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. Or sow direct into containers.

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. Alternatively plant into large containers filled with a good potting compost and grow on a sunny patio. Water regularly during dry weather.

MATURITY

July to September

HANDY TIP

Makes an attractive and productive container, equally at home surrounded by pots of flowers on a sunny patio.

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.