Broad Bean Witkiem – Cultivation Advice
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Sow broad beans in October–November or February–March.
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Choose an open, sunny site with soil that was manured for a previous crop.
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Sow seeds 6cm deep and 20cm apart, either in large cells or directly into the ground.
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For best results, sow in double rows spaced 60cm apart.
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Weed regularly to reduce competition and improve airflow.
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For taller varieties, provide support using canes at each end of the row and put a string around the canes and plants, adding more levels as they grow.
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Watch for aphids when the first pods appear, pinch out the top 7cm of each plant to reduce infestation.
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Water during dry spells, especially when flowering and podding.
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Harvest when pods are fat and beans are visible but still tender. Avoid waiting too long, or beans will become tough.
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Pick regularly to encourage further pod development.
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Once cropping finishes, cut plants at the base, leaving roots in the soil to fix nitrogen for future crops.
