Just a quick runner bean question

For various reasons I actually bought my runner bean plants this year - 2 trays of them.

I hardened them off, I planted out one row but had to leave the others. That was a week ago and they've been doing fine then ... 2 days ago I noticed white patches on several of the leaves of those in the ground (tried attaching a photo - computer not having it!), those as yet unplanted aren't affected. The best way to describe it, is that it looks similar to leaf miner damage - white, almost see-through blotches - although not 'trails' as I'd expect with leaf miner. I've removed the 'infected' leaves and burnt them, sprayed the plants with a soap solution and checked those still in the box, which are fine.

Yesterday, I took some of the damaged leaves back to the garden centre and asked what had happened (not necessarily to complain - just to ask), and was told it was 'frost damage', although they did offer a free replacement box.

Now, I don't understand - if it is frost damage
(a) why has it only affected those plants in the ground and not the unplanted box which is standing right next to the row?
(b) how come he was so quick to offer a replacement?
and
(c) Although I wouldn't say we've had a frost round here for a while, could he actually be right or is it summat worse?

(I'll keep trying to upload a photo, but without a responsible young person around may not manage it!)

 

Something similar has happened to my runner beans. There are about 5 in one smallish pot, which I have been leaving outside during the day. Unfortunately, one night I didn't get round to bringing them back inside and they have stayed out since then - about 5 days now. Not all the leaves, but a fair few, have got white patches on the edges and have even got 'crispy'. We haven't had frost, but I suppose it has been quite cold and breezy at nights. Does think it is the cold and the wind that has damaged them? Other than this they look quite healthy and I want to plant them out. Is it time yet?

 

There seems to be a modern approach to Veg and Half hardy plants that involves planting too early.

I blame garden centres for selling plants too early.

I've not grown runners for a few years, but I always planted the seed in an outside bed in mid May, that way you get good hard plants to move to the growing positions in the first week of June.

I hate to see these tall long leafy plants that garden centres seem to sell.
They are very soft, and been forced under glass, so the slightest cold breeze is going to dry out the leaves, let alone night temps near to freezing.

 

My thanks to everyone. At least it's my fault and that, I can do something about. Usually I stick to the flowers and 'Sir' does the veggies, only Sir is away and there were so many of the bean plants that I assumed they should be going in. Wrong! I'll get some seed tomorrow, no matter if they're a wee bit late.

I'm really grateful, thank you again.

 

I think you are right about garden centres selling things too early. Lots of people, like me, are interested but we don't know the right time to do things (or how to do things!), so we buy the stufff to have a go and then it goes wrong! Nevermind, I am learning new things all the time!

 

I agree about garden centres too.

I've planted a lot from seed this year, first time. And it is soul destroying to see antirhinums almost in flower at the garden centre when yours look a little bigger than cress! That was a month ago!

 

I'm very surprised that you have frost damage so far south. My climbing french beans which are possibly more tender than runners have been outside for about three weeks. When I plant them I use plastic lemonade bottles with the bases cut off as mini cloches and I've just removed these today and the plants are looking good.