Runner Bean Sweepstake

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, maintaining a minimum temperature of 12C. Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated.

Hardening Off / Planting Out
Gradually accustom young plants to outdoor conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out from late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed. Allow 30 cm between plants, providing support with thin sticks, or plant in double rows 50 cm apart. Alternatively, plant in a container at least 30 cm in diameter.

Sow Outdoors
Sow direct into the required harvest position, 5 cm deep, 30 cm apart (using thin sticks for support) or in double rows 50 cm apart, once all risk of frost has passed.

Aftercare
Runner beans require plenty of water to produce a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. When plants are in full flower, an occasional mid-day spraying with a fine hose encourages flower set and bean production. Plants are generally disease and trouble-free, thriving in a sunny position sheltered from cold winds.

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