When to plant Runner Beans in Birmingham

Sow seeds around 20th April - 4th May in deep pots or root trainers, about 5–7 cm deep. Keep them in a warm spot and water just enough to keep the compost evenly moist, not wet.

Put supports in place from 27th April before you plant out. Use strong canes, netting or a wigwam, because runner beans climb fast and get awkward to fit around a finished support.

Harden plants off first, then plant out from 11th May once frost danger has passed and the soil feels warm. Space them 20–25 cm apart, set them against the supports, and water in thoroughly straight away.

From 11th May, water well whenever the top of the soil starts to dry out, especially once flowers open and pods begin to form. A mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the crop steadier in a dry spell. Once pods start to form, feed every couple of weeks with a high-potash liquid feed to keep the plants cropping.

Start picking from 3rd August as soon as pods are long and well filled but still tender. Pick every few days through 30th October to keep the plants cropping, and keep checking closely because old pods slow new flower production.