When flicking through my gardening books, wondering what else I could get into the ground at this time of year, I’ve noticed broad beans (fava) mentioned a few times. I thought I’d give it a go with a pack of 20 Aquadulce, suitable for Autumn to Spring sowing. Purchased from Amazon.co.uk.
InΒ still having a decent sized bed available after digging over the strawberry patch and sowing the Arctic King Lettuce. I gave the ground a final rake and removed any weeds that were trying to re-establish themselves.
I decided that I would try to plan ahead with some weed prevention measured and covered the patch of soil I was planting with a fabric weed proof membrane, happily pegged down by my little man.
We then pierced the membrane with the our dibber and popped the beans in about 8 inches apart, 2 inches deep in staggered rows and watered. After sowing, placing a fleece over the top to discourage birds and provide a little frost protection.
I’ve really no idea if these will work but there’s really not a lot lost in trying, so why not? In asking about on the allotment, putting them in seemed to be generally discouraged, we shall see. Live and learn.
I’ll also shortly be sowing some crimson flowered broad beans in pots and overwintering them in our little plastic greenhouses. If both methods fail we’ll be starting again in the spring!
I’ll be sure to report back if they are a success though!
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Aquadulce are great for overwintering. They’re very hardy and come the early summer you’ll be picking delicious broad beans long before anyone else on the allotment π
Thanks for the vote of confidence ππ» fingers crossed I’ll nurture them well x
Good luck, we have just moved into a home with a big garden and allotment space which is now empty, I’m going to put broad beans in this weekend – following your blog intently!
Oh wow what an exciting prospect! We are having so much fun (we moved 1 year ago). Congratulations and wishing you all the luck in the world with your growing!! X
I’ll be interested to see how you get on. I’ve stopped planting broad beans in the autumn as my experience has been that spring planted ones catch them up anyway. Although it does give you two chances to get the going, which is always a good insurance policy.
Can but try, the old timers don’t seem to think it’s a great idea but you never know it might be my lucky year!