It’s a race to use up the last of the winter food before it’s completely lost to flowers and jungle. We leave the old plants to grow tall and lanky as they flower to attract the winter-hungry bees who will pollinate the broad beans. Later, all these flowers will turn to seed to be scattered…

The days are growing longer and these emerging spring greens are a welcome change from the winter line-up of brassicas. Read here how to preserve artichoke hearts, try this recipe for Smashed Broad Beans with Feta and this spring salad of Beetroot, New Potatoes and Broad Beans