Sowing Indoors

Sow individual seeds in 8cm (3in) pots of seed and potting compost. Keep pots in a frost free greenhouse.

Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated. Gradually accustom the young plants to outside conditions for 2 - 3 weeks before planting them out to their cropping positions form late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed.

Ensure supports are in place before planting out. Allow 30cm (12in) between plants in the row.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow individual seeds 5cm (2in) deep and 8cm (3in) apart. French beans are usually sown in double rows with 30cm (12in) between each row. Each row then supports the other.

They will require no further support. French bean seed is sensitive to cold, wet soils and will not germinate in unfavourable conditions. We therefore recommend you do not sow seed outdoors before May.

Aftercare

French beans require plenty of water to produce a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. They are generally disease and trouble free.

Special note

Pick beans when they are young and tender. This encourages plants to remain productive longer.

French beans freeze well. Simply slice, blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two, drain, allow to cool, then bag them for the freezer.