The early broad beans, planted in November, have cropped heavily but are now over, & will be replaced with runner beans.

The broad beans went into good soil with a good structure. Thanks to the bed system, this soil has not been trodden on, because the plants can be harvested from the paths alongside the beds. So no cultivation work is necessary. There are no weeds, and therefore the soil need not be disturbed.

The soil is very wet from recent rains, and would easily loose its structure if moved.

The broad beans will be cut off at soil level, and the runner beans will be transplanted directly into the broad bean patch.