Another benefit is that they are nitrogen fixers \u2013 or more correctly, bacteria on the roots do the nitrogen fixing. Growing broad beans is a great way to increase the nitrogen levels in the soil for following crops. Here is a YouTube clip about nitrogen fixing fava beans.<\/a><\/p>\n Broad beans need full sun and protection from strong winds. Plant them from seed. In cooler parts of New Zealand, plant broad beans from February to September. In temperate areas (like Auckland) planting can be done from February to July. Here are some details about Kings Seeds\u2019 choice of broad beans.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n You need to allow for the plants to grow up to 1 to 1.7 m tall. So support the plants with twine as they grow taller. The stems are almost square in shape.<\/p>\n self watering planter<\/p><\/div>\n When growing\u00a0broad beans they don\u2019t like water logged feet, self draining GreenSmart pots are perfect for winter conditions. Soak the seeds over night and then discard any seeds that don\u2019t swell up with water.<\/p>\n plump broad bean seeds after soaking overnight<\/p><\/div>\n The pot will be able to grow about 15 plants so sow say 20 seeds at a depth of 5 cm and thin out the smaller plants when they are about 10 cm tall. They will germinate quite quickly.<\/p>\n They will thrive in soil temperatures ranging from 6 to 240 <\/sup>C. Mulch the soil surface in colder areas to keep it warm. Flowers are mostly pollinated by bumble bees. When the first bean pods start appearing it is time to pinch out the growing tips at the top of the plants.<\/p>\n Use well rotted fertiliser. Eg a few handfuls of sheep manure pellets. If you have a wood fire, add a couple of handfuls of ash to provide potash to the plants.<\/p>\n If there signs of aphids give the plants a weekly squirt with a garlic and chilli spray.<\/p>\n If planting in spring time, growing broad beans and corn work well together. The corn supports the beans and the beans provide nitrogen for the corn.<\/p>\n It takes about four months to harvesting. Regular picking encourages more growth. In warmer areas cut back the stalks to encourage a second crop.<\/p>\n Fresh new shoots can be used in salads or steamed like spinach. Pick the pods while the pods are about 10 cm long and split them open to get the beans while they are juicy. If they get too big they will be starchy and bitter.<\/p>\n Here is a yummy broad beans and mint recipe from Radio NZ.<\/a><\/p>\n Happy gardening, Broad beans are incredibly productive for a small area. Broad beans are another of those love em\/hate em\u00a0 vegetables. Some people can\u2019t stand them, but for others, broad beans are the heroes of the plate at a time of year when not many fresh veges are ready to … Continue reading Growing Broad beans and their conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/a>![\"Growing](\"https:\/\/growgoodnz.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Broad-beans-ready-for-planting-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a>Fertiliser<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Pests and Diseases<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Companions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a0Harvesting<\/strong><\/h2>\n
In the Kitchen<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nBill<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"