B is for Broad Beans


The next thing to sow outdoors after artechokes is Broad Beans. I like to give mine a head start by soaking them for 24 hours before sowing. Of course I could have given them more of a head start by sowing them last autumn. Last season I did, and the spring sown beans did just as well if not better than the autumn  sown ones. (They were hardly any earlier but some disappeared)  So this year it's just spring sown.


Soaking Broad Beans


My chosen variety is The Sutton. "Good for exposed sites" the books say. Aside from being hardy this variety is short, so you can get away without providing support. Now that's what I call canny!






The Sutton



Peas and Beans, Cabbage and Greens...

Dry spring, wet summer, bad news for some crops but seems to suit others.  

Peas... 

and in particular broad beans

and the brassicas are looking happy.

...aside from the slugs and snails who are having a field day.



Won't be long before the runners and french beans are on stream.

Beans Top the Poll

The Painted Lady runners have been racing to the top of the poles:

The Scarlet Emporor are not far behind but producing lots of flowers already

For comparison purposes here's the bean 'wigwam' today (with the railway embankment behind)

And let's not forget the humble broad bean which is already producing food for the table: