Broad beans

[evie b]

I'd like to grow some broad beans over winter. Would it be better to just plant straight in the ground or grow them on in doors first?

[roadkill]

what time of year would you be putting them in the ground? I think i was told that if you planted the broadbeans over winter then they wouldnt get black fly ... I think you will be better off putting them straight in the ground but im not 100% sure

[Capsid]

You can sow them direct into the ground in October/November. The only real problem is with mice and squirrels which will dig them up and eat them. They will survive the harsh winter once germinated and are about 4" high, any higher and they can get damaged by the wind.

I grow mine in 3" pots overwinter in an unheated greenhouse and plant them out early spring to protect against the rodents. They can get a bit leggy though.

[evie b]

broad beans

Mice and squirrels aren't a problem where we live. I could protect them with a cloche in winter.I think it sounds ok putting them straight in the ground then.

[Topcat36]

Mice and squirrels aren't a problem where we live. I could protect them with a cloche in winter.I think it sounds ok putting them straight in the ground then.

I was thinking of doing that as well , i will be using some protection tho just in case we get any squirrels and mice .

[tongegardner]

Yes I did what Mark did last year - planted in 3" modules in late November in unheated greenhouse and planted out in Feb. Just pulled up plants having finished and have planted more. The early crop was Aquadulce Claudia and the crop just planted is Imperial Green Longshaft - already 6" high having again been started in 3" modules.
Alan.