Prefer beans in cold frames and in the greenhouse

Prefer beans in cold frames and in the greenhouse

Prefer - an alternative to direct sowing

Cold frames and greenhouses are a good alternative for growing beans, even if the soil only warms up moderately in spring due to persistently cool temperatures.

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The soil temperature should be at least 10 to 12 degrees Celsius so that the soil seeds can germinate. The warmer the soil, the faster the seedlings develop and the young plants become more resistant to snails and diseases.

In the greenhouse and cold frame, the bean seeds find a preheated soil and the humid climate provides an additional growth spurt. Preference is suitable for the warmth-loving runner and French beans

Prefer beans in the greenhouse

Both the cold and the heated greenhouse are suitable for growing the beans. In the cold greenhouse, the bean sowing begins at the end of March and the sowing in the heated greenhouse takes place as early as the beginning of March:

  • Loosen and moisten the soil
  • If necessary, soak the bean seeds in water overnight
  • Lay out the bean seeds side by side and cover lightly with soil
  • Pay attention to a warm and humid climate in the greenhouse, 20-25 degrees Celsius is ideal
  • Germination takes about 6-10 days
  • the young bean plants are easy to grip with your fingers, prick out and let them grow into strong plants
  • move outdoors from mid-May

Prefer beans in the cold frame

  • possible from March
  • Prepare soil, mix in only compost for beans
  • Put seeds, possibly pre-soaked, approx. 1 - 2 cm deep into the moistened soil
  • Leave the cover on the cold frame to drive it out, so that the warm, humid climate is maintained
  • Protect with fleece or blankets in case of frost
  • Separate young plants and get used to the climate by opening the cover in sunny weather
  • Moving outdoors from mid-May

Tips & Tricks

If you want to leave your beans in the greenhouse until harvest, choose a variety that does not grow too tall and therefore does not need long climbing sticks. The “Rakker” variety from Sperli is well suited. “Rakker” is a green spaghetti bean with 40 to 90 cm long, slim pods and a mildly aromatic taste.