Broad Beans

[templebell]

Hi Guys and Gals

Grew Broad Beans for the first time - went in a bit late but now starting to bare. I think I read somewhere - can't for the life of me remember where- that once pods appear on the lowers to pinch out the tips to deter black fly. Anyone confirm.

George

[Ian240356]

Originally Posted by templebell

Hi Guys and Gals

Grew Broad Beans for the first time - went in a bit late but now starting to bare. I think I read somewhere - can't for the life of me remember where- that once pods appear on the lowers to pinch out the tips to deter black fly. Anyone confirm.

George

Yes I have read something like that too. Google for "chocolate spot" Thats a problem I've had with them. A good tip is to plant marigolds around them, black fly/aphids dont like the smell, I have read.

[Lesley Jay]

Hi George, yes you are quite right - pinching out the tops of broad bean plants once the first bean pods form does deter black fly. You can also eat the leafy tops.

[templebell]

Thanks - a really novice question now - how do you know they are ready to pick?

told you a very novice question

thanks

[Lesley Jay]

Hi George, the best way I found is to feel the broad bean pods. Compared to pea pods, broad bean pods are thick and they also have a lovely deep 'furry' layer inside for the broad beans to nestle in. So although the pods might look a good size, the beans inside might be very small. I wait until I can feel the beans in the pod and also see bumps on the outside of the pods from the beans growing inside.