Typically broad beans are planted in their final position by sowing in early Spring. With a bit of sun, they get off to a good start and the tender shoots appearing good time for the birds and rabbits to relieve their winter fasts.

Reubens tells me that the best is to start them off in the greenhouse in a yoghurt beaker in the Autumn. With a bit of TLC, they are strong and healthy and when planted out in the Spring are too big for the slugs and birds to eat.