Newbie broad beans

BitterKnitter · January 2021

Hi all! I attempted overwintering broad beans in a raised bed by planting in October and in January, we're sprouted but kind of looking stunted. I seem to have a tiny bit of blackfly too.
I'm a newbie to veg gardening so I'd appreciate any tips! Thank you!

Wilderbeast · January 2021

Just need to be patient beans won't 2ft tall at this time of year they'll be building a good root structure and will get going properly when we get some warmth. Just gently rub out and blackfly with your fingers (be gentle)

fidgetbones · January 2021

If you have any plastic cloches or even cut off pop bottles to give them a bit of protection that will help. I have some plants in, about 8 inches high. They look like they are huddling down. I don't really expect them to take off until about March, when I will sow a new lot to follow on. Overwintering veg is always a gamble here. A bad winter, and you lose the lot. A mild winter though will see early veg.

Obelixx · January 2021

I sowed mine outside in the ground in early December and then we had weeks of unusually wet and cold weather for here so they have only shown shoots in the last couple of weeks and are being very slow to grow.

Yours should be fine once the weather warms up and you can either leave the blackfly for the ladybirds and lacewings which will follow as the weather warms up or very gently squish them with your finger tips, being careful not to crush the young leaves on your seedlings.

I don't like using chemicals, especially on food crops, but you could make a garlic spray which will see off aphids and other uninvited pests. Finely chop several garlic cloves and steep in a cup of hot water overnight. The next day, strain and dilute with a litre of cold water and use as a spray on susceptible plants. Keep in the fridge between uses.

Nollie · January 2021

Did you plant a long pod type suitable for overwintering, like Aquadulce Claudia? Some varieties are only suitable for spring sowing. Usually the point of Autumn sowing is to get a head start and an earlier crop but it’s very early days, so I wouldn’t expect much to see much yet. Another reason is to get them established before the blackfly descend, which clearly hasn’t worked in your case - that is very early to see them but climate change seems to be playing havoc with both plant growth and insect life cycles.

Usually, once the plants are growing well, you pinch out the tops to stop them growing too tall and leggy and encourage bushier growth - plus remove the tasty young top shoots that blackfly enjoy the most. Planting strongly scented aromatics and marigolds nearby also help to deter blackfly.

Some do get an earlier crop from autumn sowing, but I have always found the spring sown ones soon catch up and I end up with them all cropping at the same time anyway!

Give them more time and if you are concerned about blackfly, give them a spray of very dilute soapy water or brush them off with your hands. If you are due a hard frost, it helps to throw a fleece over them to prevent frost burn of those tender young sproutlings. Cloches will also work well if you have any or can diy a few.

BitterKnitter · January 2021

Excellent, thank you everyone. Beans are now safe and happy under homemade cloches and Blakely has been rubbed off. Thank you so much for the garlic spray recipe Obelixx, would this work on other pests?

Obelixx · January 2021

Yes. Have a look at this and maybe google for more - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/controlling-pests-with-garlic.htm

Newbie broad beans

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