Running to catch up

You've still got time to sow runner and climbing French beans, says Bob. Follow these tips to runaway success

- Bob Flowerdew

RIGHT now is a good time to sow running beans. Note that I wrote 'running' and not runner' - you see, we don't want to overlook the climbing versions of French beans. They are similar in their varied pods and seeds to the dwarf sorts, but they clamber up poles as do runner beans.

French 'running' beans grow just like runner beans, but they are easier as their pollination is seldom ever a problem (this can be an issue with runner beans). With both, their seeds rot if sown too soon. However, in warmer soil, these will germinate quickly, emerge rapidly and grow away vigorously. (If the weather is still chilly, then it helps to cover with plastic bottle cloches initially.)