The broad bean is easy grown making it an ideal plant for any amateur gardener, rewarding
you with an early summer crop. This distinctive plant has angled, erect stems, which can reach
up to a metre in height. There are two types of broad bean, the first being the longpod and the second
type is called the windsor. As the name suggests the long pod bears more beans. The long pods are very hardy and
can be sown in late autumn to produce an early crop. As with many of the home grown vegetables, when picked
young the taste is far superior to that of the supermarkets.
Broad beans with grow almost anywhere in the garden, but due to its height make sure the rows are planted
north to south, this will avoid shading to neighbouring rows. Other crops who benefit from shelter or
shade can be planted next to the beans. For example spinach would benefit from the shade during a hot weather.
The best type of soil for broad beans would be a rich light loam, well manured from the previous year. This plant
appreciates additional nitrogen during the early stages of growth and does not like waterlogged soil. Also it will not
an acid soil.
Before sowing prepare a shallow drill that is 6cms deep and 15 cms wide. Then sow the seeds in a double row down each side of
the drill, leaving 25cms between each bean. It would be advisable to sow a few extra seeds as the germination rate
is quite low, the gaps then can be filled with the spare transplanted seedlings.
Weed thoroughly during early development with a hoe, being careful not to damage the stems. During long periods of dry
weather do not let the roots dry out, but not let the soil get waterlogged.
As the plants gain height they will require supporting, this can be easily achieved by surrounding plants with canes and
then tie around them with string.
Harvest as soon as sizable beans can be felt in the pods. These pods can be removed from the plant with quick downward twist of
the hand, the lower pods will mature first.
