OwnGrown

Erect canes end May for Barlotta Beans. See Beans - Runner - canes for detail. This picture shows what we are aiming for!

Erect canes end May for Runner & Barlotta Beans. 2.4m (8′) canes pushed into the soil at a slight angle beside each plant as can be seen in this picture. A cane is then put along the length inside the “V” at the top and the whole of the “V” junction tied securely. Note also the canes within and along the length of the structure - these ensure overall stability in case of high winds which could otherwise cause it to collapse lengthways. The beans can now grow up the canes - a little help is usually needed to get them started 

Germination started two to three weeks after sowing. Seedlings were thinned to 10 cms (4″) apart and transplanted to final growing site end May when 15 cms (6″) tall. Planted 65 cms (2′) apart, slightly deeper than originally growing and the surrounding soil was firmed. Keep well watered whilst plants become established

Plant courgettes outside 60 cms (2′) apart end May. They are prolific so few plants are needed

Sow Savoy cabbage late May 1″ deep in a seed bed in the open. The seedlings will be thinned to being 2 - 3″ apart for growth and so they will be easy to transplant later.

Sow Dwarf French Beans Annabel in mid May direct in the growing site. These should be sown 5 cms (2″) deep, 20 cms (8″) apart in rows 60 cms (2′) apart. There are many French Bean varieties - these are relatively easy to grow, require no support and produce green pods which should be picked young and cooked whole

Further sowings direct into the ground of lettuce and this process will be repeated every two to three weeks until late July. Four varieties will be sown - Webbs Wonderful and Little Gem (already mentioned) and Marvel of Four Seasons and Lollo Rossa (both red tinged varieties).

Plant outside mid May about 18″ apart but watch out for late frosts and protect if these are threatened. Stake each plant for support. Remove side shoots as they appear and keep well watered. Feed with a tomato feed if growing in pots or growbags but, if the soil has been well manured, should be no need if growing straight in the ground.

Transplanted to growing site in May or could be left in large pots. Pick from June onwards - regular picking encorouges growth. Can be picked in winter but you can also put a plant in a pot on a windowsill for winter use.

Seeds sown mid April start germinating after about 2 weeks. Slowly thin these over the next three or four weeks until the plants are about 20 cms (8″) apart