Broad beans

[everdream78]

I planted some broad bean seeds around the middle of November (they were an early variety but don't ask me which one!). Admittedly, I didn't warm the soil up somehow before planting them and I didn't put an old pop bottle over them once planted.

There's no sign of shoots...... have I killed them before they got started or do they take ages to shoot?

Actually, thinking about it, the early peas I planted haven't shooted either...

Any advice?

[Flummery]

Give them a chance - it's been perishing cold here! I put mine in modules in the greenhouse and when they looked well chunky I put them out. They are about 4" high and still very sturdy - they haven't actually grown much since I put them out - but they'll set off in spring. Yours might still come. Try furtling about under the soil and see if the bean is still there and shooting or has rotted. If it's there, bung it back.

[Alison]

Not growing them this year but last year I started them off in a cold greenhouse and then planted out when a few inches high. Didn't give them protection out and they did OK until the high winds in January when they got flattened. Staked them up again and the produced OK but were only a week or so earlier than the ones I sowed directly into the soil in late winter which is why I've not bothered this year.

[moggssue]

It would be interesting to hear how all our broadies go - those planted outside now, those under cover now, and those planted in spring - to get a good idea of whether it really is worth planting for an extra early crop. I love broadies so the more I can get the better! Can we have reports back on whether it was worth it folks?

[piskieinboots]

I also planted mine in mid November, I didn't warm soil, I didn't cover them and they are just peeking through now - give them a while they will show up in time for the party

[rustylady]

I plant mine in cell trays in the cold greenhouse and plant out when well sprouted. If I sow them straight onto the lottie they either rot or the mice/pigeons nick them. Planted out Aquadulce on Sunday. Sutton next weekend if the weather's good.

[Snadger]

My red Epicure are about 9" tall and planted out in a single row. My later sowing of Aqualunce Claudia are just popping there heads through the compost in the seedtrays in the greenhouse.

I aso have Feltham First peas in guttering which are well hardened off and will be planted out over the Christmas holidays!

If I plant peas or beans directly into the allotment our feathered friends and all manner of rodents seem to have a 'five a side' match with them, after digging them up and leaving them on the surface!

[everdream78]

Thanks for that guys n gals - I am the world's worst for patience!!!!

I'll keep you up to speed whether they come up or not.....