[kiltferret]

Never seen so many pods on broad beans and they are massive but only containing four or five beans. They are planted in new raised beds. Masses of four and five year old horse manure (50% ?) added to bulk up soil level. I take it that this is what is giving monster foliage (not just on beans but everywhere) but anyone got advice on how to moderate its effect next year?

[Ice]

What variety did you plant?

[sunshineband]

I grew aquadulce kiltferret and had some pods that were fat, juicy looking ---- and empty 

[willndearne]

I've also had massive empty bean pod problems as well........very worrying if it's due to lack of insects for pollination. My allotment is near Cubbington, Nr Leamington Spa in the Midlands. Varieties were Windsor Green and Cavalier. Peas were numerous but small. I'm on very light sandy soil, rainwater only. Fruit set for blackcurrant, redcurrant, raspberries, plums and pears was great but, presumably, different insects pollinate different plants. I always keep some weeds (Nipplewort and Borage) going to encourage them.
Will

[sunshineband]

Hi there willandearne

Would you like to pop over into Welcome to the Forum and intorduce yourself? if you add your locality to your profile you will find it helpful with future posts, as growing conditions vary across our membership 

[sarajane]

I've always grown broad beans, from seed saved from previous year and have always had a great crop but this year I am finding the same problem.

I'm having to pick twice as many pods for a meal as there are usually only about 3 in each pod.  Thought it was just me but others on the site have experienced the same.  Hope its not due to lack of bees.

[sunshineband]

There seem to have been plenty of bees around, even earlier when pods would have been setting.

Maybe it was too dry weather at the time 

[kevinp]

Mine were the same this year lots of pods but not many beans some contained 2 - 3 others 1 large beans and other large pods had none in at all. mine were aquadulce longpod, I will have to buy beans to eat this year

[kiltferret]

Thanks for all feedback. Sorry to hear it's happening to you too.
Not been growing for long and big gaps in know how but if it was lack of pollinators would flowers have set at all? Hardly seen any honeybees but flowers were alive with redtail bumblebees and a heap of other solitary bees.
As for variety I'm ashamed to say that empty seed packet was thrown away without a note taken. Will do better next year.

[sarajane]

Kiltferret  -  never be ashamed.  I've been growing for years and often forget what I have planted, but you are right.  The beans would not have pollinated at all if there were no beans.

It may be just another of the pecularities that we have all experienced this year