[scousemouse]

Hi everyone, I'm a long time lurker and love reading this message board, but I've got loads of questions and thought I'd better sign up and join in the fun!

Anyway, I was watching Gardeners' World and saw Toby Buckland sowing broad beans this week.  I do know you can sow some in autumn for picking in late spring but isn't it a bit late for that now? And if it is ok (cold snap notwithstanding), what on earth variety was he using?

[Yorkie]

You can plant Aquadulce variety up till December.  I didn't see the programme but I'd lay even money on it being that.

[scousemouse]

Well, now you say Aquadulce it rings a bell.

[purron]

Thanks Scousemouse,

I was about to ask the same question.

Oh and welcome by the way.

[Brixton Crack Squirrel]

I popped up to my plot on Saturday to check on my broad beans. Looked at my bean bed - no plants - then I noticed a small hole, then another, then another - a series of holes lined up with my row markers. I can only assume that pigeons have been down and plucked them out! *!

[kezlou]

Oh no not good, blooming pigeons.
I'm about to put some out this week as soon as it stops raining so much. Just hoping the birds have eaten my onions and garlic.

[Salmo]

The answer is not pigeons at all. They are not bright enough to dig.

Mice are your problem. They find seeds by smell and dig down for each one.

Mouse traps, set under boxes to keep cats safe, will reduce the problem. Bait with cheese, chips, peanut butter or a piece of mars bar or other chocolate.

If you are near to rough grass or brambles, where there will be hundreds, the only real answer is to grow in pots and set them out. The mice will not touch them once they are growing but cover them or else crows or pheasants will pull them out in the hope that a yummy bug or worm will be attached.

[scousemouse]

I was thinking of sowing some in pots in my cold greenhouse for over the winter.  Will have to nip to the garden centre for some Aquadulce then - thanks for the replies - v helpful!

[lucywil]

i planted mine 2 weeks ago, but mine are bunnyards exhibition i think but it said they are suitable for autumn sowing, i got 2 pack so have planted one now and will plant the others in the spring