Broad Beans rotting again

[Marb67]

Well for the life of my I just don't understand why autumn sown broad beans in compost fresh out of the bag, unwatered have rotted in the pots. A few have come up by why would they rot with no water in a cold, dry greenhouse ?

[Nicos]

No idea -sorry, but I have never been successful with Autumn sown bbs. Mine always rot.
I'm not very successful in the spring either!
I always leave until late spring and soak them first until they swell, then pot on.
Even then I lose about half of them

I'm interested to read some useful tips here!

[Nicos]

Out of interest, what potting compost did you use?

[veggiechicken]

Hi Marb.
Just trying to understand how you've sown them.
Did you soak them first then put them into dry compost - and when?

[Aberdeenplotter]

If anyone is having difficulty with Broad Beans rotting after sowing directly into compost you are not alone.
It used to dement me and now I chit the seeds between a couple of sheets of damp kitchen paper then pot them up immediately you see a shoot or roots appear. I've had no problems since I started doing this.

[Snadger]

Mine are in the soil on my plot. as they show above ground they either rot off, or are attacked by birds or slugs/snails.Looks like I may have to sow again in spring and I like AP's idea!

[Logunner]

First ever time I’ve sown any seeds.... put 3 straight in the ground mid Oct.

As soon as they sprouted I covered with straw and all three are between 6 - 12” tall. Fleecing them later in the week.