|
Broad beans double as a vegetable crop and a green manure crop by returning nitrogen back to the soil, through rhizobium bacteria nodules on their roots (white lumps clustered around the roots).
They do not like acid soils so check soil pH prior to planting out.
Do not add nitrogen to the soil this causes the plants grow too tall and spindly.
To speed up germination, soak the beans for 24 hours before sowing.
Week 13; For an early start, sow seed individually into 75mm (3") pots and place in a cold frame or cool greenhouse to germinate.
Seeds should germinate in about 12-14 days from sowing.
Week 17; (or sooner if conditions allow)
Prepare seed beds by digging in well-rotted manure.
Level the surface of the bed and rake in bonemeal fertiliser at a rate of 75gms (3oz) per sq.m.
Week 18; Sow seed 150mm (6") apart and 75mm deep drills, in rows 600mm (24") apart in fertile, well-drained garden soil
Seeds should take about three weeks to germinate
Week 19; Plant out pot grown seedlings 150mm (6") apart in rows 600mm (24") apart.
A couple of tips; grow the plants in double rows, and they will support one another, and if you are growing them in an exposed area, or if you find tall plants are tending to lean over, push canes in around the plants and link them with string to keep the plants upright.
Week 21>; Water crops in dry weather to ensure they continue to develop well.
Week 25; Remove the top three inches of the growing tip from each plant to deter 'blackfly'.
An alternative time to do this is after five sets of flowers have set.
These black aphids overwinter on shrubs and migrate to beans in spring.
If the above treatments fail to prevent their presence, treat them as soon as they are seen.
For organic gardeners; spray insecticides based on derris, fatty acids, plant and fish oil or pyrethrum to the underside of foliage.
If this fails, consider using a synthetic insecticide containing bifenthrin.
Week 28-30; Around this time the beans should be ready for harvesting.
Note; Small beans are tender and delicious but, if picked when tiny, you will end up with a very small crop.
Generally,beans stay in good condition in their pods for several weeks, but don't delay picking for too long or their skin will toughen.
Save money by leaving a few pods on plants to fully ripen, and keep the seed to sow next year.
After harvesting is complete, cut the plants down to ground level, leaving the roots intact to release their 'nitrogen' content into the soil.
Week 45; For an early crop next year, sow an autumn sowing variety in open ground.
|
