Today I planted the first broad beans and peas of the year. This year I’m using varieties Masterpiece Green Longpod and Express broad beans, and Hurst Green Shaft peas. I also have variety Eddy peas which are best for a late harvest so I’ll sow these later. I used to sow straight into the ground but didn’t have a great germination rate – I think the slugs really liked the new shoots. So now I sow into pots – two broad beans per pot, and three peas per pot- and wait until they have a good admin system before planting out. I keep them in the greenhouse to keep them away from any slugs. I’m starting to prepare the bed that they will be planted into. Usually this would have had brassicas (brussel sprouts and broccoli) in it over the winter, but as I was away this winter it has been left empty. I’m digging it over and raking it a few times. In a couple of weeks I’ll add some 6X fertiliser and mix it in and give a final rake.