Broad beans are simple to grow and one of the earliest crops for harvest in late spring. They’re versatile too – shell the pods for the beans, eat the immature pods whole or steam or stir-fry the leafy tops.
If you live in a cold area, have heavy or waterlogged soil, or have a problem with mice (which love the seeds), then it’s a good idea to sow them in deep pots or modules. Place in a cool, frost-free place, such as a cold frame or unheated greenhouse, and they’ll germinate within three weeks.
After around six weeks, the roots will have filled their pots, and the seedlings will be ready to harden off and plant out. Plant broad beans in well-drained soil that has had plenty of organic matter incorporated. Space at around 25cm apart and give them a sturdy support.
Get ahead and start your own crop of tasty broad beans, in just four simple steps.
Fill deep pots or modules with seed compost. It’s important to use deep pots, as broad beans develop long roots.
Use your finger to push a single bean seed, on its edge, into the top of each module. Then cover the seed with a little extra compost – the seed should be about 5cm deep.
Water, soaking the compost thoroughly. Stand the Rootrainers or pots in a cool but frost-free, sheltered place, such as a cold frame, unheated greenhouse or cool windowsill.
Once the roots have filled the pots, harden off the plants by standing them outside during the day but bringing them under cover at night. Soak the compost before planting out.
Dwarf winter flowering irises are perfect for growing in pots. The bulbs are easy to cultivate, and growing them in containers means their intricately marked flowers and delicate fragrance can be enjoyed more readily than when they are grown in the garden. Plant up the pots in October and leave them outside until the leaf tips start to poke through the soil. Then bring them indoors to speed up the flowering process – you’ll have blooms in the depths of winter.
Are you doing your bit to help bees, butterflies and other pollinators? By growing the right wildflower species you’ll ensure your garden is a magnet for insects such as solitary bees, honeybees and hoverflies. Our March subscriber edition includes a free double-pack of seeds including vibrant sunflower Sunburst Mix and a Pollinator Mix from Mr Fothergill’s. The Pollinator Mix is packed with nectar- and pollen-rich flowers that pollinators will love, including corn marigold, flax and purple vipe
You can’t beat the sweetness of home-grown carrots, not to mention the satisfaction of harvesting your own food. With this fast-growing variety you’ll be enjoying these short, succulent roots in no time – they’re perfect for growing in pots or in the ground. Your May subscriber edition includes a free double-pack of seeds of Cosmos ‘Purity’ and Carrot ‘Royal Chantenay 3’. More on growing carrots Follow our comprehensive carrot Grow Guide and discover more delicious varieties to try, in
Fill your borders or containers with elegant daisy-like blooms. The bright, white flowers of Cosmos ‘Purity’ are ideal for creating vibrant contrasts in your planting schemes. They also work well in cut flower arrangements. Your May subscriber edition includes a free double-pack of seeds including Cosmos ‘Purity’ and Carrot ‘Royal Chantenay 3’ More on growing cosmos Follow our comprehensive cosmos Grow Guide and discover more beautiful varieties to try, in our collection of May extras.