Growing Broad Beans in November: A Complete Guide to Winter Planting

Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a nutritious and versatile crop that can be successfully grown during the cooler months. While many gardeners associate broad beans with spring planting, growing them in November is an excellent way to take advantage of their cold tolerance. By planting broad beans in late autumn, you’ll ensure a harvest in early spring, giving you an early start to your gardening season. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about growing broad beans in November, from choosing the right variety to protecting your plants from winter frost.

Why Grow Broad Beans in November?

Broad beans are one of the hardiest legumes, able to withstand cold weather and light frosts. Planting them in November allows the seeds to establish roots over the winter, and then come spring, the plants will rapidly grow and produce an early harvest. The benefits of growing broad beans in November include:

Cold Tolerance: Broad beans can survive temperatures as low as 15°F (-10°C) when properly established.
Extended Harvest Time: November planting sets you up for an early spring harvest, leaving space in your garden for summer crops.
Reduced Pest Pressure: Many garden pests, such as aphids and blackfly, are less active in colder months, reducing the need for pesticides.
Low Maintenance: Broad beans are relatively low-maintenance and require less watering and care when grown in cooler conditions.

Choosing the Best Broad Bean Varieties for November Planting

Not all broad bean varieties are suited for winter growing, so it’s important to choose types that are cold-hardy and can thrive in lower temperatures. Here are some of the best varieties for November planting:

Aquadulce Claudia: This is one of the most popular winter-hardy broad bean varieties, known for its ability to tolerate cold weather and produce large, tender beans in early spring.
Super Aquadulce: A close relative of the Aquadulce Claudia, this variety is also highly cold-resistant and produces an early, reliable harvest.
The Sutton: A dwarf variety that is ideal for smaller gardens or growing in containers. It’s compact and cold-tolerant, making it perfect for winter planting.
Masterpiece Green Longpod: Another cold-hardy variety, known for its long pods and prolific yield. It’s a great option for gardeners who want a heavy crop.

Preparing Your Garden for November Broad Bean Planting

Before planting broad beans in November, it’s important to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. Good soil preparation and the right growing conditions will help your broad beans establish strong roots and survive the winter. Here’s how to get your garden ready:

Choose the Right Location: Broad beans need plenty of sunlight, even during the cooler months. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. They prefer a sheltered spot that is protected from harsh winds.
Soil Preparation: Broad beans prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30 cm) and work in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure and provide nutrients to support early growth.
Improve Drainage: Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil, which can rot broad bean seeds or damage their roots. If your soil is heavy clay or prone to waterlogging, consider planting your beans in raised beds or adding sand to improve drainage.
Add Support: Broad beans grow tall and can become top-heavy as they produce pods. To prevent them from collapsing, add supports such as stakes or bamboo canes at the time of planting. You can tie the plants to the stakes as they grow to ensure they remain upright.

Planting Broad Beans in November

Planting broad beans in November is simple, but timing and technique are important to ensure your seeds establish strong roots before winter sets in. Follow these steps for successful planting:

Sow Seeds Directly Outdoors: Broad beans don’t transplant well, so it’s best to sow the seeds directly into the ground in November. If your climate is particularly cold, you can also plant them in cold frames or under cloches for extra protection.
Planting Depth and Spacing: Sow broad bean seeds about 2 inches (5 cm) deep and space them 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart in rows that are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. This spacing allows enough room for the plants to grow and ensures good air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Mulch for Insulation: After planting, cover the soil with a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or compost. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature, and protects the seeds from frost.
Watering: After sowing, water the seeds thoroughly to settle the soil. While broad beans don’t need a lot of water during the winter months, keep the soil slightly moist if the weather is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rot.

Protecting Broad Beans from Winter Frost

Broad beans are hardy, but young seedlings may still need protection from extreme cold, especially if temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods. Here are some tips for protecting your broad beans from frost:

Use Row Covers or Fleece: Floating row covers or horticultural fleece can provide an extra layer of protection against frost. These covers trap heat and keep the plants warmer without blocking sunlight. Make sure to secure the edges to prevent cold drafts from getting in.
Install Cold Frames: Cold frames are an excellent way to protect your broad beans from harsh winter conditions. They act as mini greenhouses, keeping the temperature around the plants a few degrees higher and shielding them from wind and frost.
Mulching: A thick layer of mulch can insulate the soil and protect the root zone from freezing. Add a few more inches of mulch if a cold snap is forecasted, but make sure not to smother the plants.
Cloches: For individual plants, you can use cloches, which are dome-shaped covers made from plastic or glass. These create a warm, protected environment for your broad beans and can easily be placed over the seedlings in cold weather.

Caring for Broad Beans Over Winter

Once your broad beans are planted and protected from the cold, they require relatively little care throughout the winter. However, there are a few key maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

Watering: While broad beans don’t need frequent watering during winter, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. Water sparingly, especially if your area experiences dry winters. Avoid waterlogging, as it can damage the roots.
Weeding: Keep the area around your broad beans weed-free, as weeds compete for nutrients and can harbor pests. Use a hoe or hand-pull any weeds that appear.
Pest Control: While many pests are inactive during winter, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which can damage young broad bean plants. Use organic slug pellets, barriers, or handpick slugs and snails if necessary.
Staking and Supporting: As your broad beans grow, continue to tie them to stakes or supports to prevent them from falling over. This is especially important if your area experiences strong winds during winter.

Harvesting Broad Beans in Spring

The best part of growing broad beans is the early harvest. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, broad beans planted in November will be ready to harvest in early spring, usually around March to April.

When to Harvest: Broad beans are ready to harvest when the pods are fully formed but still tender. The beans inside should be plump but not overly large, as mature beans can become tough and lose their sweet flavor.
How to Harvest: To harvest, simply snap the pods off the plant using your fingers or garden scissors. Harvest regularly to encourage the plants to produce more pods. Once the plants have finished producing, you can cut them down and compost the remains.
Using Broad Beans: Broad beans are incredibly versatile and can be eaten fresh, dried, or frozen for later use. They can be used in soups, stews, salads, and a variety of other dishes. To prepare fresh broad beans, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then peel away the outer skin to reveal the tender beans inside.

Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Broad Beans in Winter

Although broad beans are generally easy to grow, you may encounter some challenges during the winter months. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:

Fungal Diseases: Cold, damp conditions can lead to fungal diseases such as chocolate spot or downy mildew. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately and avoid overwatering. If you notice fungal spots on the leaves, remove affected foliage and apply an organic fungicide if necessary.
Poor Growth: If your broad beans aren’t growing well, it could be due to poor soil fertility. Add a balanced fertilizer or a high-potash feed to give your plants a nutrient boost.
Blackfly Infestation: Although blackfly pests are more common in spring, they can still affect broad beans planted in November. Pinch off the tops of the plants once they start flowering to discourage blackfly from feeding.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Rewards of Growing Broad Beans in November

Growing broad beans in November is a smart way to take advantage of their cold tolerance and enjoy an early spring harvest.

Check out lots more to grow in November here