[sharky]

Had problems with mice digging up broad bean seeds, so I took them out and put them in the greenhouse in pots. When they were in the ground they had started chitting and the chit was facing the sky in the ground. Naturally I copied nature and planted them chits up.. Now I am getting tap roots at the surface where there should be leaves. I've done it wrong haven't I?   

[Aunt Sally]

YES you have 

The first thing to grow from a true seed is the radicle which is the first root,  so it should go down.

Try putting some more soil over any roots you can see at the surface to protect them.  They will turn round and grow down again

[mikem]

Is "chits-up" just a more  vulgar alternative to the earlier phrase "belly-up", which has the same meaning?   I hope this didn't offend anyone if so I do apologise.

[sharky]

YES you have 

The first thing to grow from a true seed is the radicle which is the first root,  so it should go down.

Try putting some more soil over any roots you can see at the surface to protect them.  They will turn round and grow down again

Thanks AS. 

[Aunt Sally]

 

A "chit" is the first thing to grow from a seed potato or from a seed.  It's a baby shoot or root