[heygrow]

I planted my runner beans in pots about a month ago in the mini greenhouse, which is also under cover by side of the house. However only 8 out of about 40 beans germenated.
I followed same proceedure as last year and all germenated. I sowed some more a couple of weeks ago and these also don't seem to be comming up. Funny thing is the 8 that did germinate have all grown well and are ready to plant out.

Has anyone else had problems? The only thing different this year is it has been pretty cold compared with last year.

[Yorkie]

I think you've answered your own question.  Beans don't like the cold and will certainly be delayed by it.

[mattwragg94]

i agree with yorkie, if i where you heyrow i would have a rummage in the soil, as a month is a long time for them to sit in cold and wet soil, and i think they may have rotted.

[GrannieAnnie]

I only sowed my runner beans about 3 weeks ago and most of them are up.  So it could be the cold.  My chillies are really slow, but beginning to grow a bit now!

Like Matt says, have a rummage, if they've rotted you've had it, but they could be growing quietly under the compost!  Good luck!!!!

[DD.]

I sowed my runners 3 weeks ago in the unheated greenhouse. I put them outside today in a sheltered spot to harden off, so I also reckon they will have rotted off.

[Li]

I had this problem with  my peas but all grown again so beans and peas doing nicely in the allotment good luck i do hope you find them  it is a let down  for us keen growers

[Totty]

I have had this problem this year. First sowing had really bad germination, second lot are being chitted and doing slightly better.

[heygrow]

You're right, the first batch rotted! 2nd batch is not doing much better, but a couple starting to show. I just wondered if it was the beans that were duff as it seemed strange that about 8 of them grew.
Anyway I have resigned to growing less unners and having a bit more space for something else. Had too many runners to eat last year anyway!

[mumofstig]

Since I had a batch which rotted off a few years ago, I always chit them...........I was surprised by how many go mouldy before they sprout.

A tip I read a few days ago, and for the life of me I can't remember where I found it to link to  - was to rinse them everyday in fresh water, same as you do when sprouting beans for eating. This seemed to stop the mould starting, and I only got one dud this year

[nuzuki]

If it helps I found my beans, even some exotic beans all came up and some are about 3ft tall. I just germinated them on the windowsill then moved them to outside next to the greenhouse. So far so good.

[Thephoenix572]

Put mine in a bag with most compost and within a week all 12 have germinated with both root and shoot. My mother in law swears by this method and it does work

[Kirpi]

Phoenix - do you then plant them straight into the soil, or do you pot on?

[Thephoenix572]

Going to pot them on tomorrow, just like she has

[Kirpi]

Thanks - I'll try this as an experiment tomorrow.

[Thephoenix572]

Third is just one of the germinated beans