of growing anything edible. But I'm going ok. (I hope) I just have alot of noob questions I need to sort out

Thanks.

[paintedlady]

Hi ravenaround - germinating summer fruiting seeds do romp away especially if it is warm & sunny ... they have got just a few months to reach maturity, flower and set fruit before dying back, so it won't be unusual for them to grow quickly.  It is likely you might have to repot long before they are due to be planted outside, and don't forget they'll need to be hardened off before then so it might just check their growth 

[DD.]

Now they've germinated, have you anywhere a bit cooler to keep them, cold frame, unheated greenhouse etc.?

Inside a house is going to be too warm for them, especially the beans which will run away from you.

[ravenaround]

Hi and thanks,

I just didn't expect those to germinate quiet as fast as they have. esp. because all the 'offical txt' I'd read says sow indoors mid-april and plant out end of may/june.

I haven't access to a greenhouse which would have been nice but I do have one of those cheap plastic covered cold frames. and a mini plastic greenhouse.

I'll be very gutted if After nearly a 80% germination rate I have to throw them because they were just to good at growing.

at least i know I have time to replant.

[earthing83]

Hi all,
I am in the same position ravenaround. My runner and french beans are really going for it and hadn't planned to get them out till May! I'm so pleased they are doing well but think I may follow the advice and take them outside. I do have a mini plastic covered greenhouse but I'm reluctant to use it as last year everything I put in there just wilted and died from the heat. Would people recommend to put them in there in the day with the front lifted? It seems to get really warm in there even on the cooler days.

[DD.]

Your best bet, rather than cook them, is to put them outside in the day & bring in at night. Might sound tedious, but it'll steady the growth down & may prevent you from having to re-sow.

Times on packets are only a guide. I'd be very, very wary of going for the earliest date stated.

[Lee G]

Personally, especially on a nice day like today, I'd have them outdoors on a table, soaking up the rays - the breeze helps stiffen the stalks too, I believe this makes them stronger and less "leggy".  Then, when it gets dark, pop them in the plastic greenhouse.  On a rainy day, if I were you, I'd leave them in the plastic greenhouse but with the door open, with temperatures steadily rising, it could still get very warm in those, even without the sunshine.

[earthing83]

great tips everyone.  I am going to put them outdoors during the day and use the greenhouse at night and in rubbish weather (although so far...touch wood, it's been really lovely here in Fife for a while now! Thanks everyone. Keep us posted with your bean progress ravenaround!

[courgette]

Mine were same, but once I moved outdoors in the mini greenhouse they slowed down. I also leave the door open day (and night if i forget to shut  ) and just enough breeze to make them grow stronger roots so all ok at the mo!...hoping to plant out in few weeks 

[ravenaround]

Thanks for all your good replys.

Yes I have taken the advice and I have had the plants out all day in the sun and just brought them in for the night. I'll keep a eye on how fast they are growing. (they grow every time i look at them I swear)

The outdoors have straightened them out already also as they were bent to where the sun was coming from.

When is the earliest I can plant them out without to much worry?

[DD.]

You're reasonably close to me & I won't contemplate it until June - especially after what happened at the end of May last year, it's just not worth the risk.