Broadbean question

[Alison]

I usually grow at least one set of root trainers (ie 32 plants) but have been known to do double that. We prefer to eat them nice and small before the outer skins get touch and you have to phaff with them. No problem with them freezing (don't blanche either) although as with most things they are nicer fresh. Found some a few years ago in the back of the freezer which had been there almost a year and they were still OK. Never known any grow to 6' though, find 3' is more normal and according to t'internet (Broad Bean 'Masterpiece Green Longpod' - Pea & Bean Seeds - Thompson & Morgan) that variety should only grow that height too - what did you do special then Leeds Lad?

[Loudbarker1]

I grow about 50 in two sowings - one overwintering (aquadulce) and the other whatever takes my fancy in the eyar this year Bunyards exhibition, but last year imperial green longpod.

That gives us one large meal a week (typically with orast chicken or similar or family of 4 and chlidren eat them a bit) plus lot broad bans for pesto for pasta/toast (the children really do eat this!) over about eight weeks. Until the dwarf french beans come.

Aqudulce grow 3-4 ft high for me.

[Leeds_lad]

I usually grow at least one set of root trainers (ie 32 plants) but have been known to do double that. We prefer to eat them nice and small before the outer skins get touch and you have to phaff with them. No problem with them freezing (don't blanche either) although as with most things they are nicer fresh. Found some a few years ago in the back of the freezer which had been there almost a year and they were still OK. Never known any grow to 6' though, find 3' is more normal and according to t'internet (Broad Bean 'Masterpiece Green Longpod' - Pea & Bean Seeds - Thompson & Morgan) that variety should only grow that height too - what did you do special then Leeds Lad?

Extremely fertile and organic rich soil. They went into a bed that use to be nothing but bushes, so years and years of leaves and other stuff going into it with barely taking anything out. Nearby was My Polish Linquisa tomatoes which grew well over 8 foot tall, had to get a step ladder out to take off the growing tip

[Jamesy_uk]

You see this thread has me wondering wether to turn over half the potato area at my folks garden to broad beans as I will be growing a lot more at home grrr Damn these tempting veg (shakes fist at a packet of Leek seeds)

[mudpies]

Growing them for the first time this year after being converted by young broad bean, cherry tom and feta cheese spaghetti dish last year - yummy, mouth watering at the thought! 20 plants planted outside have overwintered well and put a few in the polytunnel just recently which I've had to start on suspended shelf in my battle with the squeaky pests. All good so far. Now thinking maybe a spring sowing outside too.......hmmmm! :0)

[veggiechicken]

I found some ancient frozen broad beans in the bottom of the freezer. They were the end of season ones with the thick skin around the beans, unblanched. Having defrosted them, the inner bean squirted out of its skin, a wonderful vibrant green and was absolutely delicious. Never give up on your old beans!