How to Sow French Beans - Directly Outside

French Beans are sub-tropical in origin, and for this reason need a minimum soil temperature of 16�C (60�F) in the UK. If unprotected, French Beans are in all cases damaged by even one degree of frost. Where the seedlings have appeared above the soil surface and a late unexpected frost strikes, it is best to remove them and sow more seeds in their place.

Do not soak the seeds prior to sowing in attempt to encourage germination. Soaking the beans will encourage Halo Blight (see section on pests and diseases later on). Examine the beans as you sow them, and reject any which are wrinkled, disfigured or have yellow spots on them. 

How to Sow French Beans - with Frost Protection

Cloches or poly-tunnels will protect them if a late frost is predicted, as will plastic bottles with the bottom cut off placed over the seedlings. Sowing under cloches outside can occur in early April. Click here for full details of cloche protection. Click here to buy your poly-tunnel, cloche or fleece from GardenAction's online supplier.

The other alternative is to sow the seeds in peat pots (in early April ) and initially grow them on the windowsill until all danger of frost has passed and then plant them, peat pots and all, directly into the ground. Remember to soak the peat pots in water prior to planting so that they will quickly break down in the soil.