As the garden transitions into cooler autumn weather, now is the perfect time to sow broad beans in your vegetable patch for an early crop next spring. By planting these hardy plants now, they will germinate before the winter sets in and yield a harvest weeks ahead of later plantings.
Varieties like ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ can be sown in October or November to ensure an early crop in May. Directly sow the beans into the soil or start them in multi-cell trays for later transplantation. Beans sown in September can be planted out now, spacing them 20cm apart in rows 60cm apart.
For areas with cold weather or pest issues, consider sowing beans under cover initially and then transplanting them after six weeks of growth. To prevent blackfly infestations, prune the plant tips, and provide support to taller varieties with stakes to prevent collapsing once they start bearing beans.
If you have heavy clay soil, be cautious as sowing in autumn may lead to seed rot. To prepare the soil, mix in compost or manure and rake it to a fine, crumbly texture before planting. Sow the seeds 5cm deep with 20cm spacing between plants, firm down the soil, and ensure thorough watering.
In colder climates, consider protecting the sprouting beans with fleece. For indoor planting, sow seeds in small pots filled with compost, keep them in a frost-free area, and expect germination after three weeks. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after six weeks once their roots fill the pots.
By following these steps, you can ensure a successful early crop of broad beans for the upcoming spring season.
