Autumn-sown Broad Beans

[pye]

Hello everyone,

I've got a batch of November-sown Aquadulce Claudia which are about 8" tall already, I guess because it's been so mild, they're going like the clappers.

I'm a bit worried about them putting on so much greenery so early, so my question is: can I pinch them back to 3" like I do to sweet peas, and will I still get a decent crop?

Interestingly, the field beans I'm trying for the first time this year (Wizard, from Real Seeds) are looking just right - 3" of stumpy growth.

Thanks for any advice!

[pye]

[rugbypost]

All I know is  that once the first set of beans have formed pinch out the top with the first 2 leaves to be honest you have had a great start let the season take its course they will slow down the cold weather is here for a while yet so protect as well most of us have been there , and the weather changes and lose them all Happy new year bet your picking before me

[BarriedaleNick]

Too much growth can be an issue if you get a really cold snap. Mine got away last year and then blackened and died back after a cold spell.  They did grow on (some of them) so I guess you could pinch them back but the results were not good - not something I have ever considered!

[Digeroo]

Must be warmer where you are Pye.  Mine are about three inches tall even under bottle cloches.  Not sure I would prick out the growing points, I am sure that the pigeons, mice, squirrels etc  will do it for you.   I think I would be watching the weather and be ready to throw some fleece over them if the weather turns cold.

I will be interested in the results of your field beans.   I think they would make a good green manure and if you can get a crop off them as well sounds brilliant.

As far as I am concerned autumn beans is a gamble.  Sometimes you win but usually you loose.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Wizard was the only bean which did anything much for me last summer; I got masses of small beans. They were spring-sown, but field beans are supposed to be extra hardy.

[green lily]

I get back from my hols 11th Feb. then I'll have a mega sowing bash.The lot, beans toms, etc etc. Going away has saved me wondering about sowing in Jan this year just for the mice/rats to eat. Expect I shall do just as well and maybe better.