My mother convinced me to grow broad beans. It was at her instigation that in February last year I bought the seeds of this plant.
March broad bean sowing
Broad beans are already sown in March. This is to ensure its proper development and greater resistance to aphids. Due to bad weather, I did it only at the end of April. I planted broad beans in 3 cm intervals, which turned out to be a bull's eye. As the broad bean pods grew up, the close arrangement of the seeds was a kind of protection against strong wind and rain.
The best substrate
I read that broad beans like fertile soil, so before sowing I fed the soil with compost. During the season, I did not have to use additional fertilization.
Important support
The stalks of broad beans are quite thick and hard, so it is good to support them - at least for the duration of growth - with poles.
Protection against pests and diseases
Moreover, if we do not want to spray broad beans, we must remember to cut the upper parts of the leaves. The most common pests of broad beans - beetroot aphids, can feed on them. These insects not only destroy the plantation, but also transmit viruses.
During hot days, the cultivation of broad beans needs to be watered, because drought can limit the yield. Last year I watered broad beans quite abundantly once every two days. I tried to pour the water not over the entire shrubs, but directly next to the ground, so that the sun would not burn the damp leaves. I enjoyed my first harvest at the end of July.
He alth and Nutritional Values
Broad beans are good for your bones and are high in nutrients. My first broad beans harvest was over half a kilo. I divided it into three parts. I made salads of two and frozen the third. I really liked this vegetable and this year I will certainly plant it again.
Patrycja Grzybek
