[Missie]

As I have never grown broad beans before I am a newbie:)

The beans are approx 4ft and some have started to fall over,i am sure they shall be ok with stakes,but I am worried incase they are not strong enough to hold all the beans!

They are few and watered well,planted out in November and were waterlogged all over the winter.the patch at the top of the paddock is very wet in the winter,the water table is high,sometimes they were wading in 2" of water!-I cannot believe they have done as well as they have!

[DavidT]

Missie they look healthy enough, I agree they should be supported. 

[andy135]

I put 2 x 1" posts around mine and run string around them. It works for me.

[babycakes]

hey sorry to hijack here but wonderin if any1 can help, my broad beans are approx same height (waist high) and mine are pretty strong but how high do these grow? im just wonderin because they are almost through with flowering when would i pinch the tops out to avoid black fly? Thanku k

[MOLUSC]

On our site we use the plastic orange mesh that roadworkers use.
I wrap it around the whole bean bed (supported with canes) and it keeps them compact and protected from the wind in the early stages..
Also i think you need to pinch the tops out asap (nice in a stir fry by the way)