How to stop mice eating broad bean seeds

Few things are more frustrating than sowing a neat row of broad beans and finding the seeds gone overnight. Mice love broad bean seeds — they’re plump, protein-rich and easy to dig up, especially in autumn and early spring when natural food is scarce. The good news: there are reliable, garden-safe ways to protect your crop without giving up on direct sowing.

Why Do Mice Target Broad Bean Seeds?

• High-energy food: Broad bean seeds are nutrient-dense, ideal winter fuel for rodents.
• Easy access: Seeds sown shallowly are easy to sniff out and unearth.
• Seasonal pressure: Activity peaks in autumn and early spring when wild food is limited.

Preventing Mice Damage

1. Sow Indoors First

• Start beans in modules, pots or root trainers under cover.
• Transplant once seedlings are 5–8cm tall and hardened off.
• Particularly effective for early crops like Aquadulce Claudia.

2. Use Wire Mesh or Fleece

• Cover rows immediately after sowing with fine chicken wire, mesh or fleece.
• Peg edges firmly to prevent mice squeezing underneath.
• Remove covers once seedlings are established.

3. Plant a Little Deeper

• Sow 7–8cm deep instead of 5cm to make seeds harder to detect and dig up.
• Best in free-draining soils to avoid rot.

4. Grow in Pots or Raised Beds

• Start in large containers, raised beds or even guttering.
• Position away from known mouse runs and elevate if possible.

5. Encourage Natural Predators

• Owls, cats and other predators help keep local numbers down.
• Keep sightlines open so predators can work effectively.

Comparing Core Methods

DIY Natural Seed Treatments for Broad Beans

Some gardeners like to disguise the scent or taste of seeds before sowing. Keep treatments mild, natural and food-safe; never use fuel or non-garden chemicals.

DIY Options

• Soak & lime dusting: Soak seeds overnight in water, then roll lightly in garden lime before sowing.
• Garlic or chilli dip: Briefly soak seeds (10–15 minutes) in a cooled garlic or chilli infusion; drain and sow.
• Essential oil wipes: Very dilute peppermint or clove oil solution wiped lightly on the seed coat.
• Soil sprays: After sowing, mist rows with peppermint oil solution (about 10 drops per litre of water) to mask scent trails; reapply after rain.

Broad Bean DIY Treatments – Pros & Cons

Broad beans are too valuable to lose to hungry mice. Combine one or two core methods (modules or mesh) with a gentle DIY deterrent if needed, and you’ll keep seeds safe through germination and into sturdy, productive plants. For early crops, try Aquadulce Claudia and start under cover for maximum success.