Yesterday I planted 2 packets of Windsor Fava Beans in front of the chicken coop area.
In a week or so when the beans start to pop through the soil I’ll set out the Swiss chard and kale plants in front of the fava. Fava bean plants can get as high as 4 feet tall, so I think the fava bean, kale and Swiss chard combo will look pretty cool once everything is at the peak of its growing season.
I haven’t grown fava beans in ages, so I’m pretty excited about growing them this year. Now that we have a boatload more garden space carved out in the backyard I’ll be able to try all sorts of new veggies. I’m excited!
If you have never grown fava beans before, here is how to do it:
Brief description: Fava Beans are also known as Broad Beans, Field Beans or Windsor Beans. The beans are sweet, sized like a lima bean, and best when harvested and grown in early spring.
Where to Plant Fava Beans: Fava Beans are a cool season plant. They can be planted in garden beds, raised beds and containers.
Planting Seeds: Seeds must be soaked for 12-24 hours before sowing. Then sow seeds 1″ deep. When seedlings are 1″ tall, thin to 1 bean every 4″-6″.
Growing Tips: Plant in a full sun area. Plants do best when temperatures do not get above 60-65 degrees. Fava Beans do not need fertilizing, so long as they are planted in quality soil. They like well drained soil and should be watered just before the soil completely dries out. Do not over water, though.
How to Harvest: Fava Beans have different harvest times depending on how you plant on using them. When harvested young, the entire pod can be eaten. In the middle, they are best shelled and cooked, and finally, you can wait until the shell turns hard and brown to store the beans dry. To harvest, pick as you would a snap bean.
I think I’m going to do a little of both this year, eat some fresh, and also dry some beans to use later this winter in soups.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
Here are a few Fava Bean recipes to try:
Arugula and Fava Bean Crostini
Grilled Rainbow Chard with Fava Beans and Oregano
Fact: Did you know that there is a small population with a genetic condition called Favism? People who have the conditions should not consume Fava Beans. Who knew?!
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Cee says
Hi Mavis or anyone really,
I know with your massive growing goals you are probably not worried about how many plants you start, but have you run across any good guides on determining how many bean plants (in general) a person should start? It’s just me and my husband and I’d like to be able to have some fresh and some to store but I can’t seem to find any guides on a good average number of plants – I see notes about “heavy producer” but that only helps if you have some reference as to how much a plant normally produces.
Susan Reid says
I grow broad beans in blocks of 4 x 4 plants, supported by 4 stakes and twine. Otherwise the plants bend over and break in the wind. I grew an heirloom variety this year that had pretty crimson flowers instead of the normal white.
Jules says
My dad grew fava beans! The first conversation that my dad had with my friend, who later became my husband, was about fava beans. So I guess he passed the test, because they are still speaking about beans- now it’s garbanzo beans. I’d rather have those than favas, sorry.
Susie says
I haven’t eaten fava beans since I saw “Silence of the Lambs”.
Knitting with Olof says
Woman I am starting to believe that you have clones. How do you do it all. Please tell me that you have dishes that pile up. LOL I might just get some fava beans this year.
Mary says
Fava Beans are the best – my mom (Italian) made homemade noodles with Fava Beans – it was wonderful!
Darlene says
Do you remember how she made her fava bean pasta?
Douglas Smith says
Do you plant your fava beans in early spring for a summer harvest, or in fall, and overwinter for a spring harvest?
Cameron says
Thank you so much for this!! I’m doing a science project for AP Biology and I needed beans that could sprout in a weeks time, and I had no idea how to get there! Thanks for the “Start-to-Finish” guideline…I really, really appreciate you!!
Cameron
Dane says
We make a fava bean dip that tastes great. First we remove the skin by boiling them until the skin is cloudy looking, then put them into cold water for a minute. The skin comes off easily then. Next, we saute them with olive oil. Then we add chopped up mint, a little thyme and salt and pepper. Great with crostini!