Broad Beans ‘Masterpiece Green Longpod’

Broad beans are a favourite for an early crop of fresh beans. They are hardy annuals and can therefore be sown in Autumn or Spring and can be grown in any soil but they don’t like to dry out.

Sowing in Autumn gives crops early the following year, as early as late April sometimes. Broad beans like some space, so direct sowing is better into prepared soil that has been previously mulched with compost or manure. Best to sow double rows approx 25cm apart, with approx 50-60cm in between rows, they like space and air flow around ensures good ventilation around the flowers for pollinators. Simply make a hole approx 4cm deep and pop a bean in each hole.  Germination occurs in about 2-3 weeks depending on temperatures. I also like to sow in pots, for me this ensures that the bean is not dug up by rodents, I sow in autumn, and then plant out in the new year. Either way is fine and it just depends on you and what you like to do, theres no right or wrong here. 

Once the plant has grown, you’ll need to stake them as they can get damaged in wind. I use 4 posts in each corner and run some string around them for support. They also like plenty water so keep them moist especially once the flowers are forming. Once the plant has set, pinch off the growing tips ( you can eat these, they’re great in a stir fry!).

You can harvest them when you can feel them inside the pod, they’re delicious when small I think and are more tender.