WHEN TO SOW

April to June

Where to Sow

Early sowings can be made underglass at a temperature of 16°C, sow 3 seeds per 8cm (3in) pot filled with seed sowing compost. Outside sowings can be made from May onwards into the growing site 5cm (2in) deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 20-30cm(8-12in) apart with rows spaced 60cm (24in) apart.

What to do next

Seedlings sown underglass should be gradually hardened off before planting outside in late May to the above spacing, once all risk of frost has past. Place a support cane at each planting station. Alternatively circular plantings can be made with canes joined at the centre to form a wigwam. For optimum crop, place canes 30-45cm (12-18") apart with 3 beans planted per cane.Water regularly during dry weather.

MATURITY

July to September

HANDY TIP

During very hot weather, give plants plenty of water at the roots in the evenings and spray over the foliage and flowers to help cool the plants down and improve pollination.

HANDY TIP FOR FLOWER DROP

Percy Thrower thought that the main cause was slightly acid soil. He recommended applying a dusting of lime to the soil in early winter over the area set aside for runner beans the next year, so that it would get washed into the topsoil by the winters rain. We have tried it and it does work.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

A good source of Vitamin C, Folic acid and Iron. High fibre content.