Author Topic: Broad bean covers  (Read 1053 times)

amanda21

  • Acre
  • ****
  • Posts: 438
  • 40's the new 30 - right?
    • ...and I Hate Worms!
Broad bean covers
« on: April 01, 2008, 13:01:14 »
I have some broad bean plants that are now about 8-10" high.  They have been grown under a mesh cloche which I now need to protect my new sown peas.  Will the broad beans be ok now just left open to the wildlife (pigeons/mice especially!) or should I protect with something else?
Thanks
http://ihateworms.blogspot.com/  - Why then do I so want an allotment?

sawfish

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,059
  • glasgow dreamer
Re: Broad bean covers
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2008, 13:12:31 »
Broad beans will be absolutely fine especially considering where you are, they're tough as old boots

Tee Gee

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 6,932
  • Huddersfield - Light humus rich soil
    • The Gardener's Almanac
Re: Broad bean covers
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2008, 13:40:50 »
They should be OK until they start podding then the birds will have another go at them in particulars Jays & Magpies.

Many a time I have found bean pods opened like a zip fastener i.e. the birds peck up the edge of the pod to expose the beans inside.

So keep a look out for these tell tale signs then net up again if necessary.

Your next problem might well be 'black fly'

I allow five sets of flowers to form then I remove the top of the plant, I have often found that if I go for a sixth set of flowers I get a black fly problem.

Meaning I might get a few less beans but I find that those I get are healthy and well filled which is better than (in my book) more partially filled soft beans.

Each to their own!!

amanda21

  • Acre
  • ****
  • Posts: 438
  • 40's the new 30 - right?
    • ...and I Hate Worms!
Re: Broad bean covers
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2008, 17:43:32 »
Thanks I feel more confident leaving them uncovered now.  Will remember the tip re 5 lots of flowers - cheers! :)
http://ihateworms.blogspot.com/  - Why then do I so want an allotment?

sawfish

  • Hectare
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,059
  • glasgow dreamer
Re: Broad bean covers
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2008, 18:24:32 »
I'm lucky in the respect that this far north I dont get black fly

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal