What are the precautions for growing broad beans? A full breakdown of the latest cultivation key points
The broad bean is a rather unique type of legume. Its pods are fairly thick and fleshy, so it is also called the Buddha bean. It has good adaptability and is grown all over the country. The broad bean's nutritional value and medicinal value are both relatively high, and its range of uses is also fairly wide. Nowadays, dishes made with broad beans as the raw material are even more popular. So what we want to learn about today is what issues need attention when growing broad beans. Let's take a look below.
1. Time
Because different regions have certain differences in climate, the planting time also differs, so what we need to pay attention to is deciding the planting time according to the specific climate conditions of the location. In our country, planting is generally carried out in the autumn and winter seasons, and sowing is best done around October to November, while in some places the suitable sowing period for broad beans is around January to February or March to April, so the planting time is a small issue that needs attention.
2. Soil
The best soil for growing broad beans is fertile, well-drained sandy soil or loam rich in organic matter, and the soil's pH should be moderate, while slightly alkaline soil is also a good choice. What should be noted here is that the previous crop in the selected planting site cannot be melons, fruits, or legumes, and broad beans also cannot be continuously cropped on the same plot of land, as this will all affect the growth of broad beans.
3. Temperature
The broad bean's temperature requirements are quite strict, mainly because it is neither cold-tolerant nor high-temperature-tolerant. The most suitable temperature for broad bean growth is around 20°C to 25°C, while the temperature at which broad beans sprout most easily is around 16°C to 18°C. Therefore, we must plant strictly according to the broad bean's growth habits so that broad beans can grow better and the yield will be higher.
4. Fertilizer and water
The broad bean is a moisture-loving plant, but at the same time it is not tolerant of waterlogging, so the management of field moisture must be relatively direct and decisive. When necessary, water heavily, and then drain promptly once the soil is thoroughly wet. At the same time, drainage must also be timely when heavy rainfall occurs. The broad bean's growth requires a large amount of nutrients, but fertilizing has principles. Never apply nitrogen fertilizer in a one-sided way, as this will cause excessive growth of branches and leaves, resulting in the phenomenon of only growing branches and leaves without forming pods. So we can only apply a moderate amount of nitrogen fertilizer, and then reasonably apply potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer.
5. Pruning
The broad bean grows relatively quickly. When the main stem of the broad bean grows to about 10 cm, we need to pinch off the heart of the main stem. This can promote the growth of side branches. Because the main stem of the broad bean generally does not form many pods, the only way to increase the yield of broad beans is to promote the growth of side branches. Second, when the side branches have grown to a certain extent, we can pinch off the tender tips on top. This allows them to enter the flowering stage quickly, and the tender tips can also be used for cooking, so it can be said to kill two birds with one stone.