Sowing Broad Beans and Peas During September

September in the garden doesn’t have to mean winding down—it’s also the gateway to next year’s earliest and most reliable harvests of broad beans and peas. Sown now, these hardy legumes put down strong roots before winter, outpace spring pests, and reward you with a delicious, extra-early crop. Here’s everything you need to know for September sowing success!

Why Sow Broad Beans and Peas in September?

• Get ahead of the season: Autumn-sown seeds mature earlier, often weeks before spring sowings.
• Robust plants: Early root growth means plants withstand cold, wind, and pests far better.
• Maximize space: Early harvests mean beds free up sooner for summer crops.
• Fewer blackfly and pea moth issues: Most pests arrive later, giving your autumn-sown crops a head start.

The Best Varieties for Autumn Sowing

Broad Beans (Fava Beans):

• Aquadulce Claudia (classic for overwintering)
• The Sutton (well-suited to exposed plots)
• Superaquadulce (improved hardiness)

Peas (Hardy Varieties):

• Meteor (round-seeded, ideal for overwintering)
• Kelvedon Wonder (can work in mild areas)
• Douce Provence (compact and early)

Tip: Only round-seeded peas are suitable for autumn sowing—wrinkled types are too tender.

Where to Sow: Direct or Under Cover?

• Direct in the ground: Best where winters are mild and soil drains freely.
• Raised beds/ridges: Crucial on heavier soils to avoid waterlogging.
• Under cloches/tunnels: Extends the sowing season, especially in colder zones.
• Root trainers/pots: For very wet or slug-prone sites, sow undercover and transplant in early spring.

Step-by-Step: September Sowing Guide

1. Prep the Bed

• Clear away summer crops and weeds.
• Dig over or rake to loosen soil.
• Add garden compost or well-rotted manure if soil is poor—but not too rich.

2. Sow Broad Beans

• Make double rows, spacing seeds 20cm (8in) apart in the row, 25cm (10in) between rows.
• Plant beans 5cm (2in) deep.
• Space double rows 40–60cm (16–24in) apart if planting several blocks.
• Water well after sowing.

3. Sow Peas

• Create a shallow trench, 3-5cm (1-2in) deep.
• Space seeds 5cm (2in) apart, and rows 20-25cm (8-10in) apart.
• Cover lightly with soil and firm down.
• Sow extra-thick in case of losses from mice, birds or rot.

4. Label, Net, and Protect

• Net against pigeons/birds.
• For cold or wet regions, place a tunnel cloche or row cover over the seeds.

Aftercare Through Autumn & Winter

• Keep beds weed-free—young plants hate competition.
• In dry spells, water in; otherwise, let autumn rain do the work.
• Support with twiggy sticks as plants grow, or install bean/pea netting early.
• Watch for mice—protect seeds with wire mesh if this is a problem.
• In frosty regions, protect with fleece or extra mulch during hard freezes.

Spring Reawakening

• Remove covers in March as growth surges.
• Add more supports as plants grow tall.
• Start feeding with dilute liquid seaweed as pods form.

Common Pitfalls

• Heavy soils/soggy beds: Seeds can rot—raise the bed, or wait until early spring if in doubt.
• Sowing too late: Once days really shorten and soil cools, germination stalls; aim for mid-September for best results.
• Unprotected seeds: Mice and birds will dig them up—cover until well established.

Conclusion

By sowing broad beans and hardy peas in September, you’re setting yourself up for one of the most rewarding harvests next year—with earlier and bigger returns. With a bit of care and clever variety choices, autumn legumes might just become your favorite secret to gardening success!