34 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



Bean of the ancients, still grown in Europe, but little 

 adapted to our dry, hot summers, since it needs a long, 

 cool season. It is a very hardy plant, and in mild 

 climates the seed may be left in the ground over winter. 

 The Broad Beans are not offered by all American seeds- 

 men, and only the more progressive dealers offer any 

 variety, of which the chief classes are tall and dwarf. 

 While this Bean may be grown in some parts of the 

 country, in general it cannot compare with the Lima. 



Soil. Any good soil, preferably a moist deep loam, 

 not over-rich in nitrogen. 



Distances. Drills apart two to three feet, according 

 to variety. Seed in the row three to four inches. 

 Hills of tall varieties, four by four feet; six to eight 

 seeds in the hill. 



Depth should be two inches in the early season, 

 three inches later. 



Thin hills to three or four plants. 



Sowing: Soak the seed for earlier sprouting. For 

 an especially early crop, Broad Beans were formerly 

 sown in the fall. It is better to sow under glass in Feb- 

 ruary and plant out when well hardened as soon as the 

 ground is fit. Sow outdoors in early spring, and earth 

 up slightly against late frosts. 



Culture. Preserve the moisture of a shallow soil, 

 and water in a drought. Tall varieties should be given 

 support. When well in flower, pinch off the ends of 

 the plants if they are growing fast. 



