I have some broad bean plants that are now about 8-10" high. They have been grown under a mesh cloche which I now need to protect my new sown peas. Will the broad beans be ok now just left open to the wildlife (pigeons/mice especially!) or should I protect with something else?
Thanks
Broad beans will be absolutely fine especially considering where you are, they're tough as old boots
They should be OK until they start podding then the birds will have another go at them in particulars Jays & Magpies.
Many a time I have found bean pods opened like a zip fastener i.e. the birds peck up the edge of the pod to expose the beans inside.
So keep a look out for these tell tale signs then net up again if necessary.
Your next problem might well be 'black fly'
I allow five sets of flowers to form then I remove the top of the plant, I have often found that if I go for a sixth set of flowers I get a black fly problem.
Meaning I might get a few less beans but I find that those I get are healthy and well filled which is better than (in my book) more partially filled soft beans.
Each to their own!!
Thanks I feel more confident leaving them uncovered now. Will remember the tip re 5 lots of flowers - cheers! :)
I'm lucky in the respect that this far north I dont get black fly