Beans and peas are easy to grow as they require little maintenance. They both will thrive in a sunny, sheltered spot and need support, such as bamboo canes. As long as beans and peas are regularly picked, they will produce an abundant crop.
Broad Beans:
Broad beans are a great addition to pasta dishes, risotto, and salads. They are best eaten freshly picked, but will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
They require staking, especially if they are in a windy spot. Insert sturdy bamboo canes at each corner of the rows and then run string along the stakes. Keep well watered when flowering and when pods start to form.
They are generally ready to harvest between May and July (weather dependent). Or you can start harvesting when the beans are visibly swelling inside the pods. Once the pods form, harvest frequently to encourage more pods to form. The pods lower down the plant mature first, so be sure to check the whole plant.
Broad bean plants often suffer from blackfly which attacks the new shoots. Large populations of blackfly can weaken plants and lead to stunted growth. They also affect pod formation. Be sure to keep an eye out for these pests and pinch out affected tips to prevent an infestation.
Once harvesting has finished, remove broad bean plants and place in compost, but leave the roots in the ground. This will help boost the nitrogen levels of the soil. Leafy plants, such as kale, spinach and lettuce need nitrogen to produce abundant, healthy foliage.
Peas:
Peas are tasty straight from the garden or can be cooked. They are usually ready to harvest from July to September. By picking the peas regularly, you will continue to get a steady supply of them. Harvest up the plant as they mature at the bottom first.
There are climbing and dwarf varieties, but climbing varieties are favoured as they take up little space and crop over a longer period. Stake peas with bamboo canes to support the growing plants. Ensure to water when flowering and cropping, as it encourages the pods to swell.
Once established, peas need little attention and tend to not suffer from many problems.
Runner Beans:
Runner bean plants are mostly climbers and so need tall, sturdy support. You can use bamboo canes and string to create a wigwam shape.
They require plenty of water, especially when they start to flower and form pods. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can lead to the fungal disease, rust.
Runner beans are usually ready to harvest between July and October. Pick the pods when young, tender and stringless. By harvesting them every two to three days, you will prevent the pods from reaching maturity. Once maturity is reached, the plants will stop flowering and no more pods will form.