[erainn]

Am thinking of investing in some 'enviromesh' as protection of broccoli, tomatoes etc. presumably it allows, UV, air to pass through and can protect against frosts? That being so wonder if I may feel more secure on getting some runner beans seed into the allotment sooner rather than waiting till (hopefully frost-free) May. Any thoughts, advice, experience on this material very welcome.

[MoreWhisky]

I think enviromesh would be wasted on runner beans.

[prakash_mib]

recently there was a post on netting and somebody said horses for courses. you can invest lots of money on enviromesh but I certainly feel enviromesh cant protect against frost. It is as true as the fleece seller says it disburses the light and seeps water through which is neither to full extent true. Enviromesh is not a microclimate idea. it was initially thought to protect against carrot flies and I would say "buck stops there". the others are just marketing ideas for the gullible gardner.

[Salmo]

Enviromesh will keep the bugs out. You can water through it and the rain goes straight through. It must to some extent provide shelter from wind but frost protection is doubtfull. In fact if the air is held still the effect of frost could possibly be increased.

Better to not be too early with runner beans. Start them inside and plant them out into warm soil so that they get no check.

[Paul Plots]

Enviromesh will keep the bugs out. You can water through it and the rain goes straight through. It must to some extent provide shelter from wind but frost protection is doubtfull. In fact if the air is held still the effect of frost could possibly be increased.

Better to not be too early with runner beans. Start them inside and plant them out into warm soil so that they get no check.

I agree.
Hold your horses and your wallet if considering buying just to protect runners from frost.

Good for keeping mini bugs from carrots and cabbages.

Frost protection for runner beans?
It wont help much and they'll do better planted later when the chance of frosts is past. 

[erainn]

Thanks to all for the helpful advice.

[Kajazy]

Don't runner beans need pollinating...? In which case the enviromesh would need to come down soonest anyway

[JayG]

Don't runner beans need pollinating...? In which case the enviromesh would need to come down soonest anyway

Good point!

Although runner beans are self-fertile they need pollinating insects to "trip" the flowers  to make them set.

[sachkrimbo]

Its not so good when rats have nibbled through it every 5 cms or so, as I have just discovered in my garden box of delights.  I guess the water and sunlight can get through but then so can everything else.   

[mumofstig]

oh dear