If you don’t know how to start planting beans, don’t worry, because they are one of the oldest and easiest crops to grow. They are recommended because they grow in different soils and climates, so you can have a nutritious food without too much effort.
On the other hand, it is possible to organise them within many greenhouses, such as the tunnel greenhouse, the straight walls tunnel greenhouse, minitunnel greenhouse or a mini wide span greenhouse. Whichever one you choose, you must learn how to care for them inside these structures. Below, we will explain more about this topic.
- What are broad beans?
- When is the best time to plant broad beans?
- How to plant broad beans step by step?
- Precautions to take when planting broad beans
What are broad beans?
Broad beans are legumes that are grown from edible seeds. These seeds are a source of plant protein, fibre, iron and vitamins. This means that they are a very important food in different cultures.
In addition to being versatile in the kitchen, they often play an important role in agriculture. They enrich the soil with nitrogen and help the natural fertility of the land.
When is the best time to plant broad beans?
There is no single ideal time to sow broad beans because it will depend on the local climate. However, consider the following:
- In temperate climates: It is recommended to plant them during autumn for spring harvests.
- In colder areas: It is best to sow in late winter or early spring. Avoid the most intense frosts.
It should be noted that the bean cycle lasts between 4 and 6 months. Therefore, it is important to choose the right time of year so that the plant has enough time to grow and produce a good harvest.
How to plant broad beans step by step?
If you want to learn how to plant broad beans, you should follow these steps:
- Prepare the ground: Start by tilling the soil and removing stones, weeds, or debris from previous crops.
- Sowing the seeds: Now it is time to place the beans directly into the soil. They should be planted at a depth of about 4 to 6 cm.
- Plant spacing: Remember to leave at least 20 to 30 cm between each plant. Also leave 40 to 50 cm between rows for good growth.
- Lightly water: Moisten the soil after sowing, avoiding waterlogging.
- Protect from extreme cold: If the area is very cold, you can use mulch or cover with tunnels.
- Staking if necessary: For taller varieties, it is advisable to provide supports to prevent the plants from falling over.
Precautions to take when planting broad beans
You already know how to sow beans, but you must also consider all the care required for this type of crop. Here we explain the main points.
Required light
Broad beans need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun they receive, the better the pod production will be.
Suitable temperature
You should also consider the temperature. The ideal range is between 10 °C and 20 °C. These crops are resistant to cold, but if they experience severe frost, the flowers can be damaged and the entire harvest affected.
Ideal soil
Broad beans prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soil. The most suitable pH is between 6 and 7, but they can adapt to slightly more acidic or alkaline soils.
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As for watering, this should be regular, especially during the flowering and fattening stage of the veins. Excess water should always be avoided because waterlogging causes fungi to appear.
Pests and diseases
Finally, what pests and diseases do they attract?
- Pests: The most common are aphids, thrips, and slugs.
- Diseases: Fungi such as mildew or rust often appear.
To prevent this, rotate crops and keep humidity under control. You can also apply organic treatments in case of infestation.
Remember that the better you maintain your crops, the better your beans will be. And if you decide to sow in controlled spaces such as garden greenhouses, you can choose from the different structures offered by Fertri.
Some of the recommended models are: tunnel greenhouse, the straight walls tunnel greenhouse, minitunnel and the mini chapel greenhouse. Discover each one and choose the right one for you. mini wide span greenhouse. Discover each one and choose the right one for you.ara ti.