Climbing Bean - Matilda
Matilda is a superb, vigorous, early maturing climber that yields masses of long, round podded beans with excellent flavour. The dark green pods are approximately 15cm in length, and if picked regularly will keep producing throughout the season.
Sow indoors for surest results from April to May, 2.5cm deep into individual pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions, before planting out 25cm apart, during May-June when frosts are over. Allow 45cm between rows. Or sow outdoors May-July for ease, where they are to crop, 5cm deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Delay sowing if soil is cold or waterlogged. Sow two seeds together, 30cm between each position. Allow 45cm between rows. Thin to leave stronger plant. Water well until plants are established. Harvest from June to October.