I’ve taken the plunge and planted out runner beans. Usually I like to wait until May is out but forecast for my region looks good for day and night temperatures into June with no sign of a late frost (hopefully). Plus they were threatening to strangle me.

Released from their pots they’re free to sprawl and climb, this year I’m growing ‘Benchmaster’ which is a variety often grown for exhibition to produce extra long, straight pods. I’m hoping to grow a really long specimen to enter the longest runner bean class for my village show in September. To grow a super duper bean I should aim to thin clusters down to one, so I’ll give that a go and enjoy the smaller tender beans for eating.

Will I do it? Stay tuned!