BROAD BEANS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 412, 21 July 1928, Page 26

BROAD BEANS

METHOD OF CULTIVATION Origin The broad bean (Vicia Faber) is a hardy annual first grown by the early Egyptians and in some parts of Europe in prehistoric times. It is now largely cultivated and grown in almost every country of the world. Sowing Seed Broad beans are best sown in drills 2Jft. apart and about 3in. deep. Set the seeds singly 6in. to Sin. apart in the drills and cover with soil, firming the ground. If double drills are preferred set the seeds lOin. apart and not less than 3ft. between the rows. Soil is Important The bean has a long tapering root extending downwards to a considerable depth, therefore shallow soils are rot well suited for this crop. Deep dig-

A Broad Bean Seed Germination The Seedling Well Advanced Germination in progress. E is the developing stem, F the pushful root, G the food - gathering rootlets, and K the protecting cap. ging or doublt trenching is advisable. and rotted vegetable matter worked into the soil. In ground that is damp apd holds the moisture, this crop should be sown out in the open where the maximum amount of sun penetrates. Manures All manures should be applied when the plants are young as the tender beans are gathered at an early stage. Lime, super, bonedust and potash will all prove highly beneficial to beans on soil that has been long under cultivation and especially is a generous supply of organic manure has been previously used. Moulding Up When plants are about 6in. to Sin. high they should be earthed up to keep them steady and firm in the ground. . In windy situations stakes may be driven in every 9ft. and strings run along the rows to steady

them. When the fruit has set the tops may be pinched out to check the upward growth and help to swell the pods. For small gardens the best variety for cultivation is early long pod.