planting out runner beans
artychris
Posts: 60
Hi there, I just wondered whether anyone could tell me, whether it would be alright to plant out my runner beans soon, as they are beginning to take over my window sill, and Tilly the terrier is getting a little bit keen to get back on her window sill, to sunbathe !! I am in the South Norfolk area , so would you think it would be okay frost wise.
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No you have started way,way too early-if you plant them now they will get chilled if not frosted,
If you are only growing a few plants ditch those and start again in 2/3 weeks-they will then be about right for planting out aroud the end of May
Sorry -starting early does not always pay off
Thankyou, I did think I was perhaps a little early. I might just put them out in a sheltered position in their pots and just see if they survive, then resow in a few weeks.
Hi,I've got the same "impatient-gardener's bug" (I'm unexperienced), and after my tomatoes became as triffids on my kitchen windowsill, now it's my runner bean (one is almost 2ft tall!). What I do is keep them indoors, but when the weather is warm, sunny and clement, I put them out during the day. Meanwhile, the stalks are ready to support them when all frost risk will be over (if ever!). Is it a good strategy? Btw, my tomatoes were definitely too large for my windowsill, and seem now to have settled well in the growhouse... would you agree?
At 2 ft tall your runner beans should be planted out-the problem is it is too early!!-depending on where you live the time is between in 2/5 weeks.
If you have only grown a few-be brave ditch those and start again now.
You tomatoes look fine -but watch out for cold nights-you might find the foliage goes a bit bluish that is a sign they have been chilled.
Among the many gardening dates I have fixed in my head is 'sow runner been seed in the open on May 12th'.
Thanks guys for your sound advice! I don't want to "ditch" my lovely beans, as they seem to be ok on my windowsill for now. So, I'll try and keep it as long as needed and possible. I live in Lancaster, but my tiny garden is packed with plants, gets good sunlight and well sheltered (the fence above is facing South), so creating a nice cosy microclimate. For now, I carefully zip down my growhouse with the tomatoes and the one next to it at night and when the weather is too cold in my opinion. Leaves of tomatoes are ok... look indeed a bit struggling for the cold but still healthy enough (hope).
I made the same mistake and transplanted runner beans from windowsill to outside, this was around 3 weeks ago. Big mistake, however, I live in the south east and they are still alive but havent grown much. Does anyone think I should sacrifice them and start again or just leave them be??
Also could anyone give me advice about when to plant out cucumbers? Getting a bit large on window sill.
Al
Runner beans do not like cold temperatures so they are sulking-they might perk up when the warm weather comes-what I would do, seeing as you have now planted them out-albeit a month early-is keep an eye on them for the next couple of weeks-if they don't get going- start again-there is plenty of the growing season left
If it gets frosty they will not survive
As regards cucumbers -are they going in a greenhouse?
I too an am impatient gardener and sowed runner and dwarf beans in peat pots indoors on 18th April, not knowing how long they would take to germinate as this is first time. All germinated in under 2 weeks. Also have giant tomato plants in my tiny greenhouse taking up all the room... will know better next year. I guess being a good gardener is a lot about experience.
yes sotongeoff the cucumber plants will go into my small greenhouse. I will put them in a grow bag on the bottom shelf..Thank you for the advice on the runner beans , I have been watching them and they are creating new buds.
Last year I put young cucumber plants outside without a greenhouse, they died within 2 weeks!!! Now I have my modest greenhouse I am hoping for a better chance. All advice is greatfully received.