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Dwarf French beans

maisie_macmaisie_mac Posts: 42
in Plants
is it advisable to soak the beans overnight in cold water prior to planting? Any help would be appreciated as this is my first attempt. The internet gives conflicting advice. Thank you for any response. I hope I have posted in the correct section.

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,897
    I don't when I sow mine.
    But I don't even do the first sowing until May.
    It's a bit early I'd think to be sowing just now in the UK

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,913
    I don't soak mine either @maisie_mac, and as Pete says, it may be a little early to sow yet. I'm waiting until at least the end of this month. 
  • maisie_macmaisie_mac Posts: 42
    Thanks for your reply Pete. I was thinking of sowing them indoors. Two to a plant pot to give them a good start. According to the packet they can be sown indoors between April to mid-May. Perhaps I will hold back for a couple of weeks and put them in the cold frame for starters.. My seeds take off so quickly!
  • maisie_macmaisie_mac Posts: 42
    Thank you also AnniD your reply came back whilst I was replying to Pete.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,897
    edited April 2019
    That's my method too Maisie. They grow quickly once they start, and sowing early May means thy're ready to go out around the end of May when hopefully no more frosts.

    PS I usually find that seed sown outside late May soon catches up and extends production

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • maisie_macmaisie_mac Posts: 42
    Thanks that is very helpful. Having just gained a 10 week old puppy it gives me a bit more time to get organized! 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,897
    with a 10 week old puppy, don't count on it :)
    my dog LOVES beans and steals them whenever she can. There are no runner beans below about 3ft!

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • maisie_macmaisie_mac Posts: 42
    They are going into a raised bed 2’+! Fingers crossed we get some produce!
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,234
    I sow french beans, runner beans and sweet corn the last week in April (Unheated greenhouse)to plant out last week in May. Traps down to protect from mice who will take the seeds before they germinate.
  • maisie_macmaisie_mac Posts: 42
    Thank you fidgetbones I will sow towards the end of April and they will go into a cold frame for germination. I take note of your warning of mice.
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