Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a great addition to any garden. 

They are delicious and are also a great source of protein and fiber. Growing broad beans in your own backyard is easy and can be done by gardeners of all levels. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of growing broad beans, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your crop. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, get ready to learn how to grow your own delicious broad beans.

Planting

Broad beans are easy to grow and provide a reliable source of protein and nutrients. To ensure that your broad beans grow successfully, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind. Firstly, plant your broad beans in a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Choose a spot that is sheltered from strong winds to prevent damage to the plants. When planting, sow the seeds directly into the ground about 5cm deep and 20cm apart. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not saturated. When the plants reach around 15cm in height, provide support by staking or using netting to prevent them from falling over. It's also essential to regularly weed the area around your broad bean plants to avoid competition for nutrients. As for what not to do, avoid planting your broad beans in soils with a high nitrogen content as this can lead to stunted growth. Additionally, do not overwater your plants, as this can cause root rot and other health problems. Finally, avoid planting in areas where pests and diseases are prevalent. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious broad beans.

1. Choose a planting site that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil.
2. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris and adding compost or fertilizer.
3. Plant the broad beans in the spring, after the last frost, or in the fall, at least 8 weeks before the first frost.
4. Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 8-10 inches apart.
5. Water the seeds immediately after planting and continue to water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
6. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to 4-6 inches apart to give them room to grow.
7. Install support structures, such as trellises or stakes, to help the plants climb and prevent them from falling over.
8. Fertilize the plants every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
9. Harvest the beans when they are plump and tender, but before they become tough and stringy.

Types of broad beans you can grow

There are different types of broad beans you can grow in the UK. All have their own benefits. We have listed a few below.

Aquadulce Claudia

The SuttThe Aquadulce Claudia broad bean is a popular variety of broad bean that is distinguished by its highly productive nature, early maturity, and excellent flavor. This variety is known for its large, plump beans that have a buttery texture and a rich, nutty taste. The beans are typically harvested in late winter or early spring and can be enjoyed fresh or dried.

One of the main benefits of the Aquadulce Claudia broad bean is its nutritional value. Broad beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, as well as essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They are also rich in vitamins C and K, which are important for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and blood clotting.

In addition to their nutritional value, broad beans are known for their potential health benefits. Studies have shown that they may help to lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive health. They are also a natural source of phytoestrogens, which may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers and other health conditions.

Overall, the Aquadulce Claudia broad bean is a nutritious and flavorful addition to any diet. Whether enjoyed fresh or dried, these beans offer a range of health benefits and are a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall wellbeing.

Imperial Green Longpod

The Sutton Broad Bean is a variety of broad bean that is known for its delicious taste and high nutritional value. This bean is packed with essential nutrients, such as fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and folate, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet.

Some of the health benefits of the Sutton Broad Bean include:

1. Improved Heart Health: The fiber content in Sutton Broad Beans helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Boosts Immunity: The high levels of vitamin C in Sutton Broad Beans helps to boost your immune system and protect against illnesses.

3. Promotes Digestive Health: The fiber in Sutton Broad Beans can help to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

4. Improves Blood Sugar Control: The low glycemic index of Sutton Broad Beans means they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them a good choice for people with diabetes.

5. Good for Bone Health: The high levels of calcium and magnesium in Sutton Broad Beans are beneficial for maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis.

In addition to these health benefits, the Sutton Broad Bean is also easy to grow and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried. Its delicious taste makes it a popular choice for soups, stews, salads, and other dishes.

Super Aquadulce

The Super Aquadulce broad bean is a high-yielding variety of broad beans that is popular among gardeners and farmers. It is a fast-growing plant that produces large, succulent pods that are filled with tender, flavorful beans.

One of the benefits of the Super Aquadulce broad bean is that it is rich in nutrients. It is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For example, a serving of broad beans contains about 10-15 grams of protein and 6-9 grams of fiber, which are both essential for a healthy diet.

Another benefit of the Super Aquadulce broad bean is that it can help reduce cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber found in broad beans can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additionally, broad beans are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. These benefits may also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Overall, the Super Aquadulce broad bean is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that offers many health benefits.

Witkiem Manita

The Witkiem Manita broad bean is a popular variety known for its high yields and delicious, sweet flavor. This variety is typically sown in the fall or early spring and produces long, slender pods filled with tender beans. 

One of the main benefits of growing the Witkiem Manita broad bean is its versatility in the kitchen. The beans can be eaten fresh or dried, and are a great addition to soups, stews, salads, and other dishes. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamin C.

Additionally, the Witkiem Manita broad bean is an easy-to-grow variety that can thrive in a range of soil conditions and climates. With proper care and attention, these plants can produce abundant crops with minimal effort.

Overall, whether you are a seasoned gardener or new to growing your own vegetables, the Witkiem Manita broad bean is definitely a variety worth considering. Its delicious taste and ease of cultivation will make it a favorite in any garden or kitchen.

Problem solving

Growing broad beans can be a rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. From pests to unpredictable weather, there are many obstacles that can hinder your success. However, with a little bit of problem-solving skills and careful planning, you can overcome these hurdles and achieve a successful crop of broad beans. In this blog post, we'll explore some common problems that arise during the growing process and discuss effective solutions for each one.

Soil

Broad beans require a rich, well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline with pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be well-aerated and loamy which allows for good water retention and drainage. Avoid heavy clay soil that can retain too much moisture and limit nutrient uptake. The soil must be fertile with adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support plant growth throughout the growing season. Adding organic matter such as well-rotted manure or compost before planting can enrich the soil and improve its structure. Proper soil preparation is key to ensuring healthy growth and high yields of broad beans.

Overcrowding

If you plant broad beans too closely together, they can compete for resources like water and nutrients, reducing growth and yield.

When planting broad beans, spacing is crucial to ensure a healthy and productive crop. These plants need adequate space to grow and develop, as well as access to sunlight, water, and nutrients. Generally, broad beans should be spaced about 15-20 cm apart in rows that are about 45-60 cm apart. This spacing will allow them to grow upright and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to stunted growth, disease, and reduced yields. It is also important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and fertile, and to water the plants regularly during their growing season. With proper spacing and care, broad beans can produce a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious beans that are perfect for cooking and adding to a variety of dishes.

Diseases

Broad beans can be affected by fungal diseases like chocolate spot and rust. These can cause damage to leaves and pods, reducing plant growth and yield.

One of the most effective ways to reduce diseases in your broad bean crop organically and without chemicals is to practice good crop rotation. Planting beans in the same spot year after year can lead to a buildup of pathogens and pests in the soil. Rotating the crop to a different area of the garden every year can help break the disease cycle and reduce infestations. Additionally, planting disease-resistant varieties of broad beans can help prevent common fungal and bacterial infections. Making sure that the plants have adequate air circulation and sunlight can also help prevent the spread of disease. Finally, keeping the garden clean and free of debris and weeds can help reduce the likelihood of disease and insect infestations. By implementing these practices, you can greatly reduce the risk of diseases in your broad bean crop without relying on chemicals.

Harvesting 

If you don't harvest broad beans at the right time, they can become tough and bitter, and it can reduce the yield of mature plants. Knowing when to harvest broad beans is crucial to ensure that you get the best yield from your plants. 

The right time to harvest broad beans largely depends on the specific variety of beans that you have planted. You can tell when broad beans are ready for harvesting when they reach full maturity and their pods have turned crispy and brown. 

To check if your broad beans are ripe, you can open the pod and check whether the beans inside are plump and have a firm texture. If you find that the beans inside the pod are soft, then it is too early to harvest them. 

Alternatively, if the pods are left on the plant for too long, then the beans will become tough and lose their sweetness. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check your broad beans for maturity to get the best yield.

Pollination

Broad beans are self-pollinating, but pollination can be limited in areas with high winds or where bees and other pollinators are scarce. 

There are several ways to increase pollination of broad beans. One of the most effective ways is to encourage the presence of pollinators such as bees, butterflies or moths in the garden. To attract bees, plant flowers that they love, such as sage, thyme, lavender or marjoram, near the broad bean plants. Providing a source of water, such as a small pond or birdbath, can also encourage pollinators to visit the garden.

Another way to increase pollination is to avoid using pesticides that are harmful to bees and other pollinators. Instead, use natural pest control methods such as companion planting or manual removal of pests.

Hand pollination is also an effective method to ensure good yields of broad beans. Simply use a small brush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from the flowers of one plant to another. This should be done early in the morning when the flowers are still fresh and open.

Finally, maintaining healthy soil and providing adequate nutrients and water to the plants can help them produce more and better quality flowers, which will result in better pollination and higher yields.

Watering

Broad beans need regular watering to grow properly, but overwatering or underwatering can cause problems like root rot or stunted growth.

Broad beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden, and proper watering is essential to ensure a healthy and productive crop. The best way to water broad beans is to do so deeply and infrequently, so that the roots have a chance to absorb the moisture and the soil has a chance to dry out slightly between waterings. This can be achieved by watering directly at the base of the plants, rather than from above.

It's generally recommended to water broad beans once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the moisture content of the soil. On average, they require about one inch of water per week, and the best time to water is in the morning or evening when the sun is not too intense.

Natural fertilizers can also help to improve the health and productivity of your broad bean plants. Some good options include compost, worm castings, or a balanced organic fertilizer. These can be added to the soil prior to planting or applied as a top dressing during the growing season.

In summary, watering your broad beans deeply but infrequently, and supplementing with natural fertilizers, can help to ensure a bountiful harvest of these tasty legumes.

Temperatures

Extreme weather conditions like frosts, heatwaves, or heavy rain can damage broad bean plants and reduce yield.

Pests

Broad beans are susceptible to aphids, blackfly, and other pests, which can stunt growth and damage leaves and pods.

A simple solution is to mix a liquid soap solution with water and spray the broad bean plants. It creates a soapy barrier that suffocates the pests, and it is also safe and natural. Another solution is to introduce beneficial insects such as lady beetles, lacewings, and nematodes. These insects can help control pests and reduce the need for pesticides. Additionally, handpicking larger insects and eggs can also be effective in controlling common pests like aphids or spider mites. By using these organic and harm-free methods, you can protect your broad bean plants without harming the environment and enjoy a healthy and productive garden.

FAQs 

When is the best time to plant broad beans?

The best time to plant broad beans in the UK is in autumn or early spring. For autumn planting, it is best to sow from October to November. The soil should be well-drained and fertile, and the area should receive enough sunlight. Spring planting is best done from mid-March to mid-April, depending on the weather conditions. It is important to note that the soil should not be too wet or too cold for the seeds to germinate. Overall, planting broad beans at the right time ensures that they have enough time to establish their roots and develop properly, resulting in a bountiful yield.

Products we recommend

	Soil blocker Broad beans don't like being transplanted, so soil blockers are great here if you want to start them in a greenhouse to reduce them being eaten when they're still young
	Plant support clips Great for supporting your bean stems to canes as they grow