Hi All,
The reason that you pinch out the tops of the broad bean plant is twofold. 1
to encourage the beans to fill out. 2 to deter the black fly, As black fly
are sap suckers they will go for the soft tissue, As opposed to the tough
tissue lower down the plant. When you pinch out the tops you remove the soft
tissue, And so deter the black fly. hope this helps you.

Richard M. Watkin.

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hello, we are growing broad beans for the first time. We were told we
have to "pinch out the tops" to allow them to flower more. What
exactly does this mean??? At what height do we do it? thanks