Apologies for the title of the post and my personal use of the blog but…
I’ve recently experienced a strange craving for broad beans (I’m not pregnant by the way). As it’s not bean season, I was wondering if anyone knew of a source of good quality, small, tasty and tender frozen broad beans, ideally with skins off (as I’m rather lazy at the moment).
I did grow some myself last year, they were OK but not great and the crop wasn’t sufficient to enable me to freeze my own. Does anyone have any tips for me for this year? Is there a certain variety that’s better than others (keeping in mind that flavour and tenderness are of great importance to me and I pick them young)? Should they be in rows, on a pyramid or in a square. Can they be grown well in pots? Is there any way to avoid all the insect things without chemicals (other than washing them off with a water spray)? How import is regular feeding?
All answers ideas gratefully received.
PARWICH.ORG 
Hi Emma
I had a great season last year with broard beans, in fact we were still eating frozen beans well into this Feb. I’ve had the best luck with short varieties grown in blocks, I use raised beds and plant very close, ie 6-8 in’s apart. You may have to stake them at the corners and put string around them all if you are in and exposed position. Use a F1 variety, plant some inside in pots soon, then bring them on and plant out after last frost, and don’t forget to pinch out when the flowers have set.
Good luck and good gardening.
Ben