Broad Beans

[Florence Fennel]

I'm going to plant some bored beans this year (purely as green manure because no-one actually likes them, though I could give them away at work). Do I plant straight into the ground, or am I better starting off in modules please?

[VirginVegGrower]

Either, depends if you have mice problems. Make sure they are Aquadulce Claudia - capable of overwintering. I sow in modules, then plant to try and get beyond the mices problem. Probably less work sowing direct and seeing as how you are not eating them...why not sow a prope green manure crop? Less money!

[bearded bloke]

And remember to scatter the "blue Smarties" about Flo

[Alison]

And STOP CALLING THEM BORED, sorry but it really annoys me, have ranted about this in the past, the search function is bad enough as it is without deliberately mis-spelling

Oh and to your question, I'd sow direct if you're doing it as a green manure (they are a proper green manure and will be just as good as the ones marketed as such) as you'll be sowing thickly but in modules for eating so I get the best spacings. Don't suffer with mice though (or use slug pellets)

[SarrissUK]

haha the 'bored' beans make me giggle every time I see it lol

I never thought of using them as a green manure.. I'm just curious then - would it be possible to buy a few boxes of peas for the same purpose? I need ground cover more than anything, for about half my lottie until March time, and dried peas are dirt cheap. Thoughts?

[Florence Fennel]

Oops, sorry you were annoyed Alison, but I did put "Broad" beans in the thread title to avoid confusion
In this case they are cheaper than "proper" green manure VVG, because I already have them in my seed box, oh and they are ADC.
As for sowing peas, I've used dried peas for pea shoots, but never any further, might be worth a cheap try?
I think last time I grew them I let the children sow the seed direct, so I might get some child labour going.
So far, no mice to be seen, but I suppose there's always a chance and there will be some blue smarties (aka slug pellets) in abundance.

[northepaul]

If they're a green manue, I would sow them directly in the ground, as stated above. I am growing some to actually eat, as I love them, so will sow in modules, but in the ground it doesnt matter about overcrowding etc.

[SarrissUK]

Good stuff - I got a couple of boxes in the kitchen that I have been meaning to use for pea shoots but never got that far. I can still get pea shoots this way AND cover the ground for a while! Thank you both

[alex-adam]

Just a minute! - how do you know the beans haven't been reading anything by J. Fennimore-Cooper?, they'rd be bored alright !!

[Florence Fennel]

Because Alex, they're green not red

[Two_Sheds]

.why not sow a prope green manure crop? Less money!

If you've saved your own seeds they're free

So far, no mice to be seen, but I suppose there's always a chance

If you chit them first it's supposed to stop mice eating them. I always chit my peas & beans, never lost any to mice

[VirginVegGrower]

Ah but TS I made the assumption that FF wouldn't have saved seed on something her family didn't like and on that basis I assumed she would be buying seed. Since it was not stated as seed saving fact I pointed out that you get more bang for your bucks with green manure as I had assumed FF would not want to lash out more on broad beans as green manure than green manure.
You shouldnt make assumptions
Are you bored with beans because of the preparation required. I find blanching the little suckers before freezing soon has them out of their shells?! Assuming that it's the prep and not the taste factor.

[Alison]

Are you bored with beans because of the preparation required. I find blanching the little suckers before freezing soon has them out of their shells?! Assuming that it's the prep and not the taste factor.

Or if you pick them young the skins haven't formed and you can just eat them without bothering about skinning at all. Don't think I've skinned any in about 5 years now.

[Florence Fennel]

[QUOTE=VirginVegGrower;896511]Ah but TS I made the assumption that FF wouldn't have saved seed on something her family didn't like and on that basis I assumed she would be buying seed.
You shouldnt make assumptions

It's really never safe to assume is it? I have grown broad beans (there you go Alison) before only to find out that my family don't like them. Therefore, I have seeds, both saved and still in the packet, hence plenty beans for green manure.

[Two_Sheds]

Does your family like hummous? Because broad beans make a fantastic flourescent green hummous

400g broad beans (podded weight), simmered until tender & skinned if necessary

1 fat garlic clove, crushed

3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp Lemon juice


Blitz everything in a blender. Add more oil if the purée seems too thick and dry. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice, as needed.