[Apostrophes]

So I sowed my runners on a window sill too soon, albeit later than I did last year. Of course, they have grown very big already and I can't put them out for fear of frost. I have sowed some more today, but I was wondering if there were any tips and tricks for slowing their growth without damaging them. Also, am I worrying too much? They are in paper pots the size of a baked bean tin; might they be okay for another four weeks or so?

Richard

[Nikkithefoot]

The only way I know of 'slowing them down' other than not planting so early is to put them outside during the day, and start hardening them off, leaving them out on frost free nights, or keep close to a wall and cover with fleece outside at night.

[Ice]

Ditto what Nikkithefoot said.  Not even bought my seeds yet.

[noshed]

They'll probably be OK in Stevenage

[Chrysalis]

I did exactly the same!  Mine went out last week as they were so big! if frost is threatened I rushout and peg fleece around the wigwam... no casualties yet, but I'm prepared tostart again if necessary.... I thought it worth the risk, and a t least it frees up space inside!

[Rangerkris]

Bloke on plot next to me put his out today. i know you still run chance of frost but he took a chance.

[jazzbyrd]

Oh my!!!! I never put mine out until last week of May or first week of June.
I  sow them the first week of May.

Jazz

[JayG]

Our climate seems to have become very unpredictable in the  last few years; if I could reliably forecast this year's last frost date and what sort of summer we are in for I would already be researching  property prices in the Seychelles!

Until that happens I can only recommend playing safe with the tender summer crops; there is nothing at all to be gained by planting runners and other such crops out (especially in a potentially weak and leggy state) when night frosts are still possible, no matter how unlikely that seems at the moment.

[solway cropper]

I have to agree with Jay. I haven't even thought about sowing runners yet. Last year we had -4 overnight on 12th May which would have killed them. It might happen this year or it might not but I'd rather not take the chance.

[Apostrophes]

I got caught out last year and this year sowed them in trays a few weeks later, but though they take a while to get going they really do shoot up once they do! This is my third year as an allotment owner so I am still learning. Next year I won't sow them till the beginning of May.

Last May we had a terrible frost which killed a lot of things on my site, so I am not being seduced by the current warm weather. I may end up having to risk it but I have some new ones in reserve.

Thanks for all your replies.

[Kristen]

They ain't going to cope in pots for another 4 weeks. Plant them out (and sow some more in a week or two's time).  If we get no more frosts you'll be laughing, and the talk-of-the-town If they snuff it you'll have your replacements ready.

Put a date in your diary for next year for when you should sow them

[Noah'strolly]

I start a lot of things off in pots but my peas and beans always go straight in the ground. They do alright.