The broad beans are looking neat and tidy (much to Somebeans' delight), but the spring cabbage which has been over-wintered has got damaged by devil pigeons, after the netting blew loose in the storms of the past few weeks.
I sowed some more broad beans last week (Bunyards Exhibition) and today planted:
- Onion sets: 'Red Baron' and 'Stuttgart Giant'
- Pea 'Douce Provence'
- Carrot 'Flyaway' (supposedly carrot rootfly resistant)
- Parsnip 'Imperial Crown'
It's still a bit too early/cold to be planting really, but I can always plant some more - I did a lot of seed sowing this time last year, but the spring was rather warmer (there's snow in some parts of the country today). I've not got any potatoes in yet, although the easter weekend is traditional potato planting time, I believe. However, with easter so early this year, I think it's safe to wait a week or two.
3 comments:
Hi,
I'm growing broadbeans for the first time, in Germany. They have been blossoming for months, but no beans have set. It's been cold here, and I haven't seen many bees. How are your broadbeans doing? Do they get pollinated by bees, to your knowledge? Thx for sharing info. LA
Hi LA,
Mine are just flowering now - we've had a cold Spring this year & things are later than last year.
I think they are insect pollinated, but if it's cold fewer bees might have been about. Not sure wat you could do, short of pollinating them by hand, which would be rather time consuming! Are you getting no pods forming at all? The following blog has some interesting info & beautiful photos: http://daughterofthesoil.blogspot.com/2006/05/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about.html
HappyMouffe
Hi Mouffe,
Thanks so much for the reply. We had a very warm Jan. and Feb., Germany's vegetation was 3 weeks "ahead of schedule", according to the weather service. Then it got so cold, and we are now back on regular (pre-global warming) schedule.
I only have containers on my 2nd floor balcony in a wine-temperature region of South Germany (somewhat warm). So, my broadbeans have been blooming for months, but no beans.
I guess I will just wait for a bit. I am a fairly new gardener, so every month is a learning experience. I love it.
Thx so much for Daughter of the Soil blog and for yours as well. I am learning much. Biodiversity affects us all.
BTW, when I studied in Paris, I often went shopping at the Rue de Mouffetard...heavenly.
Thanks again,
LA
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