Broad Beans

Broad beans are very prolific, hardy and easy to grow.  They  readily self seed as well if given the opportunity. 

Known as java beans in some countries broad beans are traditionally sown in autumn or spring and are said to prefer cooler weather although they can be just as prolific during a hot summer.  Like potatoes they seem to be one of those crops that at times seems almost indestructible!

Sow : 5 cm deep, 30 cm apart

When : Autumn and Spring. 

Where : Directly into well composted soil.  You can soak the beans for 24 hours beforehand if you wish but it is not necessary if you water the beans in well and keep them well watered. 

Cultivation:  Water regularly.  They prefer part sun. It is preferable to stake the beans or give them some form of support but it is not always necessary. Planting them in a block usually means they will support each other as they grow.  If they do become a little bit overgrown and straggly you can drive in some wooden stakes around them and use twine between the stakes to support the plants. 

Harvesting : You can begin to pick and use the beans young when they are like green beans or allow them to become bigger, pod them and use the larger bean inside although it’s best to use them before they become too large and then tend to become tough with an unpleasant “silvery” taste. As you keep picking more beans will grow.  You can also double pod them if you wish, ergo remove the skin from the inner bean and just use the green bean inside.

Tip:  The old bean stalks make an excellent addition to the compost heap  as a source of nitrogen for the soil. 

Best Varieties: One old variety we always have great success with is the ever-reliable Exhibition Long Pod.

Photos below:

Some broad beans growing at our cottage plus the harvesting of dried bean pods and seeds to replant and a nice colander of freshly blanched broad beans ready to be bagged and frozen.