Introduction to Fall Planting
With the right strategies, it is possible to grow peas and beans throughout the year, even in cooler climate zones. Garden peas (Pisum sativum) and broad beans or fava beans (Vicia faba) are excellent options for fall planting. By overwintering these crops in a polytunnel, you can achieve an earlier harvest next year. Choosing the right varieties is crucial for success, as some are better suited to cold weather.
Pea Varieties for Fall Planting
When selecting peas for cold-weather sowing, opt for smooth, round-seeded varieties. These are generally more resilient than wrinkled-seeded types, which are prone to mold in colder, wetter conditions. Here are some recommended pea varieties for fall planting:
- Avola
- Amelioree d’Auvergne
- Douce Provence
- Feltham First
- Glory of Devon
- Hatif d’Annonay
- Meteor
- Serpette Guilloteau
Dwarf varieties, such as Douce Provence and Meteor, are particularly effective in polytunnels due to their compact size and easier management. For example, Meteor is known for its excellent cold hardiness and small stature, growing less than 20 inches in height. This makes it suitable even for small spaces.
Protecting Overwintering Peas
Protection for overwintering peas goes beyond just the polytunnel. Guarding against creatures like mice and voles is essential, as these animals tend to become more of an issue in colder months. Smaller dwarf varieties are easier to protect due to their compact size, making them ideal for winter growing.
Fava Bean Varieties for Fall Planting
Fava beans are among the most hardy fall crops, capable of overwintering successfully in many areas. Some commonly grown varieties for overwintering in the United Kingdom include:
- Aguadulce
- Claudia
- Superaguadulce
- Witkiem Manita
I have successfully grown these varieties in my polytunnel and have also managed to overwinter hardier field beans outside. While field beans are often grown as cover crops, they do provide an edible yield, though typically smaller than those from the aforementioned varieties.
Conclusion
By selecting the appropriate varieties and providing adequate protection, you can effectively grow peas and beans even in colder climates. These strategies will ensure a bountiful early harvest in the coming year.
