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!
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 :happy7:
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!
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.
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.
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. :drunken_smilie: