Vicia faba var. minor

Field bean

Common names: Pony bean, Cattle bean, Swine bean

Photo: Stefan.lefnaer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The field bean (Vicia faba var. minor) is a small‑seeded relative of the common fava bean and one of the most effective nitrogen‑fixing cover crops. Its deep roots loosen the soil and, through nodulating bacteria, leave abundant nitrogen for subsequent crops. As a winter form it survives mild winters and starts early in spring.

Care instructions

Sow the field bean as a summer variety in March/April (weeks 10‑17) or as a winter variety in September/October (weeks 36‑43) about five centimeters deep in loose, not too dry soil. It tolerates heavy soils well. Cut or roll the crop into the soil while the stems are still juicy, and work it in flatly.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–7.58.0

Soil type

loamy, humus-rich, well-drained, nutrient-rich, lime-loving

LightFull sun

HardinessFrost-sensitive

Crop rotationLegumes

Water needMedium

Feeding

Light feeder

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example CucumberPumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaido and 14 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example GarlicOnionLeekChivesDaffodilRocambole and 12 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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