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Pinching Out Tops of Broad Beans
NewBoy2
Posts: 1,813
in Fruit & veg
One of my Allotmenteers suggests I pinch out thtops of my dwarf broad beans
? Why and should I and if so when please 
Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
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When the bottom truss of flowers has formed pods, you can pinch out the tops of the plants - it'll help avoid blackfly infestation, and also encourage the plants to put all their energy into forming flowers and pods.
Don't throw the tips away, cook them as you would spring cabbage - add a knob of butter and some black pepper - deliciious!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I haven't had any but was told that the tips are the best tasting veg ever.
The broad beans we planted outside last November are now about a foot tall and full of the most sweet-smelling flowers. Considering that almost everything else in the plot is no bigger than it was when we planted it, well done broad beans! Hardy enough to survive the wettest winter for decades!
Broad beans are wonderful
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I agree with Dove, re eating the tops of broad beans...give em a soak in salt water & wash thoroughly to get rid of any beasties.
Tops of Brussels sprouts can be treated likewise.
Dovefromabove
Some have flowers already so I will pich out when it stops raining here in Brizzle
Thanks as usual
NewBoy - read my post carefully - I said "....when the first truss of flowers has set small pods..."
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Ours (Aquadulce Claudia) have also done very well - also a foot high and flowering. Hoping for beans before May! It's the mildness of the winter I'm sure, rather than the wetness.
Thanks Dove...........I was naughty at skool as well !!