Broad Bean Problem

[Anita Plot]

I planted broad beans back in November under cloches.

The cloches stayed on longer than I had expected becasue of the bad weather at the beginning of the year.

We have had quite a few servings of beans but now the plants don't look too good.

They have rusty looking patches on the pods and some of the leaves are turning black.

My questions are:

Do broad beans get blight or are the plants just coming to an end.

Can I safely leave the roots in the ground.

[Cloud]

Sounds like plants are coming to an end.Leaving the roots in is an excellent idea as they release nitrogen into the soil!

[Two_Sheds]

yes, my Autumn sown broadies are just about over now too. I have left a few uneaten, to sow again in November. Free beans!

BTW, they are hardy, you don't need to cloche them. Just support them against winter gales/heavy snow (canes and string is okay)

[Tam]

Once you cut them down, they will throw up new growth and you may get a few more beans produced.

[Two_Sheds]

Once you cut them down, they will throw up new growth and you may get a few more beans produced.

Yes, in theory. I have found the new growth gets quickly smothered in blackfly though. I've never managed a second crop off broadies.

[Tam]

Fingers crossed, I never have a problem with blackfly, but I've had to stop growing lupins as they always got covered with that nasty great grey fly, that apparently came over . from the US of A. I don't think they must have any natural predators here. It's a pity, as I found Lupins made a good green manure.

[Anita Plot]

Thank you
I have cut them down and left the roots in the soil. I hope that the plants will be OK for the compost. Some of them did have a lot of blackfly. They went into the council compost bin

If I do get any more beans I will keep them for next year.

The Laird has podded them and put them in the freezer. Think I need to weigh him to see how many he actually ate. lol

[Two_Sheds]

Blackfly are fine in the compost bin. In fact, they add protein.