[Eblana]

I was up at the plot on Sunday and discovered that my early sown Broadbeans have all died off.  I don't think I will bother with planting more seed out as it is way too wet.  I am going to pot some up in pots for planting out instead - when is the best time to do this?

[New shoot]

If you want an early crop you can sow January/February 

I've got some seeds to get going in a week or two in the cold greenhouse.  I plant them out and give them cloche protection for the first few weeks until they harden up 

[sunshineband]

Just make sure that they get anough light so that the plants don't get leggy

Broad beans could be in flower before you plant them out, so make sure thay have sturdy stems, won't you?

[Salmo]

Plant your broad beans in pots or modules about the end of January. Use a Spring variety - the flavour is better.

I start them in the warm to make sure they germinate and put them out in a frame as soon as there are any signs of life. If the weather is mild they can go outside.

Plant them out as soon as the first leaves are open. Leave them longer and they will get leggy and need hardening off and supporting. They should look the same as overwintered beans. They do not need a fine seedbed.

They are tough but a mesh cloche keeps birds from pulling them out, keeps the wind off and protects them from late snow.