How long before I see anything

[Grumpy Git]

I just planted my Spuds and Broad Beans, how long before I will see anything and what will I need to do?

[Grumpy Git]

[tim]

Dare I say - 'wait & see'? Then call for help? Like do I need to fleece them against frosts?
If you look at my 'bucket' spuds, indoors, & see how long they have taken, it will give you some idea.

Beans - haven't a clue!

[terrace max]

Broad beans: never in a hurry to germinate so just ignore them and they'll come through in their own good time.

The only other things to do:

when all the flowers are out, pinch out the tips to reduce the inevitable population of black aphid

if your plot is at all exposed put some sort of support around the plants: I just use canes and string

pick 'em young: like when the beans are not much bigger than smarties

when you're done put all the empty pods and plants on the compost and leave the roots in the soil: it's all good nitrogenous stuff!

[Jesse]

Can broadbeans be dried or frozen? We don't eat many so I planned to grow only about 4 plants but my allotment neighbour gave me about another 12 plants, I couldn't bring mysef to see them thrown on the compost heap so I've planted them.

[tim]

I reckon they freeze quite well - open freeze.

[legless]

ooh yeah good for freezing, grow as many as you can!

[Derek]

Hi

I was all set to plant my spuds today (Saturday) when one of the more experienced gardeners told me not to be in such a rush... I know Easter is early this year and I have planted before usually on Good Fridsay.

He warned of frost damage and highlighted areas on the site with frost pockets...we had a late frost a couple of years ago and fortunately it missed me but damaged many spuds on the plots around.

I think I will take heed and wait a couple more weeks.. managed to get my onions and shallots in though...I have had these in trays for a few weeks and they have a good root system in place.

More seeds planted the greenhouse is gettting to bursting point ...more room needed

Derek

[Roy Bham UK]

Broad beans: never in a hurry to germinate so just ignore them and they'll come through in their own good time.

The only other things to do:

when all the flowers are out, pinch out the tips to reduce the inevitable population of black aphid

if your plot is at all exposed put some sort of support around the plants: I just use canes and string

pick 'em young: like when the beans are not much bigger than smarties

when you're done put all the empty pods and plants on the compost and leave the roots in the soil: it's all good nitrogenous stuff!

A few useful tips there Terrace ;) ;D Thanks very much 8)

[Merry Tiller]

Your spuds won't get frosted if you keep earthing them up regularly

[Mothy]

Jesseveve,

If you check Gavin's site, gavin@keirg.freeserve.co.uk, he gives a few details on dried broad beans.  :)

Ps they're the only vegetable I can think of that I'm not very keen on  :(

[Jesse]

Thanks Mothy, will have a look. Tim, what does open freeze mean?

[tim]

After blanching - if you do it - dry them & lay them on a tray to freeze, then bag them. Just helps them 'pour'! As you would for raspberries & the like.

Those who don't like broadies may have had chewy ones. If in any doubt, 'shell' them & they're gourmet - fit for a King.

Frost? Yes - we just earth up till we can't, & then fleece them.

[legless]

i planted my potatoes yesterday and covered them with fleece, it was the same date and method as last year (i was away for april last year) and it is earlier than most of the other plot holders but i got excellent yields earlier than most last year.

hope it works out ok this time!!

[Moggle]

Have planted some rocket and some concorde now. Most are under fleece for now, and will keep earthing up the ones that are not.

[tim]

But - both of you - you still need to earth up?? Or, down this way - 'mould'.

[redimp]

Some of the guys on my site do not earth up at all and have plated now.  I have plated my first earlies (Rocket) and will plant my second earlies (Kestrel) over the next week and I shall be religiously earthing up.

[legless]

oh yes tim, i still earth up but it is really a bit early to plant them out up here so the fleece keeps them snug for a few weeks.

[tim]

Your guys, red, should remember that, if you don't, 25 potatoes have got to grow in 4" depth of soil - pretty good going??

[farmerlaura]

Hya all I am new to this forum However I do not even dig the ground. I just place the spud and keep covering with leaves grass anything to keep warm and dark. still digging last years with great success,

[Roy Bham UK]

Hya all I am new to this forum However I do not even dig the ground. I just place the spud and keep covering with leaves grass anything to keep warm and dark. still digging last years with great success,

Hi farmerlaura and welcome aboard this wonderful site. 8) does your method of spud growing do anything to improving the soil below like it does the conventional way? ???