{"id":1344,"date":"2019-02-21T22:30:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-21T22:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=1344"},"modified":"2020-11-26T10:12:17","modified_gmt":"2020-11-26T10:12:17","slug":"how-to-grow-broad-beans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/how-to-grow-broad-beans\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Grow Broad Beans {A Simple Guide}"},"content":{"rendered":"

Known as the Windsor beans or fava, broad beans are a great plant to grow for beginning gardeners. This type of legume is very easy to plant, take care, and harvest. Also, they are delicious and rich in fibre, protein, and other essential vitamins. Keep reading this guide to learn how to grow broad beans and reap the best benefits.<\/p>\n

Choose a broad bean variety<\/h2>\n

\"Choose<\/p>\n

Before starting, it is necessary to know that there are many varieties of broad beans with different features. Whether you want to grow them in a large hoop house or small garden<\/a>, there is always the right option for your space. Some hardy and excellent types include:<\/p>\n

A. Sutton beans<\/h3>\n

They grow only around 30 centimetres high. Thus, this is a great option for hoop houses, small gardens, or anywhere with tight spaces.<\/p>\n

B. Imperial Green beans<\/h3>\n

This type of long beans is known for its flavour. They can produce huge pods with up to 40 centimetres in length. Each pod might contain some big beans.<\/p>\n

C. Stero beans<\/h3>\n

They are compact plants which produce heavily if you pick frequently. The beans are sweet so you can eat them without cooking.<\/p>\n

D. Aquadulce Claudia beans<\/h3>\n

Known for its hardiness and flavour, this variety is an excellent choice for late autumn or winter.<\/p>\n

Pick the right date to plant broad beans<\/h2>\n

Depending on your location, you might want to start planting your broad beans in late autumn after cleaning up the garden from the summer. This means you should harvest them during spring to prepare the ground for the next batch.<\/p>\n

However, in those areas with freezing winters, it is essential to wait until spring. Broad beans typically thrive in the temperature range from 15 to 18 degrees.<\/p>\n

If the temperatures go beyond 27 degrees, they might struggle to grow. For that reason, you should choose the right date to sow your broad beans for optimum development.<\/p>\n

Prepare the ground<\/h2>\n

\"Prepare<\/p>\n

Broad beans are typically nitrogen-producers, you do not necessarily have to fertilise the ground. But if you want, make sure to apply a low-nitrogen option and make sure the soil is well-tilled.<\/p>\n

The ideal place for growing broad beans should be directly exposed to sunlight and away from onion plants. Consider tilling the ground and adding seed compost<\/a> to increase the amount of nutrients.<\/p>\n

Plant broad beans<\/h2>\n

Before planting, you should gently moisten the soil with water. Avoid adding too much water because it might cause standing water, which isn\u2019t an ideal condition for broad beans.<\/p>\n

Next, you should directly sow the seeds in moist, well-tilled soil. Use one of your fingers to make a small hole around 5 centimetres in depth in the ground and put the seed inside. Find the eye or dark spot of the seed and plant it directly downward. Place them 20 centimetres apart in double rows. If you want to plant large varieties, it is better to leave more space.<\/p>\n

For colder months, you should start with growing your beans indoors in empty toilet tubes and seeding trays to keep them from being exposed to extreme conditions. Fit the tubes snuggly in the tray, then fill them 2\/3 full with potting soil. Put one bean in each tube. Gently water all tubes to compact the soil, then fill more soil to cover the beans.<\/p>\n

Keep the seeding tray at room temperatures until your beans sprout. Now you can move them to a sunny spot with the right temperature.<\/p>\n

Watch this clip for better understanding:<\/p>\n