"simy1" wrote in message
om...
"shazzbat" wrote in message
...

Incidentally, since you're new to it, the area you're in, and the type
of
soil you have is always useful info to include when asking a question.

Enjoy yr broad beans.

Steve

I will take your offer. I am in Michigan, where minimum temps in the
winter go to -20C (-2F). We have already had a killing frost (goodbye,
tomatoes) but usually it will not frost again until november. I have a
packet of Aquadulce and I am considering planting it under tunnels
more or less now. I can plant it in

- compost beds, part sun, or in
- newly made beds, Sahara sandy soil that will be amended with 3
inches of manure and some clay, full sun.

Under the tunnels the temperature is typically 10C above outside. Can
I expect them to grow if I plant them now, and be ready by June? I
know that broad beans love clay and also love sun, so I wonder if they
will do better in sand and sun or a richer soil and part sun. Some
irrigation under the tunnels will be possible. Any advice whether it
is possible will be welcome.

Well, I don't have any experience of temperatures so low. (and I intend to
keep it that way). I don't know whether water would become available to the
roots in these conditions, how deep does it freeze?

I would sow under the tunnel in somewhat richer soil, and hopefully some
sun. If you have the space, sow some in 3 or 4 different conditions, and see
which group does best. Then next year you'll know. Gardening is not a
precise science, and there is always the unexpected. Mulching with straw or
newspaper etc, may be valuable.

Let us know how you get on?


Steve