How to Grow Broad Fava Beans in Zone 7
- 1). Prepare the planting area in early to mid-spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Choose a spot that gets lots of sunlight through the day. Use a spade to dig up the garden bed and aerate the soil. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or manure over the area and blend it into the soil with a garden fork.
- 2). Press the broad bean seeds into the soil to a depth of about 1 inch. Leave about 5 inches of space between each seed in the row and about 2 feet of space between each row. Cover the seeds with soil and water the entire bed until the soil is just damp.
- 3). Check the bed daily, particularly as temperatures rise, for any dry spots and water as often as necessary to keep the soil moist. Continue this watering regimen up to harvest time. Stake the plants for added support as they grow.
- 4). Apply a mild garden pesticide to protect the plants from aphids and black flies, common pests for broad beans. Follow the manufacturer's directions for dosage and application.
- 5). Harvest the beans about three months after planting by picking them. Look for bean pods that are plump and cause the limbs to droop from the weight. You may see edible pods earlier than this--they will be about 3 or 4 inches long.