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Growing Broad Beans

Most seasoned veggie growers agree that broad beans are one of the easiest of the winter crops to grow, so go ahead and plant a few rows. The fresh beans have a delicious earthy flavour that fits in so well with winter cooking. Broad beans are a good vegetable for cold areas (even the Free State) as the cold seems to encourage the plant to set seed, whereas in subtropical areas the plants produce more leaves at the expense of beans.

Unlike the bush and runner beans planted in summer, broad beans are sturdy, upright-growing plants that grow to about 1m high. They are rarely bothered by pests or diseases. If you sow the seed in May, you should be able to start harvesting from the end of July or early August, and then through to late September or October.

Soil Preparation

Broad beans are particularly heavy feeders so good soil preparation with added compost is essential. Prepare your soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure and organic fertiliser like Vita-Grow (2:3:2).

Sowing Broad Beans

Sow seed directly into the soil where the plants are to mature. Plant seeds 30cm apart and two seeds per hole (5cm deep). If both germinate, cut off the weaker plant but don’t leave the two plants to compete. Keep the soil moist during germination. The beans will grow in most kinds of soil but prefer heavier soil.

If you are worried about the seeds rotting in the ground, germinate the seeds in pots and plant out when the plants are large enough to handle.

Position

Make sure your seeds are planted in a spot that receives full winter sun. They also need to be sheltered from the wind.

Spacing

As mentioned above, space plants 30cm apart. If you sow a double row of broad beans, space the rows 60cm apart. This allows for good air circulation and staking/or support, as well as accessibility.

Pinch out the growing tips after the first flowers have set pods. This will encourage more pods to be produced.

Watering

Broad beans need moist soil so water them regularly. A lack of water when the plants are flowering and setting fruit will affect the yield. The plants will quickly indicate when there is not enough water by wilting.

You also need to be careful of overwatering, especially in areas that receive frost. Watch the weather report and if a cold front is predicted then ease up on the watering.

Fertilising Broad Beans

For healthy growth and a good yield, feed young plants with a liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Older plants can be fertilised with an organic fertiliser like Vita Fruit and Flowers (3:1:5), which is a slow release, long-lasting fertiliser.

Support/Staking

Broad beans generally grow 1.5 – 2m high and will flop under their own weight. The best way to stake individual plants is to support the stems with a stout stick and tie up the plant. If two rows have been planted 60cm apart, hammer in a strong stick or pole at each corner of the double row and in the middle. Create a frame around the bed by tying string between each stick, making sure it is taut.

Pests

Other than the chance of aphids, pests should not be a problem. To reduce the chance of this, experts recommend removing the growing points of each plant when it has set a good number of pods. Fungal diseases can occur if you overwater and in winter-rainfall areas.

Harvesting Broad Beans

Bean pods should be ready for harvesting within 12-16 weeks. The pods are ready for picking when they have filled out and before they burst open. Regular picking encourages the plant to keep on producing. Leaving pods too long on the bush results in bitter beans. Picking regularly as the pods mature also gives the younger pods time to mature before the plant loses its vigour. The edge of each bean should be green or white. If it is black the beans are past their best.

For dry beans, let the last flush of beans dry out on the bush. They have a good shelf-life.

Plants do not bear as prolifically as summer green beans, though, and you’ll need to plant at least 10 plants for a continual supply for a family of four.

Using Broad beans in cooking

Broad beans are not a popular crop because many gardeners don’t know how to prepare them, but it is simple. De-pod the beans, cook them in boiling water for two minutes, then drain and cool. Peel off the tough skin and they are ready for eating. Use in stews and soups instead of dried beans, or mash or toss in a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice.

Broad beans are a wonderful source of high-quality plant protein. Unlike animal protein, it does not contain undesirable saturated fat and is less acid forming than meat, making it a suitable source of protein for people worried about osteoporosis or suffering from arthritis.

READ MORE: Take a look at these winter leafy veg you can grow at home. If you are looking for must-have herbs that you can grow at home, check out this article.

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The Gardener