Taking the tops off broad beans

[Rosyred]

I read somewhere to pick out the tops of the broad beans but not sure what to do now. They are about 30-40cms high in flower do I just pick out above the flowers to in courage growth? Is that the bit you can eat above the flowers which just look like lots of leaves?

Many thanks

[Rosyred]

[tim]

Yes - just a lot of leaves! When the first beans form.

I never bother until there is some sign of blackfly.

[MollyBloom]

I would think it's a bit early to pick them off, but it really depends on how strong your plants look and whether you're starting to be troubled by blackfly (the main reason for picking them off, although I find the blackfly just tend to move down to lower shoots).

[tim]

As they say, it's 'only a form of control'.

And PS - thanks for your reminder - got them in tonight!!

[Rosyred]

Mine never looked like that bit leggy but never mind they survived the winter and was my first allotment vegtable to be put in back last year. I've sown I few more to put in the gaps as I thought I put them a bit far apart but looking at yours Tim I think there were ok. There was no sign of black fly yet.

[amphibian]

My broadbeans have been eaten by deer, the council are promising us a new fence in teh next dew weeks. I suspect, however, that like their previous attempts it will be highly inadequate.

[Robert_Brenchley]

You want a proper deer fence that lets them jump in, but doesn't let them back out. Then you can commit murder and eat a feast fit for Robin Hood.

[Rosyred]

I know dig a big hole that they can't get out...... ::)