How Far Apart to Plant Broad Beans – Complete UK Spacing and Depth Guide

Wondering how far apart to plant broad beans? Getting the spacing and planting depth right is one of the easiest ways to grow healthier plants and produce a fantastic harvest on your UK allotment.

Broad beans are among the easiest vegetables to grow from seed, but there are a few things worth understanding before you begin planting.

Should you sow the seeds 10 cm apart or 20 cm apart?

How much room should you leave between rows?

Are double rows better than single rows?

Can you plant broad beans more closely in raised beds?

And how deep should those big seeds actually go?

These are all questions gardeners ask, particularly when they’re growing broad beans for the first time.

Here at Gardening with Ben, I’m always looking for ways to make the best use of growing space on the allotment.

It’s tempting to squeeze as many vegetables as possible into a bed, especially when you’ve spent time preparing the soil and want a worthwhile harvest.

However, planting broad beans too closely together isn’t always a good idea.

Although the seedlings look relatively small at first, broad beans can develop into substantial plants.

Tall varieties such as Aquadulce Claudia may reach over a metre in height.

Their leaves spread out, the stems become thicker and eventually the plants produce flowers followed by long pods.

If you’ve squeezed too many into a small space, they can begin competing for water, light and nutrients.

Poor airflow around crowded foliage can also create favourable conditions for fungal problems such as chocolate spot.

On the other hand, planting broad beans too far apart can waste valuable growing space, particularly in small raised beds.

The trick is finding the right balance.

The Royal Horticultural Society recommends placing broad bean plants approximately 15–23 cm apart, although the arrangement of your rows and the variety you’re growing will affect the final layout.

In this complete UK guide, I’ll explain broad bean spacing in detail.

We’ll look at single rows, double rows, zigzag planting, raised beds, dwarf varieties, containers and the correct seed-sowing depth.

I’ll also show you how to plan your planting area, calculate roughly how many plants will fit, and avoid the common mistakes that can reduce your harvest.

Let’s get those broad beans planted properly!

How Far Apart Should You Plant Broad Beans in the UK?

For most broad bean varieties, allow approximately 15–23 cm between plants.

This is the general spacing range recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society.

However, there are several different ways to arrange your plants.

You can use single rows.

You can plant double rows.

Or you can arrange broad beans in blocks, particularly in raised beds.

What’s the Simplest Spacing for Beginners?

I’d recommend starting with approximately 20–23 cm between plants.

This is easy to measure and gives most varieties suitable growing room.

Can You Plant Broad Beans 15 cm Apart?

Yes, in an appropriate growing arrangement.

However, tall varieties and humid sites may benefit from more space.

Can You Plant Broad Beans 20 cm Apart?

Yes.

This is a useful distance for many planting layouts.

Can You Plant Broad Beans 30 cm Apart?

Absolutely.

Wider spacing may improve airflow and harvesting access.

Is Wider Spacing Always Better?

Not necessarily.

You also want to make sensible use of available growing space.

Should Every Broad Bean Variety Have Exactly the Same Spacing?

No.

The mature height, spread and growing conditions should influence your decision.

Gardening with Ben tip: For my allotment, I’d rather give broad beans enough room to develop sturdy stems and healthy foliage than squeeze too many into a bed and struggle with overcrowding later.

How Far Apart Should Broad Bean Rows Be?

Row spacing is slightly different from the distance between individual plants.

The RHS recommends two main arrangements.

Single-Row Planting

Single rows should be approximately 45 cm apart.

This leaves room for plant growth, airflow and access.

Double-Row Planting

Double rows are planted approximately 23 cm apart, with 60 cm between each double-row pair.

What’s the Difference?

A single-row arrangement gives each row its own wider space.

Double-row planting groups plants into pairs of rows.

Are Double Rows Better?

They can be particularly useful because the plants help support and shelter one another.

Are Single Rows Easier?

They may be easier to access, especially when checking pests or harvesting.

Do Both Methods Need Stakes?

Taller varieties generally benefit from support in either layout.

Which Would I Choose?

For a traditional allotment bed, I particularly like the idea of double rows with sturdy supports around the outside.

But either method can work well.

How to Plant Broad Beans in Single Rows

Single rows are simple to measure and maintain.

They’re also a good choice for gardeners who want straightforward access to each side of the plants.

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

Remove weeds and check that the ground is workable.

Step 2: Mark the First Row

Use a string line to keep it straight.

Step 3: Measure Plant Positions

Allow approximately 15–23 cm between seeds.

Step 4: Sow at the Correct Depth

Plant seeds approximately 5–7.5 cm deep outdoors.

Step 5: Mark the Next Row

Leave about 45 cm between the centres of the two rows.

Step 6: Repeat

Continue planting until the bed is filled.

Step 7: Water If Needed

Avoid adding unnecessary water to already saturated soil.

Step 8: Add Support When Required

Use stakes and garden string around taller plants.

What Are the Advantages?

Single rows make weeding and harvesting convenient.

They’re also useful when you want to grow something different alongside the broad beans.

How to Plant Broad Beans in Double Rows

Double rows are another popular method.

They make efficient use of space and can provide some mutual support as plants develop.

How Wide Is a Double Row?

The two rows are approximately 23 cm apart.

How Far Apart Are the Plants?

Approximately 15–23 cm within each row.

Should the Seeds Be Opposite Each Other?

They can be, but a slightly staggered arrangement is also practical.

How Much Space Between Double Rows?

Approximately 60 cm.

Why Leave This Gap?

It provides access for weeding, supporting plants and harvesting.

Can You Put Stakes Around Both Rows?

Yes.

This is one of the easiest support methods.

Should You Tie the Stems Individually?

Not usually.

A framework of stakes and string can support the whole pair of rows.

Are Double Rows Suitable for Aquadulce Claudia?

Yes.

Tall varieties benefit from a sturdy, well-planned arrangement.

What About Dwarf Broad Beans?

They can also grow in blocks or double rows.

Should You Stagger Broad Bean Seeds?

Staggered planting is a useful alternative to placing seeds directly opposite one another.

It’s sometimes described as zigzag planting.

What Is Zigzag Planting?

The seeds in the second row are positioned halfway between those in the first row.

Why Do Gardeners Use It?

It distributes plants more evenly through a block.

Does It Create More Room?

It can make efficient use of the space between rows.

Is It Suitable for Double Rows?

Yes.

Does It Work in Raised Beds?

Yes.

Do You Need to Measure Precisely?

Not down to the millimetre.

Aim for a consistent arrangement.

Does Zigzag Planting Guarantee More Beans?

No.

Yield still depends on variety, soil, watering and overall plant health.

How Deep Should You Plant Broad Bean Seeds?

Broad beans have large seeds and are normally sown deeper than many other vegetables.

The RHS recommends approximately 5–7.5 cm deep for outdoor sowing.

Is 5 cm Deep Enough?

Yes, within the normal recommended range.

Can You Plant Them 7.5 cm Deep?

Yes.

Is 10 cm Too Deep?

It’s deeper than the standard RHS recommendation and may delay or reduce emergence.

Does Soil Type Matter?

Yes.

Seeds can struggle more in compacted or waterlogged soil.

Should You Plant Deeper in Autumn?

Not simply because you’re sowing in October.

Use the recommended depth and choose suitable growing conditions.

What About Spring Sowing?

The same general outdoor depth applies.

How Deep Should Seeds Go in Pots?

Approximately 5 cm.

Does the Seed Need to Be Covered Completely?

Yes.

Replace the soil or compost over the seed.

Which Way Up Should You Plant Broad Beans?

Broad bean seeds have a distinctive scar known as the hilum.

This is where the seed was attached inside the pod.

What Does the RHS Recommend?

Position the scar facing downwards.

Is the Scar Easy to See?

Usually, particularly on lighter-coloured broad bean seeds.

What If You Plant the Seed Sideways?

It can still germinate.

Roots and shoots can often orient themselves as the seed grows.

Do You Need to Soak the Seed First?

Not usually.

Should You Remove the Seed Coat?

No.

Can You Sow Two Seeds in One Hole?

You can sow extras as insurance, but thin or transplant additional seedlings to avoid overcrowding.

What’s the Simplest Method?

One healthy seed in each marked planting hole.

Broad Bean Spacing in Raised Beds

Raised beds are ideal for growing broad beans, especially where you want to make use of a smaller area.

The RHS vegetable crop planner gives 20 cm between plants and 20 cm between rows as a raised-bed arrangement.

Is 20 cm × 20 cm Suitable?

Yes, in a well-managed raised bed.

Should You Use This for Every Variety?

Not automatically.

Large, tall plants may benefit from wider spacing.

Can You Use 25 cm Spacing?

Yes.

What About 30 cm Spacing?

This can be useful where airflow or access is a priority.

Why Can Raised Beds Use Closer Spacing?

You usually harvest from the edge rather than leaving walking paths between rows.

Does Raised-Bed Soil Need to Drain Properly?

Absolutely.

Can You Grow Aquadulce Claudia in Raised Beds?

Yes, with suitable supports.

What About The Sutton?

This compact variety is particularly convenient for small raised beds.

How Many Broad Beans Can You Plant in a Raised Bed?

Planning plant numbers can help you avoid buying or sowing more seeds than necessary.

However, it’s important to remember that a mathematical grid doesn’t automatically represent the ideal growing density.

How Many Broad Beans in a 1 m × 1 m Bed?

A 20 cm grid has 25 theoretical planting positions if the outer rows are placed half a spacing from the edges.

This can be a useful planning illustration.

However, fewer plants may be preferable for tall varieties or where growing conditions are damp.

How Many in a 1.2 m × 1.2 m Bed?

A theoretical 20 cm grid has 36 positions.

Again, you shouldn’t assume this is the best plant count for every broad bean variety.

How Many in a 1.2 m × 2.4 m Bed?

A full theoretical 20 cm grid contains 72 positions.

But for tall, vigorous varieties, allowing more space and harvesting access may make a lower planting number more practical.

Should You Plant Every Position?

Not necessarily.

What About Bed Edges?

Avoid positioning plants where mature stems and pods will overhang paths excessively.

Can Supports Reduce Usable Space?

Yes.

Plan where stakes will go before sowing.

How Do You Calculate a Sensible Plant Number?

Measure the bed, choose your spacing and mark the actual positions before planting.

Then adjust for access, supports and variety height.

Interactive Broad Bean Spacing Calculator

When you’re planning a raised bed, a quick calculation is useful.

For example, at 20 cm spacing, a 1 m × 1 m bed provides a theoretical 5 × 5 arrangement.

At 25 cm spacing, the same bed provides 4 × 4 positions.

At 30 cm spacing, the theoretical layout may be reduced to 3 × 3 positions if you leave a suitable margin.

Remember that these figures are simply layout calculations.

They don’t guarantee that every position is appropriate for every variety.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Dwarf Broad Beans?

Dwarf broad beans are generally smaller than traditional tall varieties.

‘The Sutton’ is one of the best-known examples.

How Tall Is The Sutton?

Usually around 50 cm or less.

Can Dwarf Broad Beans Grow Closer Together?

Sometimes, particularly in a well-managed block or container.

Is 15 cm Spacing Suitable?

It can be suitable for dwarf plants in an appropriate large container.

What About Raised Beds?

Approximately 20 cm is a practical starting point.

Do They Need Supports?

Not always.

However, short supports may be useful in windy locations.

Does Compact Mean You Can Overcrowd Them?

No.

Dwarf varieties still need adequate light, water and root space.

Aquadulce Claudia Broad Bean Spacing

Aquadulce Claudia is a tall, hardy variety particularly useful for autumn sowing.

The RHS lists its height as approximately 1–1.5 metres.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Aquadulce Claudia?

Use the general broad bean spacing of approximately 15–23 cm between plants.

Should You Choose the Wider End?

It’s sensible when you want more airflow and harvesting access.

Are Double Rows Suitable?

Yes.

Do They Need Strong Supports?

Usually.

Should You Plant Them Very Close Together to Stop Wind Damage?

Not excessively.

Use proper stakes and string rather than relying on overcrowding.

Can You Grow Them in a Small Raised Bed?

Yes, but plan around their mature size.

Broad Bean Spacing in Pots and Containers

Broad beans can also grow successfully in pots.

However, their spacing depends on container size and variety.

What’s the Best Broad Bean for Pots?

A compact variety such as The Sutton.

How Wide Should the Pot Be?

The RHS recommends containers at least 40 cm wide for dwarf broad beans.

How Far Apart Should Plants Be?

Approximately 15 cm within a sufficiently large container.

Can You Grow Several Plants in One Pot?

Yes, if there’s enough root space.

Should You Plant Tall Broad Beans in a 40 cm Pot?

A tall variety may require more space, substantial compost volume and secure support.

Will Overcrowding Affect Watering?

Yes.

More plants in the same pot use moisture more quickly.

Does Container Spacing Affect Feeding?

Yes.

Crowded roots can compete for nutrients.

What’s My Recommendation?

Choose a large pot, a suitable dwarf variety and a modest number of plants.

How Far Apart Should You Plant Broad Bean Seedlings?

If you’ve started your seeds in modules, they’ll eventually need planting outside.

The final spacing is similar to direct-sown broad beans.

What’s the Recommended Spacing?

Approximately 15–23 cm between plants.

Can You Plant Them in Single Rows?

Yes.

What About Double Rows?

Yes.

Should You Harden Off First?

Yes, if seedlings were raised under protection.

Should You Plant Seedlings Deeper Than Their Root Balls?

Normally plant at approximately the same growing level as in their containers.

Can You Move Root-Bound Plants?

Yes, but handle them carefully and avoid unnecessary root damage.

What If Two Seedlings Grew in One Module?

Separate them carefully if practical or remove the weaker plant.

Should You Water After Planting?

Yes, unless the soil is already excessively wet.

Broad Bean Spacing for Autumn and Winter Growing

Autumn-sown broad beans remain in the ground through some of the wettest months of the year.

This makes good spacing particularly important.

Should October Broad Beans Be Planted Closer Together?

Not simply because it’s autumn.

Why Is Airflow Important?

Persistently damp foliage can create favourable conditions for fungal disease.

What Is Chocolate Spot?

A fungal disease that causes dark brown spots on broad bean foliage and other tissues.

Does Crowding Cause Chocolate Spot?

Crowding doesn’t create the pathogen, but it can increase humidity and worsen the conditions that favour infection.

Can Fleece Cause Problems?

Poorly ventilated covers may trap moisture.

Is Wider Spacing Helpful?

It may improve airflow, especially around tall plants.

What About Drainage?

Good drainage is vital for autumn crops.

What’s My Recommendation?

For overwintered Aquadulce Claudia, prioritise suitable soil drainage and avoid excessively dense planting.

Does Broad Bean Spacing Affect Harvest Size?

Yes, but not always in the way gardeners expect.

Will More Plants Always Mean More Beans?

Not necessarily.

Why Not?

Crowded plants compete for light, water and nutrients.

Can Individual Plants Produce Fewer Pods?

They may if growing conditions become too competitive.

Can Widely Spaced Plants Produce More Pods?

Individual plants may benefit from extra space, but excessively wide planting reduces the number of plants in a given area.

Is There One Perfect Distance?

No.

The best arrangement depends on variety and growing conditions.

Does Soil Fertility Matter?

Yes.

Does Watering Matter?

Very much, particularly during flowering.

How Can You Compare Yields?

Try two small planting layouts and record the total weight of beans harvested from each.

Does Broad Bean Spacing Affect Blackfly?

Blackfly, or black bean aphid, is a common broad bean pest.

Will Wider Spacing Prevent Blackfly?

No.

Flying aphids can still reach the plants.

Can Wider Spacing Make Inspection Easier?

Yes.

You can reach the growing tips more easily.

Should You Pinch Out the Tops?

Once the lowest flowers have formed small pods, you can consider removing soft growing tips.

Will That Guarantee No Blackfly?

No.

What About Natural Predators?

Ladybirds and hoverfly larvae can help control aphid populations.

Can You Remove Infested Tips?

Yes, when appropriate.

What’s the Best Approach?

Maintain healthy plants and inspect them regularly.

Does Broad Bean Spacing Affect Chocolate Spot?

Chocolate spot is one of the main fungal diseases affecting broad beans.

It can be particularly troublesome in cool, humid weather.

What Are the Symptoms?

Small reddish-brown spots appear on leaves.

Can They Become Larger?

Yes.

Under favourable conditions, spots may expand and merge.

Can Crowded Plants Make Things Worse?

Yes.

Dense foliage can remain wet for longer.

Will Wider Spacing Prevent All Disease?

No.

Should You Avoid Overhead Watering?

Where practical, water at soil level to reduce unnecessary leaf wetting.

What About Winter Fleece?

Use protection appropriately and provide ventilation when possible.

Is Good Soil Drainage Important?

Yes.

What’s My Recommendation?

Allow room for healthy plants and avoid cramming every available centimetre with foliage.

How to Support Broad Beans Planted in Rows

Taller broad beans need support, especially on exposed allotments.

What’s the Best Method?

Stakes and garden string.

Where Should Stakes Go?

At the ends of rows and at intervals along them.

How Far Apart Should Stakes Be?

The RHS suggests approximately 1.2 metres along rows as a practical arrangement.

What About the String?

Run it around the outside of the plants.

How High Should the First String Be?

Approximately 30 cm above the soil is a useful starting point.

Should You Add Additional String?

Yes, as the plants grow taller.

Do Double Rows Need Support?

Tall varieties usually do.

Can You Use Bamboo Canes?

Yes.

Should Support Be Installed Before the Plants Fall Over?

Definitely.

How to Measure Broad Bean Spacing Easily

You don’t need complicated gardening equipment.

A few simple tools can make accurate planting easy.

Measuring Tape

Useful for marking rows and bed dimensions.

Dibber

Perfect for creating planting holes.

Garden String

Helps keep rows straight.

Marked Wooden Stick

You can mark common distances along a piece of wood.

Plant Labels

Some are approximately 15–20 cm long and can be used as a rough spacing guide.

Trowel

A trowel handle can provide a convenient reference once measured.

Should Every Hole Be Exact?

No.

Consistency matters more than millimetre precision.

What’s My Recommendation?

Make yourself a simple planting stick marked at 5, 15, 20, 23, 30, 45 and 60 cm.

You can use it for broad beans and several other vegetables.

How to Plant Broad Beans at the Correct Distance – Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Variety

Tall or dwarf.

Autumn or spring.

Step 2: Check the Sowing Season

Hardy varieties can be sown in autumn under suitable conditions.

Most spring sowing is during March and April.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

Choose fertile, well-drained ground.

Step 4: Measure the Growing Area

Calculate your available space.

Step 5: Choose Single Rows, Double Rows or a Grid

Select the layout that best suits your bed.

Step 6: Mark Plant Positions

Allow approximately 15–23 cm between individual plants.

Step 7: Measure Row Spacing

Use 45 cm for single rows or the recommended double-row distances.

Step 8: Make Planting Holes

Approximately 5–7.5 cm deep.

Step 9: Position the Seeds

Place the scar facing downwards.

Step 10: Cover the Seeds

Replace the soil.

Step 11: Firm Gently

Ensure good soil contact.

Step 12: Water if Needed

Don’t flood wet soil.

Step 13: Label the Row

Include the variety and date.

Step 14: Protect Against Rodents

Mice may eat broad bean seeds.

Step 15: Monitor Germination

Allow more time during cold weather.

Step 16: Thin or Fill Gaps

Keep the intended final spacing.

Step 17: Add Supports

Prepare stakes and string as plants develop.

Step 18: Monitor Plant Health

Look for blackfly and unusual leaf spots.

Step 19: Water During Flowering

Make sure plants have enough moisture during dry periods.

Step 20: Harvest the Pods

Pick the beans when they’re young and tender.

Ten Common Broad Bean Spacing Mistakes

1. Planting Seeds Too Closely

Seedlings may look small, but mature plants need room.

2. Confusing Plant Spacing with Row Spacing

These are different measurements.

3. Using the Same Layout for Every Variety

Tall and dwarf plants have different growth habits.

4. Forgetting Harvesting Access

Leave room to reach the pods.

5. Planting Too Deeply

Follow the recommended sowing depth.

6. Sowing Too Shallowly

Seeds may become exposed or disturbed.

7. Overcrowding Winter Crops

Poor airflow can contribute to disease problems.

8. Forgetting Space for Supports

Allow room for stakes and string.

9. Using a Theoretical Raised-Bed Grid Without Considering Mature Size

A planting calculator doesn’t know how tall or bushy your plants will become.

10. Assuming More Seeds Guarantee a Bigger Harvest

Healthy plants and suitable conditions are more important than simply using every seed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broad Bean Spacing and Depth

How far apart should you plant broad beans?

Approximately 15–23 cm between plants.

How far apart should broad bean rows be?

Around 45 cm for single rows.

How far apart should double rows of broad beans be?

Approximately 23 cm between the two rows, with 60 cm between pairs.

Can you plant broad beans 10 cm apart?

This is closer than normal recommendations and may lead to overcrowding.

Can you plant broad beans 15 cm apart?

Yes, in a suitable growing arrangement.

Can you plant broad beans 20 cm apart?

Yes. This is a practical planting distance.

Can you plant broad beans 25 cm apart?

Yes.

Can you plant broad beans 30 cm apart?

Yes, especially when improved airflow or access is needed.

How deep should you sow broad beans?

Approximately 5–7.5 cm outdoors.

Is 5 cm deep enough for broad beans?

Yes.

Can you plant broad beans 10 cm deep?

That’s deeper than the standard recommendation.

How deep should you sow broad beans in pots?

Approximately 5 cm.

Which way up do you plant broad bean seeds?

The RHS recommends placing the scar facing downwards.

Should broad bean seeds be soaked before planting?

Usually not necessary.

How far apart should Aquadulce Claudia be planted?

Generally 15–23 cm between plants.

How far apart should The Sutton be planted?

Use appropriate broad bean spacing, with around 15 cm between dwarf plants in large containers.

Are dwarf broad beans planted closer together?

They can be in suitable growing arrangements, but still need enough room.

Can you grow broad beans in double rows?

Yes.

Should broad beans be planted in zigzag rows?

This is a useful layout, but not essential.

Can broad beans grow in blocks?

Yes.

How far apart should broad beans be in raised beds?

The RHS suggests approximately 20 cm in both directions where suitable.

How many broad beans can you plant per square metre?

A theoretical 20 cm grid has 25 planting positions, but the practical number may be lower.

How many broad beans fit in a 1.2 m raised bed?

It depends on bed width, length and spacing; calculate the layout rather than assuming one number.

How far apart should broad beans be in pots?

About 15 cm for dwarf varieties in a suitable large container.

What size pot do broad beans need?

The RHS recommends at least 40 cm wide for dwarf broad beans.

Do tall broad beans need more space?

They may benefit from more generous spacing and support.

What happens if broad beans are planted too closely?

Plants may compete for light, water and nutrients, with reduced airflow.

Will overcrowded broad beans get chocolate spot?

Crowding can increase humidity and disease risk, but doesn’t guarantee infection.

Does wide spacing prevent blackfly?

No.

Can you transplant broad beans to increase spacing?

Young plants can be moved carefully, although established plants are more difficult to relocate.

When should you thin broad bean seedlings?

Once you can identify excess plants and remove them without damaging the intended crop.

Can you grow two broad beans in one hole?

You can sow extra seeds, but avoid leaving plants excessively crowded.

Do broad beans need support when planted in double rows?

Most taller varieties do.

How far apart should support stakes be?

Approximately 1.2 metres along rows is one practical RHS recommendation.

Can broad beans grow in square-foot gardening beds?

Yes, using a sensible spacing arrangement that accommodates the mature plants.

Is 20 cm spacing suitable for autumn broad beans?

Yes in suitable conditions, although additional airflow may be beneficial on damp sites.

Do broad beans need different spacing in spring?

The basic distances remain similar, but variety and growing conditions matter.

Is single-row or double-row planting better?

Both work well. Double rows may offer mutual support, while single rows can be easier to access.

Which method produces more beans?

There is no universal winner; variety and growing conditions influence yield.

Are broad beans suitable for small allotments?

Yes, especially with compact varieties and careful planting.

What is the easiest spacing for beginners?

Approximately 20–23 cm between plants, with 45 cm between single rows.

Final Thoughts: Getting Broad Bean Spacing Right

Knowing how far apart to plant broad beans is one of the simplest ways to give your crop a good start.

And the great thing is that you don’t need to measure everything with extreme precision.

For most UK gardeners, I’d recommend allowing approximately 20–23 cm between broad bean plants.

If you’re growing in single rows, leave around 45 cm between the rows.

If you prefer double rows, place the two rows approximately 23 cm apart, leaving 60 cm between the next pair.

For raised beds, a 20 × 20 cm layout can be a useful starting point, although taller varieties and damp conditions may justify more space.

And don’t forget the sowing depth.

Broad bean seeds should normally be planted approximately 5–7.5 cm deep outdoors.

In pots and modules, around 5 cm is suitable.

But the correct distances are only part of the story.

You also need suitable soil, plenty of sunlight and appropriate watering during flowering.

Tall varieties such as Aquadulce Claudia usually benefit from stakes and string.

Compact varieties such as The Sutton may need less support.

And if you’re growing through winter, good drainage and airflow are particularly important.

One thing I would encourage you to avoid is planting too many seeds into a small space.

A few healthy broad bean plants can be much more rewarding than a crowded bed of struggling plants.

Once the plants begin flowering, watch for blackfly, maintain enough moisture and keep an eye out for chocolate spot.

Then enjoy the best part: harvesting lovely fresh broad beans straight from your allotment!

So whether you’re growing in traditional rows, double rows, raised beds or containers, measure your planting area before you start.

Choose a suitable variety.

Give the plants enough room.

And enjoy watching your broad beans develop into a productive crop.

Keep smiling, keep shining, keep gardening with Ben!