Runner beans can be grown from seed, but you will need to start them indoors at least 4 weeks before your last frost date. You can sow them direct in the garden after your last frost date or if sown early indoors you can transplant them once your soil has warmed up. Runner beans are a fast growing plant and should be planted about 12cm deep and 20cm apart. They are a heavy feeder so it is best to add plenty of compost into the planting hole before adding the seed. Runner beans require a lot of sun, so choose a sunny spot in your veg patch. Sow the seed on a warm windowsill or under a heat mat and keep moist until they germinate.