Topic: broad beans

[Mrs Ava]

After the mouse/squirrel/birds attacked my spring sown broad beans, they were then infested with blackflies, so I cut the tops back by about a foot and forgot about them.  At the weekend I decided to get shot as they were looking less than happy, but as I started cutting them back I noticed they have all produced lots of new shoots around the base and are smothered in flowers.  I plan to cover with netting again and keep my fingers crossed that beasties will ignore them, but what do you think....might they crop?

[gilgamesh]

Probably - early broads are usually worth cutting down & allowing to shoot again, so I don't see why yours shouldn't crop.

[CotswoldLass]

Interesting guys....thanks.....am off to cut back my broad bean plants!  ;)

[alit]

I wish i'd known to leave the plants that were sprouting from the bottom again.  I just pulled them all up.  Will know for next year.

I had a third of my crop anialated by black fly this year - all that work!!  Someone told me that you can get an organic spray made of amino acids.  Has anyone used this?  I might try it next year.

[CotswoldLass]

Just in time!! Went out and cut back, lots of new growth and flowers on the majority of the plants. Fingers crossed........CLx