Your comments and tips

06 Jun 09, Emma (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)

If you are affected by aphids/blackfly if you pinch the top of the plant off when the first pods have set then you should avoid this. Don't compost the tops though, they are delicious lightly steamed and tossed in butter and salt and pepper. My broad beans are coming to the end now and only a couple have blackfly, looking at it from the other side of the coin though it does attract the ladybirds !! Good luck !

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06 Jun 09, Jeff (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

My beans have three or four stalks from the base, with others shooting. Should I limit the number of stalks per plant?

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02 Jun 09, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hey Jenny, if your broadbeans are blackish, they may have root rot or maybe a bit too damp. Is the soil heavy or easy draining? Unfortunately it may mean improving the soil to give them a good chance of thriving.

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01 Jun 09, creative 1 (Australia - temperate climate)

My tip for the year is to consult the moon phases chart before planting seed bearing plants. I find 99% germination with most crops and harvest in peak condition

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29 May 09, Tricia (Australia - temperate climate)

Jenny, look around your plants for aphids, I had a whole crop affected by aphids, they stopped growing and the watering had made them rot. Look around your garden to see if there is anything else infested with aphids, my hybiscus was covered with them , soapy water got rid of them. I have now got into the habit of spraying everything once a fortnight with a garlic and lemon spray. Crush 4 cloves of garlic and one lemon (squeezed and cut up) into a two litre jug add hot water, allow to go cold and strain. Give your vegies a light spray once a fortnight, not many bugs seem to like the combination.

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24 May 09, jenny (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, my braod beans seem to be wilting and turning blackish.....help??

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20 May 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)

Peter: I set up a stake at each end of the row(s). then wind string around the stakes enclosing the growing beans. Add another wind around as the plants get about 6 inches above the last string. seems to work. An alternative is to set up wind breaks.

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16 May 09, Robert (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

I have grown broadbeans for three years and have not used any support. I think its best to ensure the bushes support each other. I have heard that high winds can damage them but have not had this happen in Berrima

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09 May 09, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)

Please advise do broad beans need support and if so how is this done?

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21 Apr 09, peter koffel (Australia - temperate climate)

I planted broad beans, were doing well for a week, then shrivelled and died. Has it been too hot here in Perth WA this April or is the soil I prepared too rich.

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