How do I avoid common problems?
Other tips
These beans are not hardy so they need front protection. Sow the seeds in pots filled with John Innes Seed Sowing Compost. Make holes twice the length of the seed. Place on seed vertically in each hole and cover over with compost. Sow five French bean seeds to a 1-litre pot or one Runner bean seed to a pot. Water in gently. Seeds will germinate in 5-10 days.
When the plants are large enough to handle they are ready to plant out. If the last frost has passed, plant into the vegetable garden. Otherwise plant into a large container filled with Westland Vegetable Compost and allow to grow on in a frost-free place. Climbing beans need support, use wigwams of hazel poles, trellis or a strong garden arch.
April sown French beans should start to produce pods in June. Runner beans tend to form a little bit later. It's important to pick the beans while they are young and tender, especially to start with. This keeps the plants producing more beans. Pick them just before you need them in the kitchen or freeze any surprise while fresh.
