PLANT NOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 335, 21 April 1928, Page 26

PLANT NOW

BROAD BEANS VICIA FABA The broad bean is of Egyptian origin and was extensively cultivated by the ancients. They are of a very hardy nature and will thrive in any soil, and yet many cannot grow them successfully because they plant them too late in the season and have to contend with the bumble bee and rust. This vegetable prefers a cool climate and flourishes best in deep soil containing plenty of phosphates. The seed should be sown now and successional crops set from time to time but let the main crop be sown as early as possible. Sow the seed in drills sin apart between each seed and 2 to 3ft between the rows covering the seed to a depth of 3in. Early long pod is the best variety to grow for private garden use. Should the soil be dug, water the drills well before sowing or the seed may be soaked in water overnight. When the young plants have attained a height of 5 or 6in., draw the earth up to them on either side of the row, say 4in. high. During the growth constantly run the hoe along the rows disturbing the young weeds as they grow. When the first pods set, nip the tojjs of the main -shoots to help the setting of the flowers already produced instead of the formation of fresh ones. In order to prolong the supply as long as possible, the pods should be gathered regularly while young and not allowed to fully mature.