BROAD BEANS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 68, 11 June 1927, Page 24 (Supplement)

BROAD BEANS

(Decia Faba). A hardy annual of obscure origin, but possibly Egyptian. At any rate* it is known to have been cultivated by the early Egyptians and also- in Europe in the prehistoric times. The seed can be sown during June and July. Early long pod are the best early variety, with long pods, and broad Windsor the main crop variety with broad pods. This highly nutritious vegetable can be planted out from April to June. Heavy soils are suitable, and should be enriched before plarrting. An excellent method is to dig trenches two feet deep and, in the bottom, place grass clippings on which has been spread a handful of blood and bone fertiliser. A six-inch layer of soil should come next, then a light dressing of old manure. In this drill plant the seed four inches apart and cover lightly with soil. If the seed is soaked in warm water for an hour before planting the germination will be aided artd advanced. The long-pod varieties are the most suitable for garden work. It is advisable to plant in short rows about 3ft. apart with a stake -at eaei end of the row for guiding tapes to hold the plants erect against wind and rain. If you want early beans, sow brood beans now. The broad bean will grow in the colder weather, and if the pods are cut when no larger than French beans and sliced and boiled in the usual way, they will be found to have a delicious flavour, quite different from that which they possess when fully grown. Nip the tops out of broad beans when they are about 6in. high, and they will become bushy.