Broad Beans

SmudgesDad

I’m going to grow broad beans on the plot this year. It’s a bit soggy at the moment so I was wondering if I could start them off in 3” pots or modules in the cold frame or conservatory?
Has anyone had any success starting them this way?

raisingirl

yes, I always start mine in modules - too many voles and mice around for peas or beans to survive in the ground through winter. I usually start some in November and then a few more around now - they go outside when the weather warms up - usually March. They grow quite quickly once germinated so you may have to pinch out the tips and pot them on at least once to stop them getting soft and leggy while they wait for the sunshine to arrive.

cornelly

I too have for quite a few years, the ground being too wet at the normal time of sowing with us in November the seed just rot away, find I don't have to repot, and they grow away merrily when planted out in the garden.

Skandi

I put mine in the ground in March, I'm the same as cornelly in that my land is too wet for autumn planting. I find that putting them in in March works fine, they may be a week or so later than overwintered ones, but later is much better than dead!

Last year they went in the 10th March and were ready to harvest the 30 June.

Dovefromabove

I sow mine direct in late October/early November (var. Aquadulce Claudia) ... they germinate quickly and stand unprotected at about 6”-8” through the winter ... including being buried under snow. We’re usually picking them by the end of May/early June and they’re never bothered by blackfly. 

SmudgesDad

Thanks for your advice everyone. 🙂