If you thought David Beckham was only good at football, then you should know he’s a pretty good gardener as well – if his latest harvest of broad beans is anything to go by.
Anyone who’s considering growing broad beans should know that it’s one of the easiest and tastiest vegetables you can grow at home. And taking to Instagram, the former England footballer showed off his mammoth yield of broad beans – and believe us, they’re huge!
Luckily for us, gardening experts have revealed how we too can grow a bountiful harvest of broad beans just like the Beckhams. Here’s everything you need to know.
When I think of the Beckhams, I’m more inclined to think of Victoria’s interior style, from her ‘sexy’ reading nook to the green ‘red thread’ that runs through her home. However, the fashion designer and former Spice Girl regularly shows glimpses of her husband David’s garden, too, on Instagram – and it was here that I spotted the beans.
‘I think I’ve overachieved with my broad beans,’ David quipped to the camera as Victoria filmed the harvest.
‘Only David Beckham had broad beans quite like that,’ Victoria joked.
But I’m here to tell you that you also can be a broad bean overachiever just like David. Of course, you’ll need to get the foundations right, such as knowing when to plant broad beans to ensure a fruitful garden veg patch.
‘Victoria’s right, David is clearly an overachiever. Most gardeners would be thrilled with a decent crop, but he’s managed to grow a broad bean that looks like it belongs in a county show. The good news is that broad beans are one of the easiest vegetables for beginners to grow,’ says Luke Newness, garden expert at Hillarys.
‘They thrive in fertile, well drained soil that’s enriched with compost, enjoy a sunny spot, and benefit from regular watering while flowers and pods are developing. Keep an eye out for blackfly on young shoots, and pinch out the growing tips if they appear to help keep pests at bay. Harvest the pods when they’re plump but still bright green for the sweetest flavour. You might not produce a broad bean quite as impressive as David’s, but with a little care, they’re one of the most rewarding crops you can grow at home.’
Broad beans are a great choice for UK gardens because they are incredibly hardy and cope with our cold winters and unpredictable weather, and can handle a little neglect. But if you want a bumper crop, they will benefit from feeding, too.
‘My top tip is to start feeding your broad beans as soon as you plant them, then continue every seven to 14 days throughout the growing season, which runs from March through to October. It’s a simple step that can reward you with healthier plants, fuller pods and a bigger harvest to enjoy – just like David Beckham’s!’ says Angharad James, Brand Manager at Maxicrop.
What you need
Maxicrop
All Purpose Liquid Vegetable Growth Stimulant & Feed, 1l
Angharad recommends using this fertaliser to feed your broad beans. It’s designed to strengthen plants and increase yields.
Verve
Peat-Free Multi-Purpose Compost 100l
You should also add compost as mulch to your beans when you plant them outside to supress weeds and improve soil quality.
If you want to be a broad bean overachiever just like David Beckham, ensure your beans get plenty of sun, well-drained soil and a decent feed.
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