Sow: Not frost hardy and need 12 degrees C to germinate. Sow in March in pots inside (4 weeks before safe to sow outside) or April/May direct in soil. Make a second sowing 6 to 9 weeks later.
Aspect: Light but rich soil in sunny, sheltered spot.
Care: Dwarf varieties may still need some support. Climbers need 4ft to 5ft of support but are not as vigorous as runner beans.
Water: When flowing starts if weather is dry.
Harvest: As soon as ready, even if there are only a few beans, otherwise flowering will stop. Leave roots i soil when clearing this crop, in order to gain nitrogen.
Don't grow by: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, brassicas and beetroot.
