Quote:
Originally Posted by Aunt Bean
Hi. Do you know anything about fava beans (where in the country are you located?) I am in TN and our favas were not "bit" until 24 degrees. I read somewhere on the net that they will come back up from the roots when the weather warms up. I don't know wether to cut the wilted plants off or not, there are still some greenish leaves and a feeling of suspended animation in the plants. I wonder if I cut them off if the cold rains & snow would ruin the roots? Anyway, I am thinking about leaving them just the way they are to see what happens next. Any ideas?? Aunt Bean
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Sorry I didn't see your post till just now! I don't know a thing about fava beans. But I hear you are having a hard winter down there - snow, cold and what all.
I leave almost everything as is until spring - for the reason you mention. It adds insulation for the roots. I'll know in spring what to cut off. Also, it provides habitat and maybe food for wildlife, and the rotting vegetation feeds the plants.
Mt theory is whatever that plant took out of the ground is in the plant. If you put the dead plant back in the ground, it is just the right fertilizer.
And also, you end up removing the least waste from your garden.
I hope the harsh winter did not do too much damage to your garden. Let us know.