When to plant French Beans in Cambridge

Sow seeds in deep pots or root trainers around 16th April - 23rd April, about 4 cm deep. Keep them warm and only move them on once the roots have filled the pot.

Put supports in place before planting out, from 14th May. Strong canes, a wigwam or mesh netting work well, and it is easier to do this before the plants are in the ground.

Acclimatise plants outside over about 11 days from 7th May. 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 into warm, well-drained soil from 21st May to 4th June. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep fleece or cloches ready if cold weather returns.

From 2nd July 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.

Start harvesting from 16th July and keep picking until 19th October. Pick pods young and often, because regular picking stops them going stringy and keeps the plants producing.