[sanuka]

I know with french/runner beans the more you pick the more you get. Is this the same for peas and broad beans?

Also once the french beans reach the top of the poles do I need to pinch them out or just leave them?

[Aunt Sally]

I know with french/runner beans the more you pick the more you get. Is this the same for peas and broad beans?

No..  It makes no difference.

[sanuka]

Thanks Aunt Sally, I haven't picked my broad beans or peas and after talking to a friend was worried I'd missed loads ! I just picked my first french beans though today, only a handful. I hope the first of many

[NoodleSoup]

I know with french/runner beans the more you pick the more you get. Is this the same for peas and broad beans?

No..  It makes no difference.

In light of that...a really dumb question. My broad beans have finished flowering and I've picked the beans. I'm assuming they won't flower again now then? So is there any point in me leaving the beans in the ground, or should I compost them/dig the roots in now and plant something else in their place?

[gregmcalister]

I would cut them down at ground level, compost the top part and leave the roots to break down in the ground and release their nitrogen into the soil.

[NoodleSoup]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll do that this afternoon - is a good excuse not to do any more work

[Aunt Sally]

You can even dig the whole plant in as green compost  :idea:

[washsaint]

Re. broad beans.............I cut my finished beans down to about 4 inches from the ground and I could not believe it yesterday.  They 4 inches of plant are flowering like there's no tomorrow and already beans are forming!!!!!!