[Paul Plots]

y intention was to overwinter a couple of rows and then put a couple more in in spring, and lengthen the harvest; if they catch up like you say, I'm wondering if it's worth it?

Give it a go.... you never know what the weather's going to be like - Autumn sown may pay off this year.

My Dad has sown some Aquadulce in pots in the greenhouse for me... it's his way of carrying-on-gardening. Not bad for a 94 year old 

[johnfh]

As I understand it the advantage of Autumn sowing is that the plants have a better resistance to black fly because they are tougher before the critters arrive.  Besides I find  it is always encouraging to have something growing to look at on the better winter days. Can only be a benefit really.

[Paul Plots]

As I understand it the advantage of Autumn sowing is that the plants have a better resistance to black fly because they are tougher before the critters arrive.  Besides I find  it is always encouraging to have something growing to look at on the better winter days. Can only be a benefit really.

I agree....nothing like a bit of something green in the middle of a cold winter to remind you of the promising warmer days to come..

Could be lucky to avoid the blackfly too!!

[devondave]

well i've got the broad bean that can be planted between october and january, Im going to get them going in pots first them put them in the ground, prob plant 50 maybe 60

[chriscross1966]

I'm going to stick in some aquadulce and sutton in a couple of weeks time, starting them off in pots but outdoors under netting, will hold off the spring planting untill I can see flowers forming on the overwintered ones....Depending on space I might just stick in an early spring batch too (pots in GH to start, harden off and out in  April)...

chrisc

[Paul Plots]

Last year I cut down the BB after they had handed over the last pods for seed - I left the roots in hoping they would shoot and give a 2nd crop. Fat chance.... a few shoots and then nothing.

This year I cleared the lot to the compost heap when they'd finished - No point in leaving the roots in, I thought!  The nitrogen will be fine in with the compost.

Now I have three lovely clumps of boradbeans where I missed digging out three of the roots and the pods are steadily swelling.

How's that for S*d's Law? Typical!   

[viettaclark]

If you use a winter hardy bean (Aquadulce) and plant soon, get beans in spring (hopefully) and cut down, might you get a second crop from the roots? Or will it definitely not work because it's a winter type?

[Paul Plots]

If you use a winter hardy bean (Aquadulce) and plant soon, get beans in spring (hopefully) and cut down, might you get a second crop from the roots? Or will it definitely not work because it's a winter type?

I'm not sure but it'd be worth a try.... if the crop is early enough there's no reason for the roots not to reshoot. If the plants are fed and kept watered (and free of disease) they should re-grow and set seed/pods.

[sunshineband]

If you use a winter hardy bean (Aquadulce) and plant soon, get beans in spring (hopefully) and cut down, might you get a second crop from the roots? Or will it definitely not work because it's a winter type?

I'm not sure but it'd be worth a try.... if the crop is early enough there's no reason for the roots not to reshoot. If the plants are fed and kept watered (and free of disease) they should re-grow and set seed/pods.

Worth a try -- I'll try and remember next year. Suttons in!!