French Beans in Barnton
Phaseolus vulgaris
Tender annual bean grown for fresh pods in the UK. Sow once the soil has warmed, protect from cold winds and late frost, and keep plants well watered through flowering and pod set for the best crop.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing French Bean
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds Indoors
24 Mar – 31 MarSow seeds in deep pots or root trainers around 24th March - 31st March, about deep. Keep them warm and only move them on once the roots have filled the pot.
Set Up Supports
21 Apr – 28 AprPut supports in place before planting out, from 21st April. Strong canes, a wigwam or mesh netting work well, and it is easier to do this before the plants are in the ground.
Harden Off Seedlings
14 Apr – 24 AprAcclimatise plants outside over about 11 days from 14th April. Start in light shade and bring them in at night if frost is still possible, then plant out once they are used to cooler conditions.
Plant Out
28 Apr – 12 MayPlant into warm, well-drained soil from 28th April to 12th May. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep fleece or cloches ready if cold weather returns.
Water And Feed
16 Jun – 6 Octevery 2 weeksFrom 16th June onwards, water deeply when the plants start flowering and pods are swelling. Keep the soil evenly moist, and give a high-potash feed every 14 days to support cropping.
Pick Pods
30 Jun – 6 Octevery 3 daysStart harvesting from 30th June and keep picking until 6th October. Pick pods young and often, because regular picking stops them going stringy and keeps the plants producing.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with French Bean.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of French Bean to consider
Blue Lake
A reliable climbing bean with long, straight pods and good flavour. Commonly grown by UK home gardeners for a steady summer crop.
Cobra
A popular climbing French bean with slim pods and strong vigour. Suitable for a sunny outdoor run or a greenhouse edge.
Carminat
A climbing bean with purple pods that show up well at picking time. The pods turn green when cooked.
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Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Chilli Pepper
Chilli peppers are tender perennials grown as annuals in the UK, requiring a long, warm season. They thrive in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered outdoor spot, producing fruits that range from mild to intensely hot depending on variety and growing conditions.