The soil in the legumes section was raked level and firmed before sowing. A double row of beans was sown, with 20cm between the rows and approximately 18-20cm between the seeds. This variety was chosen because it is a dwarf type, growing to about 30cm, and ideal for small gardens.
 | | Gardening expert Mary Payne |
Some seed was also reserved for a 'chitting'; a process not usually associated with beans as our gardening expert Mary Payne explains. "Chitting is a term usually associated with potatoes and refers to the technique of standing the seed potatoes in a tray (an egg tray is ideal) and placing the tray in a cool but well-lit place to wait for the potatoes to sprout before they are planted." "A similar technique can be used for seeds: we start the seeds germinating and transfer them to the growing site as soon as the root emerges." "This can be used for any seed that is large enough." "The advantage is that the seed germinates faster than it would when planted out into cold soil, and may therefore crop a bit earlier," she said. To chit, place the broad bean seed in a plastic container on damp kitchen paper and then cover with more damp paper. Put the lid on and leave in a warm place such as a kitchen windowsill. Check the seeds daily for signs of swelling and when the root has just emerged they can be carefully planted out. | 
