When to plant French Beans in Oxford

Sow seeds in deep pots or root trainers around 3rd April - 10th 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 1st 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 24th 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 into warm, well-drained soil from 8th May to 22nd May. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep fleece or cloches ready if cold weather returns.

From 19th 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.

Start harvesting from 3rd July and keep picking until 29th October. Pick pods young and often, because regular picking stops them going stringy and keeps the plants producing.