STEP BY STEP

Sow seeds 4cm deep and 15cm apart. Seed should germinate in 10-14 days. Allow 60cm between rows or plant double rows 30cm apart, with a 60cm space between each succeeding double row. If your soil is particularly wet and soggy sow seed in punnets first, then transplant them into the garden when they’re around 10cm tall. grow to at least 1m high so put a row of sturdy stakes every metre or so along both sides of the row. Wind sturdy garden twine backwards and forwards across the row from stake to stake enclosing the stalks.

Water seeds deeply after planting, then make sure you give them adequate water throughout the growing season, particularly when they flower and set seed pods. Plants will also benefit from a fortnightly liquid feed of worm tea or seaweed fertiliser.

Broad beans need to be picked regularly to keep them producing. For podded beans, pick the pods when they reach about 30cm long and as thick as your thumb. When the plants stop producing, cut the foliage