Sunday, 15 February 2009

Broad Bean bother

I bought an extra early variety of broad beans which said they were best sewn outdoors Nov - Jan.

I have spent the last few weeks imagining the development of strong root systems building lots of strength ready for the plants to burst forth any day. Well, I could wait no longer and have just unearthed some seeds. Nothing. Not a root, no sign of activity.

I know I'm a novice gardener and probably shouldn't contradict the 'experts' but I think the seed manufacturers have may be got it wrong. Perhaps the beans may grow in low winter temperatures - but only once they have germinated (which presumably requires a certain amount of warmth).

I now have broad bean pots keeping my chitting potatoes company in the attic.

3 comments:

Bridget said...

Our potatoes from "free pototoes for schools" are arriving on 2nd March. We've been digging over the veg patch today

Claire said...

Ah, now that rings a bell and if I remember rightly I tried to register last year but was too late and they said they would send them the following (this) year - or I may have just imagined all of that! Will be interesting to see if I get any :-)

Elaine, Ellies Treasures said...

Sometimes it is hit and miss with sowing seeds. I bought and sowed some "over winter" onions in a freshly prepared bed in November. So far only about 3 or 4 (out of about 20) have shown any sign of life, and they look so weak I don't hold out much hope.

We're looking forward to getting out free potatoes too. Better get out there and dig I guess!