This bean needs a longer growing period so start these indoors in mid-May to early-June. These are ancient Asian legumes, commonly grown as a pulse or dried bean but also sometimes used fresh. They have been cultivated for centuries in China and Japan as well as other countries in the East. The plant itself grows 30-60 cm in height, producing yellow flowers followed by clusters of pods. Young tender pods can be picked early and used much as you would use snap peas. These beans are excellent for container growing but they enrich the soil significantly so you may want to sow them outdoors in beds or your main garden area. Adzuki beans are linked to several health benefits, ranging from heart health and weight loss to improved digestion and a lower risk of diabetes. An average plant can produce up to 120 pods.

The best bean to try in 2021. Unlike most beans, fava beans prefer cool weather and are best planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow 2.5 cm deep, 10-12 cm apart, in rows 40-90 cm apart or use wide-bed style planting, giving each plant 25 sq.cm of space. Vroma produces large, 15-18 cm pods with 4–5 large seeds. Cook like a shell bean when the seeds are pale green or wait until pods are dry for shelled beans. Strong, heat-tolerant plants resist lodging. Light brown seeds. These lovely plants reach 1-1.5 M high and are self-supporting.