Broad Beans

[artichoke]

I've been lucky, as though some of my  aquadulce died under the snow and ice, many survived and gave me plenty of really early beans, and the extra seeds I put in the gaps have followed on and been even more productive in spite of blackfly attacks. A new block of plants are coming on nicely. Remind me - when is it too late to sow broad beans, in anyone's experience? (South East) I really enjoy them, and have lots packed away in the freezer.

[artichoke]

[Russell]

Davejg, last year I spaced at 5 inches each way, this year I am at 7 inches each way. It does not sound much different but 25 sq inches is half of 49 sq inches so it is really a lot. The 7 inch spacings look better but I won't know the yield until harvest is complete. All I can say for now is that it is not a mistake.
If you plant BBs at these close spacings You must water them well, particularly when they are growing, flowering, or filling pods. I suppose that means all the time.

[knottygal]

A good year here for the broadies and haven't pinched the tips at all due to an abundance of these helpful Soldier beetles eating all the aphids  :D (I love to watch the predators at work...mwah ha ha ;D)

[shirlton]

Not a single black fly on any of ours this year.  Hope I havent spoken too soon :-X

[davejg]

Thanks russel, mine are / will be in beds so i will give the 7" spacing a go.

[Duke Ellington]

Mine had no blackfly untill this week.