Broad Beans in Greenhouse

[Scottishnewbie]

The bloke that came and put my greenie up last year said to put some broad beans in it and I'd get a really early crop. Sounded like a good idea so I did.....and now I have half a dozen BB's all flowering, which of course is great....other than how do I get them polinated???? Do I have to try and entice some bees inside (and how would I go about that??), or can I polinate them myself somehow?
Many thanks for any, and all, advice!!!!

[RedThorn]

Hi Scottish newbie lol I'm in the same predicament lol I asked ans was told to either leave the door open to let in the bees (remembering to help them out again) or do it with a brush myself .... hope this helps. I am further south so that helps a bit weather wise.

[smallblueplanet]

Interesting idea that - btw how long does it take from flowering to picking with broadies?

[allaboutliverpool]

Various insects will find their way in, they did with mine in a tall frame.

Flowering to picking is about 8 weeks, you can see the proof in pictures in:-

How to Grow Broad Beans Growing Broad Beans

[Scottishnewbie]

thanks allaboutliverpool. i left greenhouse door open today but didnt see anything sneaking in to do a bit of pollinating for me....still i'll livein hope! it was a fun experiment even if nothing much happens...i'll keep you all posted.

laura

[Scottishnewbie]

I am SOOOOOO excited folks.....I've just been pottering in the greehouse and it looks like the bees DID manage to spot the broad beans after all as I now have a healthly wee crop of broad bean pods! Never managed to have a crop this early in my life.....looks like BB's in the greenie will now be a part of the plan every year!

[snohare]

A "sable artist's brush" is what all the old gardening books recommend if you can't find a furry-bummed bumblebee to do the job; alternatively, you can use a rabbit's tail - if you can catch the rabbit !

[ghp]

I am SOOOOOO excited folks.....I've just been pottering in the greehouse and it looks like the bees DID manage to spot the broad beans after all as I now have a healthly wee crop of broad bean pods! Never managed to have a crop this early in my life.....looks like BB's in the greenie will now be a part of the plan every year!

When did you sow them, Scottishnewbie? I'd love to try this too.