From sowing to harvest

Broad bean, broad bean, broad bean - what is what?

The broad bean has many names. It is named under the following names, among others:

• Broad bean
• broad bean
• Broad bean
• Fava bean
• Cattle bean
• Big bean
• Horse bean

Sow the broad beans directly into the bed or prefer?

The broad bean can go outdoors as early as the end of February sown or you prefer your broad beans at home.

What speaks in favor of preference?

You can have the broad beans as early as the end of January. This has several advantages:

• You can reap sooner.
• Lice infestation is prevented.
• You don't have to prick.

You can find instructions on how to prepare the broad beans here.

The best location for the broad bean

The broad bean is a weak eater, which is why the soil in front of the sowing should not be supplied with compost. The only thing to note is that Crop rotation. Since the broad bean is a legume, it should not be planted directly after another legume. It should be four years before a legume is planted again at the location of a legume.

Broad beans don't actually need a climbing aid. However, large plants can tend to tip over in strong weather. It can therefore make sense to lean the plants against a string or a fence.

Mulching broad beans

Broad beans like it moist, which is why it makes sense to use them too mulch. Mulch(€ 239.00 at Amazon *) also prevents weed growth and thus makes it easier Gardening.

Broad bean pests

The broad bean has a stubborn enemy: the black bean louse. They like to eat the broad bean and, if infested early, can damage the bean's flowers to such an extent that the harvest fails completely.

How do you prevent bean lice infestation?

The earlier you sow or the less likely the black bean louse will cause serious harm to your broad beans. The louse likes it warm and does not attack the plant until summer. If this is developed far enough, the pest can no longer harm it.

The harvest of broad beans

Broad beans are ready to harvestwhen the pods are plump and bright green. Depending on the variety, this is 14 to 16 weeks after sowing. The easiest way to harvest is with one Secateurs in order to be able to easily clip the beans from the plant.
The beans can be harvested fresh from the plant or for dry can be left on the plant to store the seeds for sowing or cooking. The fresh broad bean seeds are surrounded by a rubbery, white shell. It's not that tasty and is therefore often removed. However, it is not harmful to health and pulping is very time-consuming. It can therefore also be eaten without any problems. It's best to just try it out.