How to plant out French beans

How to plant out French beans

Follow our guide to planting out delicious French beans in late spring.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
At its best
At its best

Plant is not at its best in January

Plant is not at its best in February

Plant is not at its best in March

Plant is not at its best in April

Plant is not at its best in May

Plant is not at its best in June

Plant is at its best in July

Plant is at its best in August

Plant is not at its best in September

Plant is not at its best in October

Plant is not at its best in November

Plant is not at its best in December

To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do To do in May

Do To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do not To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

After all risk of frost has passed (usually some time in May in the UK) you can plant out tender crops such as dwarf French beans.

Read our detailed Grow Guide to French beans.

Take care to harden off plants first. This involves gradually acclimatising them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside during the day and bringing them back in at night, before finally keeping them outside all the time.

Find out how to plant out French beans for the best results, below.

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You Will Need

  • French bean plants
  • Watering can
  • Trowel
  • Plant supports

Total time:

Step 1

Soak the plants thoroughly, then carefully knock them out of their pots. Aim to space the plants 20cm apart, with 35cm between rows. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and gently firm plants in.

How to plant out French beans - planting young bean plants
How to plant out French beans – planting young bean plants

Step 2

Add short stakes such as bamboo canes, to protect their delicate stems and support the developing beans.

How to plant out French beans - adding plant supports
How to plant out French beans – adding plant supports

Step 3

Water well to settle the soil around the roots. Then water at least weekly – more in dry spells. Apply a weekly dressing of high potash fertiliser such as tomato feed, once the plants start to flower.

How to plant out French beans - watering the plants
How to plant out French beans – watering the plants
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Slug and snail control

Protect your crops from slugs and snails, which feast on tender, new growth. Try wildlife-freindly slug pellets or consider other options for protecting young plants.

Slugs