broad bean advice

I sow mine straight out in November and they work out fine. They need to be under cloches though or they won't stand a chance!

Yes I agree with Pat21 the only comment I would add is they have to be the correct type to overwinter - Aquadulce and by planting these you should avoid the beastly blackfly - good luck

Both Pat and runnerbean are right, you won't go far wrong if you follow their advice.
I know exactly what you mean about your plot looking empty, it makes me so sad going round to mine at the moment, especially as I have been in hospital and I'm not allowed to lift or exercise so digging is out of the question, even moving the old grow bags from the greenhouse is stressing me out. I can't wait until next year just to start growing again, and to see my allotment at it's beautiful best.

Aquadulce - I usually put mine in in late/mid October at the same time as some early peas (Feltham First), garlic and japanese onion sets. That should keep you going.

Sorry to hear you cant keep up with your allotment wellytobelly, if it makes you fell better i wont be growing anything this winter either. I thought i'd concentrate on the soil over the winter months so mine will be bare too ;-)
My friend has horses and plenty of organic manure so hopefully when it comes to sowing my seeds, i'm aiming for March my soil will be good stuff!

You lucky thing, having a friend with a horse, nearest I have is someone I know knows someone who keeps pigeons lol, I'm really missing my allotment at present and it's hard not being able to get stuck in, roll on next year is all I can say and I'm clingling to the hope! lol.

Im going to try planting broad beans using bottomless plastic bottles and a cane for each ... read this works well we will see....

What a good idea. And free too! Thanks for the suggestion :)

It is not really necessary to plant out Broad Beans in or around October, I have allways planted mine out in March and have never had no problems, and I allways have had an excellant crop.

Planting out early could mean loss of seed due to extreme weather or having to use of cloches. Whereas the later sowings nearly always catch up.