Broad bean question

Elaine G · « **on:** April 21, 2009, 19:41 »

My broad beans have been under enviromesh since November and have survived the winter snows and are now flowering.
My question is will the flowers turn into beans under the enviromesh or do they need to be uncovered so that the bees can pollinate them?
Sorry if this is a daft question - never covered them before, and they have always died!!

Cheers

Elaine

ben · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2009, 20:07 »

As I understand it broad beans *will* pollinate without the aid of insects, however insects will increase yields through pollination.

The main problem with my broad beans have been black fly - but unless your netting is fine mesh, I don't think this will help, so I'm not sure what netting will do.

People cover brassicas with netting because of butterlfies, but this isn't a problem with broad beans typically.

Elaine G · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2009, 22:26 »

Thanks for your reply Ben.
Yes enviromesh is fine mesh so I was leaving it on in the hope that I would avoid blackfly as it keeps off carrot fly and cabbage whites.
But if it is at the expense of yield I wll have to take it off.

Cheers

Elaine

peapod · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2009, 22:37 »

When BB get to the top of the cane then pinch the tops off, and/or spray with a liquid soap solution a few times a week

Kristen · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2009, 23:04 »

"My broad beans have been under enviromesh since November ..."

Generally Autumn planted Broad Beans are early enough to beat the black fly - although pinch the tops out as already recommended.

Elaine G · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2009, 23:15 »

Thanks for your replies everyone.
Will remove the enviromesh on friday and save it for the brassicas!!

Elaine

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Broad bean question

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