In article ,
Rob Barrett writes:
|
| I'm growing broad beans for the first time this year and they seem quite
| happy so far -- the blossoms are just beginning to open. My question is
| about "pinching out" and blackfly. I've seen numerous references to
| this but haven't been able to figure out what exactly is meant.
|
| What I've been able to gather is that when the pods begin to appear, you
| are supposed to pinch off the top couple inches of growth on the main
| stem. Is this right? What exactly does this accomplish?

When there are a few decent flower clusters starting, you pinch out the
growing shoot to stop it producing more. This helps them to set, and
helps to prevent the beans getting too tall and breaking in wind. It
is claimed to reduce blackfly, but I don't believe it.

You can cook the tops pinched off, like spinach, and they are quite good.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.