Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
an early crop in a tunnel is ideal, as it gives them a sheltered spot in which they
can do really well.
Some varieties are quite hardy and can be planted from October right through
into January (the beans can germinate when it's as cold as 2°C) to give an early
harvest the following year. Planting some for overwintering in the tunnel is def-
initely worthwhile, but as spring plantings will usually do perfectly well outside
it seems a shame to let them take up valuable tunnel space over the summer.
Note:
In exceptional winters, prolonged periods of frost will kill even the hardiest
varieties of broad beans. Each time the temperature drops below freezing, the
plants wilt as the cold pulls moisture from the cells. Once the frosts pass, the
plant normally regains its rigidity and life goes on. However, if the temperature
stays below freezing for a longer period, the wilting effect can increase until the
plant can no longer support itself and just folds up and dies. This can sometimes
be prevented by giving the plants some support, and covering them with a pro-
tective horticultural fleece.
Preparation
Broad beans will do well in a wide variety of soil and growing conditions, so long
as they don't become waterlogged. Try to give them a deep, well-drained soil into
which some compost or manure has been added a few weeks beforehand. Even
though legumes are able to create their own nitrogen supply, this doesn't happen
until the plants have become well established.
Sowing
Broad beans can be sown direct, 15cm apart, with 20cm between rows. They can
also be planted in modules to provide protection from slugs and rodents, but as
they do not like being transplanted, great care should be taken. Use deep root-
trainer modules or biodegradable pots to reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Sow the seeds at 3-5cm deep, and put the tray somewhere bright.
Direct sowing from October or November will give a harvest beginning the fol-
lowing May. Plant a few extra seeds between the rows to replace any seeds that
do not emerge. Seeds started in modules indoors in January will be ready to plant
out some time in February and should be ready to pick in June. Put the modules
out to their final spacings as soon as possible if they show root growth through
the pots.
Growing
Ideally, broad beans are planted in a block rather than a single row as this makes
them easier to support. Set stakes at each corner of the block, then loop wire or
twine around them and between the plants, creating a mesh of support. Nip out
the growing tips within a week of when the first pods appear.
