Growing Broad Beans in December: Tips and Advice for a Successful Winter Crop

As winter approaches and many crops enter dormancy, the hardy broad bean offers a fantastic opportunity for gardeners to continue growing through the colder months. Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are resilient, cold-tolerant, and easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for planting in December. By starting broad beans now, you’ll enjoy an early harvest in spring and get a head start on the growing season.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing broad beans in December—from choosing the right variety to soil preparation, winter care, and tips for achieving a successful harvest.

Why Grow Broad Beans in December?

Broad beans are among the hardiest legumes, thriving in cool temperatures and even enduring light frost. December is the perfect time to sow broad beans because the plants can establish strong roots during the colder months, ready to burst into life when spring arrives. By planting in winter, you’ll be rewarded with an earlier harvest, making room for other crops later in the growing season.

The Benefits of Growing Broad Beans in December:

Cold Hardiness: Many broad bean varieties are frost-resistant, allowing them to survive even in cold conditions.
Early Harvest: Sowing broad beans in December leads to an early spring harvest, giving you a supply of fresh beans before other crops are ready.
Soil Enrichment: Like other legumes, broad beans fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops and improving soil fertility.
Space Utilization: Planting broad beans in winter maximizes garden productivity by using otherwise empty beds and freeing space for other spring crops once the beans are harvested.

Choosing the Right Broad Bean Varieties for Winter

Not all broad bean varieties are suitable for winter planting, so it’s essential to choose cold-tolerant varieties designed to withstand the frosty months. Selecting the right broad beans will ensure they survive December’s cold temperatures and provide a bountiful harvest.

Here are some of the best broad bean varieties for winter sowing:

Winter-Suitable Broad Bean Varieties:

Aquadulce Claudia: This is one of the most popular varieties for overwintering. Aquadulce Claudia is known for its excellent cold tolerance and early harvest, producing large, flavorful beans.
Super Aquadulce: A variation of Aquadulce Claudia, Super Aquadulce offers even better frost resistance and produces high yields.
The Sutton: A dwarf variety, The Sutton is ideal for smaller spaces or exposed areas prone to strong winds. Despite its compact size, it delivers a generous crop of beans.
Stereo: A fast-maturing, small-seeded variety, Stereo is another great choice for winter sowing, producing tender beans with a mild flavor.

When choosing broad beans for December planting, be sure to check seed packets or descriptions for frost resistance and suitability for winter growing.

Preparing the Soil for Planting Broad Beans in December

Good soil preparation is crucial for broad bean success, especially in winter when soil conditions can be more challenging. Broad beans prefer well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter to support root development.

Steps for Preparing the Soil:

Clear the Area: Start by removing any weeds, leftover crops, or debris from the area where you plan to plant your broad beans. A clean, weed-free bed is essential to give your broad beans a strong start.
Amend the Soil: Broad beans thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH between 6.0 and 7.0). Incorporate plenty of well-rotted compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.
Improve Drainage: One of the biggest risks to overwintering broad beans is waterlogged soil. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider planting in raised beds or adding sand or grit to improve drainage.
Fertilization: While broad beans are nitrogen-fixers, adding a balanced fertilizer at planting time will support their early growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as broad beans produce their own nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in their roots.

How to Plant Broad Beans in December

Once your soil is prepared, you’re ready to plant your broad beans. Broad beans can be direct sown outdoors in December or started in pots and transplanted later. Whether you’re growing in the garden, raised beds, or containers, these planting tips will help ensure a healthy crop.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

Spacing: Plant broad beans about 20-30cm (8-12 inches) apart, with 60cm (24 inches) between rows. This spacing allows good air circulation, which is important for preventing fungal issues in damp winter conditions.
Depth: Sow broad bean seeds about 5cm (2 inches) deep. Gently press the soil over the seeds to ensure good contact.
Watering: Water the seeds lightly after planting to help them settle in. Broad beans don’t need much water during winter, so avoid overwatering, especially if your soil retains moisture.
Protection: In areas prone to heavy frost or snow, consider covering your broad beans with cloches or row covers to provide extra protection through the winter.

Sowing Broad Beans in Pots

Pots or Trays: If you prefer to start your broad beans indoors or in a greenhouse, sow seeds in individual pots or modular trays using seed compost.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings are 10-15cm tall and have developed strong roots, they can be transplanted outdoors. Harden off your plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

Caring for Broad Beans During Winter

Broad beans are generally low-maintenance and tough enough to withstand cold weather, but a little care will go a long way in ensuring they stay healthy through the winter.

Watering

Broad beans need regular moisture but not excessive watering. Winter rains typically provide sufficient water for the plants, so only water if the soil becomes excessively dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in waterlogged soil.

Mulching

To protect broad bean roots from freezing temperatures, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Mulching with straw, leaves, or compost helps insulate the soil and retain moisture while reducing the risk of frost damage.

Frost Protection

Although broad beans are frost-tolerant, prolonged or severe frosts can still cause damage. If heavy frost or snow is expected, cover your plants with horticultural fleece, cloches, or tunnels. These protective measures can help prevent frostbite on the tender growing tips.

Staking and Support

As broad bean plants grow taller, they may need support to prevent them from toppling over, especially during winter winds. Use stakes, canes, or string to gently support the plants as they grow. Dwarf varieties like The Sutton may not require staking, but taller varieties often benefit from it.

Pest and Disease Management

Winter-grown broad beans are generally less prone to pests than those grown in warmer months, but they can still fall victim to a few common issues:

Aphids: Aphids may still attack young broad bean shoots, particularly in early spring as temperatures rise. Inspect your plants regularly and remove any aphids by hand or use an organic insecticidal soap.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can be a problem, particularly in wet weather. Use organic slug deterrents like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or beer traps to protect your plants.
Chocolate Spot: This fungal disease is more likely to occur in damp, cool conditions. To prevent it, ensure your plants are spaced out for good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting Winter-Planted Broad Beans

Broad beans planted in December are typically ready for harvest in late spring to early summer. You’ll know they’re ready when the pods are plump and firm. To check if the beans are ready to harvest, open one of the lower pods and see if the beans inside are fully formed.

Harvesting Tips:

Harvest Young: For the sweetest and most tender beans, pick them when the pods are still small and the beans are young.
Regular Harvesting: Broad beans are best harvested regularly to encourage the plant to keep producing more pods.
Storage: Fresh broad beans can be eaten immediately, or they can be blanched and frozen for later use. Broad beans can also be dried for long-term storage.

Conclusion

Planting broad beans in December is a fantastic way to keep your garden productive through the colder months and enjoy an early spring harvest. With the right variety, good soil preparation, and a little care during winter, broad beans will reward you with delicious, nutritious pods and help improve your soil’s fertility.

Whether you’re planting in a garden bed, raised bed, or container, follow the tips in this guide to ensure your broad beans grow strong and healthy throughout the winter. By the time spring arrives, you’ll be enjoying the fruits (or rather, beans!) of your labor.

Find out more things you can grow in December here