Fava Beans Arrive

Last week, some seeds I'd ordered arrived.  I placed an order with Southern Exposure Seed Exchange.  This seed company isn't really a

company...It's a commune in Mineral, VA.  Buying seeds from farmers, growing seeds, and selling seeds is how the commune makes all of its money. How do I know this?  Well, I've beeen there.  2 summers ago, we heard about a tour and tasting event that they were holding, so we attended.  They had tastings of tomatoes and watermelon, and seed for sale.  We were led on a tour of their very extensive gardens by bearded dudes in shorts and sandals.  I was impressed, envious, and intimidated all at the same time.  Since then, I've bought much of my seed from Southern Exposure.  They are the closest seed company to me, which matters.  If it grows for them, it should grow for me.

I have a stockpile of seeds.  Entering my fifth year of gardening, I have a big army surplus ammo box that is full of seeds.  Yet I must still replenish the things that I really want to grow, like fava beans.  Last year I grew fava aka broad beans for the first time.  We steamed fresh-picked beans and they were delicious. Fava beans are one of those rare vegetables that are not commonly grown or eaten for no good reason.  These beans are fantastic.  They grow and mature early in the season, making room for a hot-weather plant like squash after harvesting.  This Saturday I planted a seed-bed full of these fava beans, using The Dibbler again.  I am very much looking forward to steamed broad beans this year.