Broad Beans snow damage

Hi..can anyone offer advice?

 

I planted some broad beans last October which were growing and surviving happily until the snow hit in January. They were left with green tops but blackened stems. They are now sprouting new green shoots from the ground or from the blackened stems. Should I scrap them and start again as the soil warms up or should I cut the black stems back and let the new shoots take off?

 

Any advice welcome

 

Thanks

Hi Sue

 

I haven't experienced this before but my inclination would be to cut back the black stems and let the new shoots take off - just out of curiosity! The plants should still have a head start of any seed sown now.

 

I would also sow more broad beans now somewhere else as a back up - I have grown them in a flower border before now - the crimson-flowered one is quite ornamental.

Hi Liz

Thanks for the tip re: beans in flower beds. My inclination was to cut back too, especially since the new shoots are coming on a treat.

 

Thanks again

Sue

Hi Liz

Just to keep you posted (ooh get it?) I followed your advice. I cut the blackened stems off, then covered the new shoots coming through with a cloche to protect them a bit and they now appear to be growing very well and look very happy with themselves.  Hopefully they'll produce some nice pods too.

 

Sue

Hi Liz

 

Well I'm glad I didn't discard my beans but persevered. I've just had the first few pods off this last weekend and very nice they were too in my salad tea. A lesson learnt there I think. Let mother nature work her magic.

 

Sue

Hi Sue

 

I'm pleased your broad beans survived and you have had your first crop - ours are not quite ready yet but are looking good (we grow Red Crimson one plus a few other white-flowered ones.

 I would recommend broad beans - they are hardier than other beans and crop earlier. People often think they don't like the taste but that is because shop bought or restaurant ones are often tough - grow your own and pick them young and they are very tasty.