another broad bean question

[onefivenine]

Hi all, I'm afraid it's another 1st time growing question

I've noticed the odd bumble bee on my broad bean flowers - good news of course - but I'm wondering whether the holes which are appearing on the flowers are being caused by the bees, and that's Ok, or is it aphids or some other pests damaging them?

You can hopefully see what I mean here...


If it's a pest then I'll be gutted as loads of the flowers are like this but plenty more are still forming so hopefully I can limit the damage somehow.

Thanks in advance guys

[Flummery]

It's the bees. I read that if they have made a hole, the bee has managed to avoid going in the deep and and so the bean will not be pollinated. However, 2 years ago I had loads of my beans drilled into - and my best crop ever. Panic not!

[onefivenine]

Thank you flummery, it's a relief to know it is the bees doing it.
I see them on top of the flowers, in and out and all over them.
The lower down, older flowers are starting to wilt now so presumably I should expect to see some signs of pods soon - if they're going to happen - fingers crossed then.
I'll be keeping a close eye on them.
But I feel reassured! Thanks again.

[onefivenine]

Woo hoo!

I have pods appearing - lots of them, like this...



Is it time to feed now? I have some tomorite waiting!

[Flummery]

I've never fed broad beans. They have nodules on tbeir roots that fix nitrogen in the soil. It's never occurred to me to feed them - they feed me!

[onefivenine]

I like your thinking flummery!

I thought it was a good idea to feed them tomato food because they produce flowers and fruit, and that nitrogen is for leaf production.

Mine are in containers, and the lower leaves are starting to yellow a bit so I've given then some epsom salts to see if they green up a bit.

[helly]

can I add a question about broadies, how long can you leave them on a plant before picking them? I have lots growing and cant eat them fast enough
cheers

[onefivenine]

can I add a question about broadies, how long can you leave them on a plant before picking them? I have lots growing and cant eat them fast enough
cheers

Depends if you prefer them young and sweet as I think they lose their sweetness, and also get a bit tougher, as they age in the pod.

My first year growing them so I'll probably be impatiently wondering the same thing soon too!

[Alice]

If you can't eat all your beans Helly you can freeze them. Just shell the beans, put them spread out on a tray, put the tray in the freezer. Once frozen tip the beans into a freezer bag.

[spectrawax8]

Also leave a certain ammount (depending on how many you want to plant next year) on the plant to age and dry in their pods. When the pods are black and withered and rattly pick 'em . shell 'em and put the dry beans in a jar for planting either in Oct/Nov or next spring.
Been doiing my own seed from all beans, peas, parsnips, rocket etc and its almost as satisfying as eating 'em, save yourself quite a few quid also.