Introduction
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a versatile and nutritious addition to any vegetable garden in the southeast of the UK. They are valued for their delicious, buttery flavor and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried for later use. Growing broad beans is relatively straightforward, making them a rewarding choice for gardeners of all levels.
Why grow broad beans?
Broad beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins (such as A and C), and minerals (like iron and potassium). Growing your own ensures a fresh supply, free from pesticides and chemicals. Broad beans are also beneficial for the soil, as they fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility for future crops.
Suitability for different growing environments
Broad beans prefer cool weather and can tolerate light frost. They thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They are suitable for both garden beds and containers, making them versatile for various garden setups.
Lifecycle
Broad beans are annual plants that are typically grown from seeds. They can be sown directly into the soil in early spring or started indoors and transplanted later. Broad beans mature relatively quickly, with pods ready for harvest in about 12-16 weeks.
Sowing and harvesting periods
- Sowing: Late autumn for overwintering (October to November); early spring for spring planting (February to March)
- Harvesting: Late spring to early summer (May to July)
Recommended varieties
Popular broad bean varieties for the UK include:
- “Aquadulce Claudia”
- “The Sutton”
- “Wizard”
How to sow
Broad bean seeds can be sown directly into the ground from late autumn for overwintering crops or in early spring for spring planting. Space seeds about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart in rows that are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Plant seeds 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) deep and water well after planting.
However, as mice like to feast on newly planted bean seeds, you may prefer to sow them in modules and germinate indoors. You can then move them to an unheated greenhouse or polytunnel and plant out at about 3 weeks old.
How to prick out/pot on
As broad beans are typically sown directly into their final growing position, they do not require pricking out. seedlings should be thinned to about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart once they are a few inches tall to allow room for growth.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil. Incorporate plenty of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting to improve fertility. Rotate crops annually to prevent pests and diseases.
How many to plant (spacing)
Plant broad beans about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart within rows that are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. This spacing allows each plant enough room to grow and ensures good air circulation.
How to plant
Direct sow broad beans into prepared soil, ensuring seeds are planted at the correct depth and spacing. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the seeds. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
If planting from modules, just dib a hole and drop the module in and lightly firm the soil around the plant, but don’t bury the stem.
Protecting your plants
Broad beans are generally hardy but can be susceptible to frost when young. Protect seedlings with cloches or fleece if late frosts are expected. Watch for aphids and blackfly, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or by attracting natural predators.
Broad beans will need to be supported, either by using canes to support each plant or as a row, using canes and twine to hold the plants in place.
How to feed and water
Water broad beans regularly, especially during dry periods, to promote even growth and pod development. Apply a balanced fertilizer or organic compost before planting to provide essential nutrients. Broad beans fix their own nitrogen, so nitrogen rich feed is not needed, well rotted manure, or home made compost will be sufficient.
How to propagate, prune/manage while growing
No pruning is necessary for broad beans. However, the tips of broad bean plants are often susceptible to blackfly infestations, which can spread to the rest of the plant. Over-wintered plants are generally less prone to this, as blackfly typically prefer the tender tips of spring-planted beans. Nevertheless, there’s no guarantee, so it’s advisable to monitor closely for blackfly or pinch out the growing tips in late May, once the first beans start to appear.
If blackfly does appear, pinch out the affected tips and wash them off with a strong jet of water. Later sowings of beans are more likely to attract blackfly.
Broad beans grow tall and produce multiple shoots, requiring support. Although there are smaller varieties available, they generally yield less.
How and when to harvest
Broad beans are ready for harvest when pods are plump and firm to the touch, usually about 12-16 weeks after sowing. Pick pods regularly to encourage continuous production. Harvest beans when young for a tender texture and sweet flavour. If you leave them too long, they will get a tough outer skin that needs to be removed after cooking.
How to store
Store harvested broad beans in the refrigerator for up to one week or blanch and freeze them for longer storage. Alternatively, allow pods to dry on the plant for use as dried beans in soups and stews.
How to eat/cook
Broad beans can be enjoyed fresh by steaming or boiling them until tender. They can also be added to salads, risottos, or pasta dishes. Dried broad beans are excellent for hearty winter meals.
How to deal with pests and disease
Monitor plants for aphids, blackfly, and chocolate spot fungus. Remove pests by hand or spray with a strong jet of water. Use companion planting with aromatic herbs like mint and marigolds to deter pests naturally.
When and how to remove the plants
Clip the plant just below the soil surface, leaving the nitrogen-rich nodules on the roots intact. While these nodules supply nitrogen during the bean’s growth, the roots themselves provide valuable organic matter.
If the roots might obstruct subsequent crops, you can either pull them out or apply a 1-2 inch layer of compost mulch and plant directly into that.
What to plant before and after
Broad beans planted in autumn can follow any previous crop. Seeds planted in spring are ideal after winter carrots, parsnips, or brassicas.
Early sowings typically finish by June or early July, making carrots, beetroot, purple sprouting broccoli, or winter cabbage/cauliflower ideal crops to follow.
What to interplant with
Broad beans pair well with companion plants like carrots, lettuce, and onions. These combinations help maximize garden space and improve overall garden health by reducing pest problems and enhancing soil quality.
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