Broad beans

[hilary]

Just a quick question - with the mild weather my broad beans started off in pots are now doing too well. Would it make sense to pinch out the tops - does this give more pods in the long run? Not something I have had problems with in the past!!
Hilary

[Mike Vogel]

Yes, Hilary, the broad beans have really raced ahead. Outside the danger is that, being lanky, they may succumb to a hard winter frost - received wisdom is that they overwinter better if not too tall. In which case, pinching out may help, but it will leave a wound which could easily suffer from the cold.

Speaking solely from conjecture, my best advice is to plant them out and protect them with straw or fleece.

[hilary]

Thanks Mike - the reason I grew them in pots this year is because they seem to rot off at ground level last year in our cold wet clay. But I will move them out of the cold frame and plant half out and leave half in their pots as back up. But as you say I was concerned about leaving a wound hence my question.
Hilary

[Mike Vogel]

Hilary, there is a strand on broad beans and peas in the Seasonal Tips area of the forum, which deals with this issue among others.

[hilary]

Thanks Bruce - will look at it.
H

[hilary]

Hi Mike - why did I call you Bruce? - apologies no insult intended at all. Just a very senior moment.
Hilary

[Mike Vogel]

That's OK, Sheila, no worries mate.

[hilary]

Thanks sport !