Broad beans

Broad beans, also known as field beans or faba beans, do not belong to the genus Phaseolus like the garden bean, but are members of the vetch family (Vicia). In the Middle Ages, vetches were one of the most important sources of food for humans and animals. Today, the protein-rich broad bean (Vicia faba var. major) is regaining its importance due to the trend towards vegan nutrition.

In order for a good crop of pods to develop, they should be sown as early as possible. The young plants are frost tolerant down to -5°C. Light aphid infestations are tolerated. In the case of severe infestations, spray with stinging nettle tea, break off infested tips or harvest the crop.