runner bean 'Scarlet Emperor'
runner bean
- Position: full sun
- Soil: deep and fertile with reliable moisture
Introduced in 1633, sometimes the old ones are the best – and that's certainly true with this heritage variety, grown for generations and still one of the most popular runners around. The big, beefy plants scramble enthusiastically up beanpoles to produce a very heavy crop of classic long, straight beans with a flavour that's just the way beans ought to taste. The flowers are edible too and make a colourful garnish. - Growing Instructions:Choose a spot in full sun with the richest soil you can provide: dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter before planting. From late spring sow seeds direct 5cm deep and about 20cm apart and support with sturdy hazel bean poles. Protect seedlings from slugs and squash blackfly as soon as they appear on shoot tips. When sowing, pop one or two extra seeds in at the end of the row to act as insurance: then if you lose any of your seedlings you'll have replacements waiting in the wings.
- Sow: April-June
- Harvest: July-October
- Approximate quantity: 45 seeds.
dwarf French bean 'Tendergreen'
dwarf french bean
An early variety of dwarf French bean
asparagus pea
asparagus pea
Peas that taste like asparagus
pea 'Sugar Snap'
pea
A great multi-purpose pea
Giant easy polytunnel cloche
Giant easy polytunnel cloche
Giant Poly Tunnels are ideal for winter and early spring vegetables
Kitchen garden cloche
Kitchen garden cloche
A sturdy, high quality, long lasting and stylish growing cover.
Timber grow bed
Timber grow bed
Grow your own fresh vegetables.
Buying vegetable plants
If you just want to grow a few vegetables or have suffered losses with early sowings, buying plants is a great way to play catch-up. Buying plants also allows you to grow vegetables if you do not have the facilities...
Read full articleJune Week 1
For the beginner If you do nothing else... Water new plants. Make sure new additions do not suffer during dry spells. Plant up summer containers. Plant containers with summer bedding once the threat of frosts has passed. Feed container plants. About six...
Read full articleWater vegetables
o get the best crops you need to make sure that they grow evenly which means ensuring they do not go short of water. Water thoroughly once a week applying about 20 litres per square metre rather than watering lightly...
Read full articleHarvesting vegetables
Once you start picking vegetables, such as runner beans and courgettes, keeping picking them regularly throughout the summer to ensure a continuous supply. Even the cropping period of French beans can be extended by harvesting regularly. Pick beans once a...
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