I’m glad you mentioned that Paul, because I keep forgetting to ask. What is the best way to plant bean seeds?
I heard some people say they soaked them. Others Nick them. I’ve normally just stuck mine in the ground, but I don’t have a high germination rate even with brand new beans.
And the Scarlets are another story. I do have a hard time getting those to germinate as well. I have to print quite a few beans to get one plant. Then I have to baby it, It always gets extra attention and doesn’t grow as prolifically as the others
Esp. those Scarlett Runners!
Maybe someone can offer experience based advice or look up a reputable YouTube vid. I looked at a couple - saw nothing special. For example... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEUAqlf2Yc0
“What is the best way to plant bean seeds?”
I’m going to make an educated guess. You may be planting your beans too early. The soil needs to be WARM for bean seeds to germinate properly; at least 60 degrees. Also, they DO have hard shells so keeping them moist once they are in the ground is key. If you’re not getting 1 inch of rain each week, you HAVE to water them. You’ve just gotta! ;)
Also, my cure for everything - MULCH! It helps retain both heat and moisture and tamps down the weeds. Beans do NOT like to compete with weeds. Well, who does? LOL!
A Soil Thermometer is your friend. They are not expensive and are usually pretty accurate.
Here’s a handy-dandy chart for soil temperatures for seeding vegetables:
https://www.homefortheharvest.com/soil-temperature-for-planting-vegetables-chart/