Broad beans

[pepperted123]

We are thinking of trying out Broad beans. Can we plant now and what verity crops the earliest next year. New to veg growing so any advice would be welcome

Thank you

[jackie j]

Yes sow some beans now I think its Aquadulce thts ok to sow now, just make sure if its going to be very frosty cover them with some fleece or a cloche once they come up, I didnt and I lost the lot.

[pepperted123]

Thanks Jackie
I will keep that in mind as winter draws in

[Two_Sheds]

Aquedulce and The Sutton are winter hardy and don't need covering.
However, don't plant them too early: you want them going into winter about 4" tall only (tall plants will only get battered by winter gales)

[pepperted123]

Thanks for the advice two_sheds I have made a note. Much appreciated.

[jackie j]

Aquedulce and The Sutton are winter hardy and don't need covering.
However, don't plant them too early: you want them going into winter about 4" tall only (tall plants will only get battered by winter gales)

In the past I have never bothered to cover mine and they were The Sutton, however last year ( begining of this year ) I lost the lot to frost and snow, wish I had covered them. No gales to batter them at the time.

[Two_Sheds]

I lost a lot too Jackie, it was an exceptionally long cold winter

[pepperted123]

Hi Jackie
I thought I had answered your post about covering them up, in fact I am sure I did, maybe I hit a wrong button doing it.
Anyway Thank You.

They are going in this weekend and we will cover them.

Thans again

[Two_Sheds]

If you cover them, watch out that they don't put on too much soft lanky foliage.
You want them short & squat all through winter.

Otherwise, as soon as you take the cloches off in spring, they fall over (been there, done that)

[Dottie]

If you cover them, watch out that they don't put on too much soft lanky foliage.
You want them short & squat all through winter.

Otherwise, as soon as you take the cloches off in spring, they fall over (been there, done that)

That's worth knowing, as I was thinking that maybe this year I would cover my broadbeans with fleece. All because last year they didn't do that well, so thought I'd better look after them better. But I'll leave them as they are and just hope next year is not as cold for as long, as this year.

[jackie j]

I sowed my broad beans today I wont cover them until they are up and maybe heavy frost is forcast

[pepperted123]

Thanks for that Two sheds
All taken on board. We will heed all the advice given.

[gojiberry]

Planted mine to early, they are 18in tall and soft looking. Mind you they have come through the frosts so far. Have a second batch just coming through in pots which will be planted out in Jan. The first lot were sown mainly as a green manure and will probably end up as just that.

Ian