[mebanana]

I was going to sow these in pots in my (cold) greenhouse today - forecast says no frosts for the next week - is it ok do you think, can I take the plunge?  I'm in the South-East of Scotland.

[Y.E.A.H]

i would leave it i bit longer if i were you, just to be on the safe side  

[mumofstig]

They don't get planted out till mid may down in the south, so I don't start my seeds for another few weeks.
So I really wouldn't think yours need sowing yet, up there in the 'frozen north' 

[JayG]

Frost will kill beans and they will also sulk if it's too cold for their liking.

They get very messy if left too long before planting out so I wouln't be sowing them until about 4 weeks before your last frost date, which round my parts is around the end of May and presumably a bit later where your are.

[mebanana]

Thanks everyone, I'll hold off just now.

What about my courgettes and cucumbers?  I was going to plant them inside this week.  Hold off on them too?

[jimmytheshed]

I know you just cant wait to get going, but ive leant my lesson on this, you will be suprised how things catch up and sometimes do better a little later.

[mebanana]

Ok, thanks - so I should hold off on courgettes and cucumbers just now too?

[JayG]

Yes, outdoor cucumbers also really know how to sulk if it's too cold (sometimes apparently because they just feel like it!) The young plants are a bit more manageable than beans so you could sow them a week earlier than the beans if your patience finally runs out!

[kermit]

My climate cant be much different to yours.  I sowed beans and courgette around this time last year.  Was a real pain trying to keep them going indoors as they are so susceptible to the cold.  My 2nd sowing of beans over a month later, sown direct in the bed, really caught up.  This year, I aint sowing beans and courgette until May.

Having said that, my kitchen is full of some seriously large tomato plants!  Never learn...

[Kristen]

"One month before last frost" would be my suggestion for Beans, Courgettes, (outdoor) Cucumbers started off indoors.

I aim for 1st June planting out (East Anglia).  We haven't had a frost in late May (probably whole of May even!) for quite a while ... but I still don;t think there is any point planting out if it is still chilly, the plants just stall, or worse give up!

[granjan]

I'm going to sow a few dwarf French beans today.  They're easier to keep inside if necessary and can be covered up when they're planted out.  If it doesn't work, it not the end of the world.    I wouldn't bother with the others though.