My broad beans were sown mid January in paper pots. They have been in a cold GH for the last two weeks and are all 4-6" tall. Is it safe to plant them out on the plot yet? Do I need to cover them if a frost is forecast?
I think if they've been indoors best to harden them off for a few days - outside in the daytime, inside at night - before planting out. Once they're in the ground they're as tough as old boots, it's the change in temperatures they might not like. Mine were planted out in November and are racing away now.
I have just sown 2 dozen broadbeans today on modules, they are in my greenhouse. I will direct sow another 2 dozen next month.
So long as you acclimatise them they should be fine. It'll be wind and vermin that are the biggest threat. Make sure the bean part is finished with and remove it, that attracts everything.. then if they've been indoors too long they need to get used to the wind or have a windbreak or support of some sort.. Then you should be fine.. ;)