A favourite for decades, Runner Bean 'Scarlet Emperor' (Organic) produces long, straight pods of excellent flavour.
Benefits: freezes well, ideal sliced and blanched
Sowing time: Inside: April to May, Outside: May to June
Inside: Sow seeds thinly, and lightly cover with a little compost. Place in warmth, and keep moist. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from bright sun. When large enough to handle, transplant individually to 3in pots. If planting outside, gradually acclimitise to outer conditions first.
Outside: Sow where they are to harvest. Thin to approx. 1ft (30cm) apart.