Re: Runner Beans

At 21:38 20/03/00 -0000, you wrote:
>>>>
Hi
I understand that runner beans, Enorma in my case, can be lifted at the end of the season and stored like Dahlia for replanting in the following season rather than using fresh seed. But I need more information so far have lifted last seasons crop and stored in peat, but they look rather dead although kept frost free.
Any suggestions please for success.

They will look 'dead' until warmer weather sets in or until you plant them up in a warm place. Not all roots will resprout, but the ones that do will give you an earlier harvest. I put some of mine into the greenhouse and ended up with really early beans (Painted Lady), but did not get a full harvest because it got too hot in the greenhouse and the beans got swamped by the tomatoes in the end. Outside the harvest started a little earlier than with spring sown ones and they kept going for a long time too. The quantity harvested from second year plants was good too, so they do not seem to deteriate in their second year. Have not bothered to store 1999 roots, because it is a bit of a fiddle, but glad I did it the year before for an experiment.

Regards

Petra
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