Introduction
Welcome to how to grow broad beans in pots. Here we will go through the process of the best way to grow broad beans in pots. These can then be transplanted into the ground once they are big enough or you can grow them in a trough to grow up a fence in the backyard or garden if you have not got a vegetable patch or an allotment.
When to plant broad beans
The best time to plant broad beans is from autumn if the variety are hardy versions of broad beans. You will hopefully be picking these in around 26-30 weeks from planting. You can sow broad beans all the way from October right through to April. The later you plant them the later in the season you will be picking them.
Varieties of broad beans
There are many types and varieties of broad beans to choose from. These are some of the varieties of broad bean you can choose from:-
- The Sutton Broad Bean
- De Monica Broad Bean
- Imperial Green Longpod
- Crimson Flowered.
Soil Preparation
If you are to transplant your broad beans from pots to the ground you will need to pick a spot in the garden that has lots of sun. The ground needs to be well manured and rich, fertile and weed free soil. You can also add some compost and slow release chicken pellets to it if you don’t have manure.
Planting broad beans
If you are starting your broad beans in pots in the greenhouse you can either grow them in module trays or in plant pots. If you are growing in a trough in the yard you can plant them straight in the trough or container in the greenhouse then move them outside when the weather warms up. It is often said starting your broad beans in the greenhouse is better as their is a better success rate in them germinating and also the mice will not get the seeds if they are protected.
It is good to start them in the greenhouse first as the ground could be frozen outside plus it will be a bit warmer which will help germination. The only thing if you are planting them in the greenhouse they can’t just be planted straight outside they will need to harden off or acclimatize to the weather. This is done by taking them outside for a few hours a day to get used to the weather.
If you are planting your broad beans in pots they need to have room for the root system to establish themselves, so do not plant them in right small plant pots. One bean per pot is best so they are not competing with each other.
If you are planting your broad beans in the ground you can warm it up for a week before by adding plastic sheeting over the top of the area you are planting in. You will need to sow your broad beans in double rows around 25cm apart from each other. If you stagger the seeds in the two rows so they are not growing next too each other – this will let them spread out when they are growing
How to Plant Broad Beans in pots video
Check out my Youtube video showing how I plant broad beans in pots. Please feel free to click the subscribe button and leave a comment and like
Growing
If you have started your broad beans in pots they can be transplanted outside when the root system has established, the plant is a decent size and the ground is not water logged. Remember to harden off the plants before just planting them straight outside.
When the plants are growing outside make sure they are kept well watered and weed free.
Protecting your broad beans
Once your broad beans have been planted in the soil they will need protecting. The birds will love to come and eat the shoots off the broad beans and leave you with no plants. Cover the young plants with netting.
Harvesting
You can either eat the broad beans in the pods when they are still young around 7 cm long – this is before the pod gets tough and tastes bitter.
If you are wanting to eat the broad beans when they are bigger. you can wait till they have swelled in the pods. You won’t be able to eat the pods when they are bigger as they will have a bitter taste. They will need shelling from the pod.
Once you have harvested all the beans leave the plants in the ground as the nitrogen from the plant will go into the soil. This will help next years plants that you plant there.
Common pest problems with broad beans
Their are a few problems which can affect the growing of broad beans. Some of these can be avoided by following these tips.
Blackfly:- Blackfly and aphids are a problem with broad beans. They often like to attack the plant when it is young on the growing tips. These can usually be pinched out and the plant can be sprayed with suitable insecticide.
You could also plant a strong smelling herb near the plants this will put the blackfly off settling down on the plants. The best herb to go for is Summer savoy.
Mice:- when you plant the beans outside in the ground mice like to come along and pinch the beans – this is one of the reason why you should start the plants indoors until they are big enough to plant out
Chocolate Spot:- This usually appears on broad beans when the summers are wet. If this appears the plants need to be dug up and destroyed. You will know your plant has this as red or chocolate brown spots appear on the foliage and stems.
Birds:- these like to eat the tips of the plants when they are growing. make sure the plants are protected with netting until they are tall enough.
Preparing broad beans to eat
You can pick the broad beans to eat and have them when they are young like mangetouts whole. If you want to leave them till they are bigger the beans can be left in the pods till they mature.
Storing Broad Beans
If you are planning on storing your broad beans for another day the best way is to blanch them in a saucepan of boiling water for around 3 minutes then put them straight into cold water. This will stop the cooking process and get them ready for freezing
You can find out more information on Broad Beans here. You can also learn about growing other vegetables here. Why not try growing your own flowers with our tips here.
