BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine

Pinch out broad beans

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Check low down on broad beans and if you see the first sets of pods developing close to the bottom it is time to pinch out the tips of the plant. Grip the tip just above a leaf joint between your thumb and finger, then press through the soft stem with your fingernail. The soft growth at the top is where the dreaded blackfly infest and feed on the plant, so by removing these tips you both control the blackfly and strengthen the plant by encouragin­g it to bush out and support the crop.

 ?? ?? When pinching out broad beans, keep the tender tips for salads
When pinching out broad beans, keep the tender tips for salads

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