Using those book style root trainers for the first time......

[Alison]

Ha! That's true of course, but the benefits of success Vs using a few of those spare seeds? It's got to be winner... ( Oh! how I'll laugh if it snows!)

I'd be inclined to shove a spare seed in next to the plant when you plant out so that if the frost gets the plant the seed can follow on. If it's not needed then you can always pinch out to save everything getting too congested. I think I might sow my runners over Easter but probably leave the Frenchies for another week or so as they're even more tender.

[Kristen]

If it's not needed then you can always pinch out to save everything getting too congested.

I plant like that anyway (admittedly Climbing French, rather than runners, which tend to Give Up before the end of the season IME) in order to have a follow-on crop and some pods lower down the canes (from the later sowing), so I don't think the pinching out will be necessary

Although, having said that, mine are probably nearer a month from sowing-to-planting and these are, from memory, only 10 days old? maybe delay planting the alongside-bean for a week or two so that the planted ones have a head start?

[Richard Eldritch]

I plant like that anyway (admittedly Climbing French, rather than runners, which tend to Give Up before the end of the season IME) in order to have a follow-on crop and some pods lower down the canes (from the later sowing), so I don't think the pinching out will be necessary

Although, having said that, mine are probably nearer a month from sowing-to-planting and these are, from memory, only 10 days old? maybe delay planting the alongside-bean for a week or two so that the planted ones have a head start?

Interesting technique Kristen. I think I'll give that a go..... So far so good for my early planted ones! I'm going to hate throwing out my reserve seedlings, but I've no more room in my little garden.