Packeting seeds for the VegEvent

[Richard Loader]

We love Runner Beans and our favourite variety is Wisley Magic, we save lots of seed every year.

This year we have more than ever so that means we have plenty spare for the seed swap at the VegEvent. Thankfully Runner beans are not promiscuous, they tend to self pollinate and so come 'true' from home saved seed, even if you grow other beans in the garden. We leave part of our row of beans unpicked to ensure plenty of pods have time to ripen properly. When they are good and dry we pick them and hang them in a dry shed out of the way of little rodents. In the Winter when we have a some spare time (usually in front of the wood burner) we shell the seeds carefully rejecting any that are poorly coloured or damaged.

To be sure that the seeds are viable we like to test a small sample by 'sowing' them on wet kitchen towel in a warm place. In this test every seed germinated, that's quite common, we find our own seeds much more reliable than bought ones.
Today we packeted them ready for swapping, about 25 seeds per packet. If you fancy some come along to the VegEvent

[SarahF]

Richard, Hi.
They LOOK great too. Look at their colour! I shall see you in Fordingbridge on the 20th. S

[Richard]

Being a gardener of fairly limited experience I've always loved the fact that I can grow runner beans. So I'm really looking forward to trying out some of your seeds Richard! Many thanks - see you at VegEvent!