When to plant Runner Beans in Brighton

Sow seeds around 3rd April - 17th April 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 10th 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 24th April 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 24th April, 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 17th July as soon as pods are long and well filled but still tender. Pick every few days through 11th November to keep the plants cropping, and keep checking closely because old pods slow new flower production.