When to plant or sow Broad Bean?

Broad beans thrive in full sun and prefer heavy, moisture-retentive soils such as loam or clay. They tolerate cooler conditions better than most vegetables, making them ideal for early sowings. Choose a sheltered spot if possible, as tall plants can be vulnerable to wind damage. Prepare the soil in autumn or early winter by digging in well-rotted compost or manure. Broad beans are legumes and fix their own nitrogen, so avoid nitrogen-rich fertilisers which encourage leafy growth at the expense of pods. The soil should be firm rather than freshly dug and fluffy; tread it down gently before sowing if necessary. Sow seeds directly outdoors from February to April for a summer harvest, or in October and November for an earlier crop the following spring. Autumn sowings are riskier in very wet or exposed gardens but can yield heavily if they survive winter. Plant seeds 5 cm deep and 20 cm apart in double rows, with 60 cm between each pair of rows. You can also start seeds in deep pots or root trainers under cover in late winter and transplant them out in early spring once conditions improve. Water the drills before sowing if the soil is dry. After planting, firm the soil gently over the seeds. Protect autumn sowings with cloches or fleece during severe frosts. In spring, keep an eye out for mice and birds, which can dig up or eat newly sown seeds; covering rows with netting or fleece until seedlings emerge helps deter them. Water in dry spells during germination to ensure even emergence.