Over winter broad beans

[planesailing]

I planted my Aquadulce Claudia broad beans at the beginning of October.

Firstly, I grew some with Growmore in and some with Seaweed extract in, the Growmore ones didn't grow and the Seaweed ones have. Why is this, they were both otherwise treated the same.

Additionally, the broad beans are now about 6" and getting bashed by the windy weather we now have, they dont seem to have very strong stems, should they? Have they grown too much already and what is the best way of stopping this, will supporting bamboo canes do?

[bridget mc laughlin]

Hi there, sounds as if the ones that lived just need some shelter but don't be afraid to let them get the cold
Normally they don't need supports but if their limp maybe you should support them.Bamboo's are my own prefered supports as I have lots of them growing in the back garden

[nigel]

They need some hardening off in the cold but with shelter to stop them getting blown about too much, as the weather gets colder they should stiffen up. Try putting them under fleece that is held down with blocks or heavy planks.

Not sure why half you crop has not germinated, was the compost from the same source? Were they two seperate seed packets? Have they rotted off due to too much water or been too dry? These are more likely the culprits.

The growmore/seaweed should not affect germination, it has more effect upon the rate of growth once they put roots down.

[Jeanied]

Hi Plainsailing - I have the same problem as you and I will be staking mine - but looking round other plotholders they all stake theirs every year - just some short verticals with some horizontals as well - more like a fence! I am also going to try out cutting some down a bit - hoping they will get bushier - some of mine are trying to flower!

[Snadger]

Seaweed extract is rich in minor elements and natural growth hormones.

Growmore is inorganic and has the major elements NPK in equal quantities and nothing else.

If growmore is in direct contact with seedlings it will scorch and kill them, equally so if the application rate has been slightly too high.

Seaweed extract I would say is relatively safe, organic and scorch free!

[Flummery]

I agree with Snadger. But I wouldn't sow/plant broad beans with any extra feed. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil all by themselves. I would (and this is a personal preference, not a rule!) sprinkle blood fish and bone a few weeks before planting then let them get on with it. I also gave up overwintering broad beans. They do get bashed by weather and you only gain a few weeks.

[snuffer]

Hi there planesailing. I think the beginning of October is probably a little to early for planting the overwintering broad beans. I have never planted them before November.

The idea is to get short sturdy plants before the really cold weather of winter sets in. These plants then just hang about not doing much at all until spring when they start to grow again. In good years it is possible to have broad beans on the table a month before the spring sown ones.

I never add a fertiliser containing a lot of nitrogen as this promotes leafy growth that is less able to withstand the frosts. My own preferance is to add some bonemeal in an effort to promote strong root growth.

As others have said it will be worth giving your broadies some support to help them stand up to the winds. With luck you should still get a good crop.

[chriscross1966]

I'd second that you got them in a bit early, especially given how mild October was... I'll be putting in my OW ones either this week (if I get up early enough or can be arsed to work by torchlight) or else this coming weekend...

[cornish crabber]

I've been told that over-wintered broad beans are also more resistant to black fly. Is that true?

[nigel]

I've been told that over-wintered broad beans are also more resistant to black fly. Is that true?

Yes, especially if you nip the tops out when the beans are starting to set. The blackfly settle on the sprouting tops.

[Rocketron]

As I understand it, it's not that they are resistant; they flower before blackfly are about.