Broad Bean Help

[Silverfox]

Sorry to have to ask such a stupid question but I plan to sow some Broad Beans (Aquadulce) and I would like to know if they need support or not.

Also will these need protecting from the cold over winter or will they be ok just as they are?

[pigletwillie]

They will need some support in the spring when they start to romp away. If you dont give them some protection you may have some casualties if we get a hard winter but saying that its generally waterlogging that does for them.

[Snadger]

From what I can gather timing is critical for Autumn sowing as you dont want to hit the harsh weather with too much soft leafy growth and also making sure the roots are established!
I would imagine timing will vary up and down the country but I am planning to sow four lots between the end of October and mid November as a trial.

The 'Moon Gardeners' among us will be able to give you an exact sowing date!
Reminds me I must add that book, 'Moon Gardening' to my Christmas wish list!

[heebiejeebie]

I have sown some already and will start off more next week and a couple of weeks after, since I don't know the best time to sow! I figure the ones that die off will at least do as green fertiliser (please someone put me right on this if necessary!)

I have posts and netting for support and fleece at the ready.

[Mrs Dobby]

Gonna try planting a few ourselves, under minicloches and probably some bubble wrap, anyone think this may work, or are we going to be wasting our time?

[nick the grief]

If you have a greenhouse that is unheater you can over winter them in there in pots. Failing that you'll need to make a cloche up taller the better if you can.

[bramble]

No, Think its a very good idea as it will protect from the wet and the frost.
Good luck.

[Mrs Dobby]

Thanks NTG, unfortunately no proper greenhouse as yet (still looking for a 'cheap' ebay one or freecycle), tho do have one of those cheap polythene things, think that may do the job?

[nick the grief]

Lidl's did some "Jumbo Cloches" about 4ft x 3ft that would be better as you can space them out & not loose light. I think the grow house like your's will be too dark for the ones at the bottom & it would mean constantly rotating them around.

You could always make a temporary cold frame using roofing lathe & plastic (uv treated) I've got two one 12ft x 3 ft & one 7ft x 4 ft they are held together with 4 bolts & store away neatly behind the greenhouse.

[Mrs Dobby]

Mmm, interesting, may have to get Mr Dobby to have a look at that, thanks NTG!

[nick the grief]

Here's what mine look like (minus the lids) one is made of all poly & the other has Tongue & groove on 3 sides. The bolts go where the arrows are