my first year growing beans - can anyone tell me approx. how many broad beans on average one should get from one Sutton broad bean plant? just trying to figure out whether my harvest was okay or not? ??? cheers! :)
Just picking my first tonight, Rox. Probably about 15 on each plant at the mo but don't know how many there should be. Had to spray the black fly the other night tho!
Helen
Wish I could pick 15 of one plant! The birds/mice are beating me to it every time!! This is the last time I grow broadbeans, even netted I am loosing the pods as soon as the beans start to swell!
Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on June 22, 2005, 22:05:55
This is the last time I grow broadbeans, even netted I am loosing the pods as soon as the beans start to swell!
Nooooooo!!!! Keep trying, they are one of the best veggies!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/sandersj89/Garden%20June05/BroadBeanAqua.jpg)
Jerry
Oh Jerry! How could you!! I adore broadbeans, but am alone in my passion in this family so only grow a few plants, but the same thing happened last year. I am having to pick the pods when very small, and altho the beans are delicious, seems like a lot of effort, and growing room, for little return. :-\
you can eat the pods aswell you know :D
Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on June 22, 2005, 23:18:23
Oh Jerry! How could you!! I adore broadbeans, but am alone in my passion in this family so only grow a few plants, but the same thing happened last year. I am having to pick the pods when very small, and altho the beans are delicious, seems like a lot of effort, and growing room, for little return. :-\
EJ,
One of the main reasons I grow my own veg is BB. If I did not I fear my wife would desert me! I start mine of in pots or root trainers late Autumn and transplant in early spring. If I was on lighter soil I would sow direct. I also sow some early spring to spread the crop.
Funny enough tonight saw the last pick at the allotment. We now have 26 bags of beans in the freezer, or there abouts, and that will keep her in doors haooy for the year I hope!!!!
This year has been great on one front, little or no sign of Black Fly, but the dry spell recently has reduced the crop too. Mice and pigeons seem to leave my BB's alone both at the allotment and at home!
Jerry
Do You find that your spring sown BB's grow pathetically compared to the autumn sown?
Mine look as if there will never produce beans..... :( Even thought of ripping them out to plant something else.
Quote from: MarthaMad on June 23, 2005, 10:35:09
Do You find that your spring sown BB's grow pathetically compared to the autumn sown?
Mine look as if there will never produce beans..... :(Â Â Even thought of ripping them out to plant something else.
My spring ones have done well this year, the bit of rain we had back in May was timed perfectly for them. I have one or 2 picks left on them and then that is it for the year. Mind you I have 26 bags in the freezer now so that will see us through the winter!
Jerry
Jerry - how many plants did you sow to get 26 bags???? I am truly jealous! p.s. what variety do you sow - whatever it is, sounds extremely prolific!
Quote from: Rox on June 23, 2005, 16:33:46
Jerry - how many plants did you sow to get 26 bags???? I am truly jealous! p.s. what variety do you sow - whatever it is, sounds extremely prolific!
I seem to remember I did about 80 to 100 plants. That made 3 full rows. They were all Aqua Dulce.
The frozen bags are enough for a portion for 4 people in each.
Jerry
Maybe that is what I am doing wrong. Instead of a dozen plants, I should do 100 plants, then the mice will be spoilt for choice on the beans, and will leave enough for me!
Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on June 23, 2005, 18:48:46
Maybe that is what I am doing wrong. Instead of a dozen plants, I should do 100 plants, then the mice will be spoilt for choice on the beans, and will leave enough for me!
If I did less I may be divorced, she who must be obeyed simply loves them and I cant grow enough!
:-))
Jerry