field beans

[raine]

Hi all i've just been given some field beans to use as a green manure. Is this suitable for sowing now and when do i dig it back in?
Thanks

[mrs potato head]

No problem. OH plantes some a couple of weeks ago there about 5inch high, i think you allow them to grow up to 1/2m them chop and leave them to breackdown digging in in the spring. Think this is righjt anyway

[Snadger]

From what I've seen they are very similar to broad beans.

I personally would rather sow broad beans now and get a crop from them. The haulms could still be used for green manure and the fixated nitrogen from the roots will give an extra boost to the soil!

[Vegmonkey]

Hi Raine, i've had 'winter field bean' in for a few weeks now. It is about 2 inches high. I intend to let it grow, as mrs potato head says to about 1/2 a metre, maybe a bit higher. Just before it flowers, i'll dig it in. This should be about 2 or 3 weeks before i start planting, and should improve the soil. I've added some manure too, just for good measure