Sowing Broad Beans and Peas During August for Early Crops
August isn’t just for harvesting—planting broad beans and (in mild areas) hardy peas now is a simple way to get the earliest, sweetest pods next spring. With the soil still warm and space opening up as summer crops finish, your August sowing fills the garden, builds soil health, and guarantees a jump-start on next year’s veg.
Why Sow in August?
- Ultra-Early Harvests: Overwintered plants burst into growth in spring, cropping 3–6 weeks before spring sowings.
- Sturdy, Storm-Proof Plants: Stronger roots survive winter and need less support.
- Fewer Pests: Early beans often escape blackfly and pea moth damage.
- Efficient Bed Use: Turn finished summer gaps into productive autumn green.
Best Varieties for Autumn Sowing
Broad beans:
- ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ (the classic overwinter bean)
- ‘Super Aquadulce’
- ‘The Sutton’ (compact)
Peas (mild regions or sheltered spots):
- ‘Meteor’
- ‘Douce Provence’
- ‘Kelvedon Wonder’
How to Sow Broad Beans in August
- Choose a sheltered, well-drained bed.
- Prepare the soil: Weed, fork over and add some compost.
- Sow the seeds:
- 5cm deep, 20–25cm apart in double staggered rows, 60cm between pairs of rows.
- Set seeds on their edge for best sprouting.
- Water well to settle the soil.
- Label the row and cover with netting or twiggy sticks to protect against birds and mice.
How to Sow Peas in August
- Suitable for mild climates/outdoor polytunnels:
- Use large pots or direct-sow in double rows.
- Trench 3–5cm deep, seeds 5cm apart.
- Water and support:
- Install pea sticks or mesh for tendrils as they grow.
- Protect with fleece or mesh if pigeons are a pest.
Ongoing Care
- Weed as plants establish—don’t let competition crowd seedlings.
- Slugs and pigeons love new shoots: Net beds until strong.
- Mulch in late autumn with straw/compost: Insulates roots and keeps weeds down.
- In cold zones, use a fleece/cloche over winter for added protection.
Harvest Timeline
- Broad Beans: Pick from late May—fantastically sweet and early.
- Peas: Harvest pods in late May/early June, well before most other crops.
Pro Tips
- In very cold areas, delay sowing to early autumn or sow in modules under cover for transplanting.
- After cropping, cut plants at ground level—roots enrich the soil with nitrogen for the next crops.
Give your garden a running start: a little work now means meals of homegrown pods before most gardeners have even sown their first seeds next year!
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
Click here to see top options
Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
Click here to see top options
Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
Click here to see top options
Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
Click here to see top options
Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
Click here to see top options