Runner Bean Lady Di (Organic)

Sow: April to June
Harvest: July to September

Sow Indoors
For an earlier crop, sow individual seeds in 8 cm pots of potting compost. Keep the pots on a sunny windowsill, in a propagator, or in a greenhouse at a minimum temperature of 12C. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.

Hardening Off / Planting Out
Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions over 2-3 weeks before planting out from late May onwards, once frost risk has passed. Provide support with canes, placed in situ and tied together before sowing. Canes can be arranged in double rows, sloping inwards, 15 cm apart, or in a 'wigwam' structure. Alternatively, use a container at least 75 cm in diameter. Plants will climb and twine naturally.

Sow Outdoors
Sow direct, 5 cm deep, in the desired harvest position next to a cane support or in a large container once frost risk has passed.

Aftercare
Runner beans require plenty of water for a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. When plants are in full flower, an occasional mid-day spray with a fine hose encourages flower set and bean production. They are generally disease-free and thrive in sunny, sheltered positions.

Advice
Soil should be well-manured before planting. Runner bean seeds are sensitive to cold, wet soils and will not germinate in poor conditions. Pick pods young for best flavour. Surplus crops can be frozen: slice and blanch for 2 minutes, drain, cool, and bag for freezing.