How many plants for average family:
3 or 4 rows per person

Type of plant:
annual

Best Varieties:
Climbing – Snake , Purple king, Lazy housewife
Bush – Redlands Beauty, Greenleaf,
Butter beans
Broad beans

Sowing:
Large seeds makes direct sowing easy.
Sow into moist soil and don’t water until germinated otherwise seed can rot.
Need lime and potash added to soil at planting.

Growing Habit:
Climbing varieties need teepee, cage or trellis for support.
Bush only need minimal support if any.
Broad beans can be supported with twine tied to posts at 4 corners of area sown.

Growing Conditions:
Adequate water through flowering and pod set. Add Epsom salts for magnesium deficiency (yellowing leaves) 1 or 2 times through growing season if required.

Companions:
Beetroot, broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, dill, lettuce, lovage, marjoram, onions, peas, Silverbeet, Spinach.

Problems:
Bean fly.
Poor germination if soil is too moist.
Stunting and yellowing leaves if pH too low (acid).
Poor pod set if temperatures consistently too hot (over 30 C).