Problems with Broad Beans

Have_a_go_gardener

Hi there

We've grown broad beans very successful for the last couple of years down south however we now live in Chesterfield and are struggling. The plants grew really well and look healthy however the pods are huge with very little inside. This happened before the heatwave so can't blame that!  The plants have some small new shoots just starting so not sure if to leave or cut back? Pics attached next to a normal pen for size comparison. 

Any ideas please on what went wrong and how to correct?

Dovefromabove

I think that’s either poor pollination or lack of water at flowering time … or both. 

nick615

I'd endorse what Dove has said.  I planted our row with a good supply of chicken manure pellets before sowing the seed themselves and, as the weather's got drier, we've used all the spent washing up etc. water on the garden (which isn't huge).  The height of the plants is around 7ft (I'm 6ft) and we've had a good crop for freezing.  Most of the pea/bean family repay all the cossetting you can give them.