Fava Beans

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, thrive best in deep, moist soil but you can plant fava beans in almost every type of soil.

It is possible to sow fava bean seeds in November, but if you wait until January, you will can create ridges in the soil beforehand and allow the soil to be pulverized and made sweeter (more alkaline) by the action of the weather.

Sow broad bean seeds in double rows that are 9 inches apart and 2 ½ feet between the double rows.

Within the rows, the seeds should be nine inches apart, so that the seeds in one row are placed in between the seeds in the nest row.

You can sow the seeds in 3 inch deep drills in heavy soil or in holes in light soil.

Once the seeds have been sown, firm up the seedbed.

When the broad bean plants are a few inches high, draw the soil on each side of the plants to the stems.

You should then stir the soil frequently.

If the land has already been fertilized with farmyard manure, you do not have to add any more. If you do, your fava beans may become too leafy.

You can add superphosphate and potassium sulfate in the fall.

Once the blooms begin to appear, pinch out the tops. This will make the pods fill up more quickly.

Pull the plants up after you have collected the pods.