When to pick broad beans

It depends on how big you want them, but I generally pick when the pods are full, but not hard. There should be a little bit of give. Open a pod and see if they are a decent size. If you leave them too long the beans get starchy and hard. If you rub off the bit that joins the bean to the pod it should be green. If it's gone black you've left it too long.

Enjoy them

I find they are very deceptive and look ready then, when you open the pod, they are tiny. Best to open one and, if ready, pick other that look the same.