Broad Beans

[Kimbo]

Two Questions

Are there any type of broad beans I could start off now for a crop later in the season. I have some already flowering/podding but I am losing the battle against blackfly and dont think the crop will be brilliant. Could do with a back up plan if possible.

Also anyone got any non chemical ideas for getting rid of blackfly, I am pinching out growing tips but had to cut down one plant this morning as it was covered in them and past saving.

[Flummery]

I would think you could still get a crop from a sowing now Kimbo. Not tried it - has anyone else? I would wash blackfly off with soapy water. Add a bit of washing up liquid to some cold water and either spray them or dab them wirth a sponge. It's not necessary to wash them completely off because the soap breaks down the waxes in their bodies and they succumb. It's worth giving it a whirl. If you feel up to the job, you can wash off the blackfly from tops you pinch out and cook and eat them (the tops, not the blackfly!)

[Kimbo]

How much washing up liquid in say one litre of water?

[roitelet]

Just a good squirt will do Kimbo.

[Snadger]

In the past when I've had blackfly on my bean tops I've just carefully squished them! Quite satisfying as I recall! You can usually just run your fingers down the stem tip without nipping the stem and squash em!

[goddess]

hi kimbo,i read in one of the garden mags that sowing in begining of june will extend cropping season.i sowed some aquadulc.last weekend.g

[Earthbabe]

Mine too seem to be beyond saving despite soapy water and top nipping. Many of them are completely covered - the little so and sos. I'm going to try putting some in in the next few days for a very late crop. Usually by now we are chuffing away quite contentedly. i'm very disappointed this year. Too sad to get angry

I'll be sowing Green Windsor and Witkiem Manita

[Kimbo]

My sister is going to bring me some rhubarb leaves at the weekend so I can mix up a brew and try that. I am also going to try a recipe I got for a citrus spray to see if that works.

I have some aquadulce claudia seeds I had got for next year may try those to see if I can get another crop later on. Will start them off in the greenhouse (been a really good way for me this year).

[Vegmonkey]

I've found rhubarb spray doesn't keep them off for very long, they just reappear. Squishing is best! Plus, it is very satisfying. I've heard ladybirds do a good job on blackfly, and i know ladybirds can be bought online. If none of this works, a recipe, which incidentally i am yet to try, was posted on my blog...worth a shot!? If it works, i'd love to hear about it.

Nice garden Kimbo, wish mine was as big as yours!

[Alice]

Good luck with the black fly Kimbo. I like your blog. Looks as if everything else is going great for you so hopefully the beans will do well. I like your upturned crates for staging. I use some too. Gets things up off the ground.

[goddess]

vegmonky your plot looks very neat .radishes perfect with no holes(sadly mine have turned to lace)as for the blackfly,i spotted an organic spray at GC from growing success that should be effective against blackfly.citrus spray sounds interesting ,can you post recipe please.g

[Kimbo]

vegmonky your plot looks very neat .radishes perfect with no holes(sadly mine have turned to lace)as for the blackfly,i spotted an organic spray at GC from growing success that should be effective against blackfly.citrus spray sounds interesting ,can you post recipe please.g

Smellerific Citrus Peel Spray
Use: Soft bodied insects such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars.
Ingredients:
4 cups of boiled water
Chopped peel of 1 citrus fruit (orange or lemon)
Thin strainer
Funnel
Spray bottle
Directions:
1. Steep the chopped orange or lemon peel overnight in the boiling water.
2. Strain your citrus brew through a thin-meshed strainer. Be sure to capture all the particles to avoid clogging your sprayer.
3. Funnel the liquid into a spray bottle and use.
Non-Edible Variation: Try adding 1 tsp dish soap or insecticidal soap (something without fragrances and additives is preferred) to the mix. Not only will it aid in the mix sticking to the insect, but will also do its own damage.
How to Use:
Be sure to test the sensitivity of your plant before launching a full-on assault. Some plants will burn when direct sprayed with citrus oil, especially in hot sun. Move your plant away from direct sun if possible and spray the underside of one leaf. Wait an hour or up to one day and then go ahead if foliar burning does not result.
For the spray to have maximum effect you must spray the insects directly as indirect contact may not be enough to kill the insect pests.
Why It Works:
Oils found in the peel of all citrus fruit act as a nerve poison that sends soft-bodied insects into a crazy fit upon contact. Of course anyone who has experienced citrus juice in the eye is also aware of this simple fact; it BURNS.

[Vegmonkey]

Broad bean blackfly killing remedy!!

Hi, this is what was posted on my blog.

Hope it works. I decided on pinching the tips out, and the beans have just started to set. Hoorah!!!!!

Anyway, here's the recipe...

Half a bucket stinging nettles–3or 4 cloves of garlic squashed a bit.
Half fill bucket with water and stir 2 or 3 times a day for 2 days.
With an old (large)paintbrush or similar swoosh the solution over your beans,roses etc.
It was reccomended that you use daily for 2 or 3 days but I have found one application is enough.
I dont know how it may affect bees(it didnt say)so I use it at dusk just to be sure,
Happy gardening,Polly.
arted to set.

[Paulottie]

Thanks for the recipe Vegmonkey- I don't think that would harm the bees or even dissuade them.. One other idea is to plant nasturtsiums to attract the blackfly away from your beans. If you want to increase the preditors and acheive a balence you can't spray. It's hard at first.

[heebiejeebie]

I have tried companion planting with nasturtiums, but the little blighters definitely prefer the broad beans.