Beans occur in a number of shapes, sizes and varieties.  The Climber Runner Bean and French Bean together with other self-supporting bean varieties are classed as annuals but some are perennial and it is possible to over winter some varieties although most will not tolerate frost.

BROAD (FAVA) BEANS

Broad beans produce a tasty early vegetable (and sometimes a second crop too), and what's more, as they produce their own nitrogen can be used as a fertiliser for the next growing season.  The 'Imperial Green Longpod' variety has a particularly good flavour, while 'Aquadulce Claudia' are well-suited to early sowing.

The height of Broad Beans varies from 1.5m (5ft) down to 30cm (12") and they seem to thrive in the UK. 
Sowing and planting

It has been noted that one of the main contributory factors for non or very poor germination is starting the seed off in a hot greenhouse.

Early varieties can be sown outside in late autumn or winter, in double rows 30cm (12in) apart and 5cm (2in) deep with about 10cm (4in) between seeds.  Alternatively, you can sow indoors using Rootrainers propagation trays,( Sherwood or Fleet sizes) and the Rowplanter.  Cloches can be used in mid-winter.  For other varietes, sow in open ground in early spring, with the same spacing between seeds.

Looking after your broad beans

Make sure you provide support for all winter-sown crops and those in exposed gardens. If you are growing tall varieties a strand of string/wire or a simple strong cane structure can be set up to support them.  Twigs and split canes can be used on the smaller varieties to keep the pods off the ground.

Water if necessary and extra water at a rate of 22 litres/sq m may be required in dry conditions especially at flowering time  and mulch between rows with compost, but this should not be done in the wet.  If plants are cloched, remove the cloches when the plants touch the tops. When the flowers have appeared, nip out the growing tip which will allow all the nutrients to go into the beans and not into the growing of the plant.  By doing this any problem with blackfly is greatly reduced.

Harvesting

Pick your crop before the pods become too hard.  In warm climates, cut the plants down to 5cm (2in) and allow them to regrow to give a second crop.  Dry beans in the sun and then keep them in air-tight bottles for winter use in soups and stews.

Pest and diseases

Beans are generally pest and disease free, but can be affected by blackfly, pea and bean weevils, chocolate spot and mildew.