With all that work that we did in preparing plots and removing dead plant bits, we also got our runner bean trench in order. First we dug out the old soil and then put torn-up bits of egg cartons in the very bottom.(To hold moisture during the droughty periods--you know, runner beans really do love getting plenty to drink). I poured water over the carton to let it become waterlogged. Next I placed the partially decomposed stems of Phacaelia (green manure) on top of that. I then stamped it down with my foot to make less room for air pockets. I then dumped my own compost mixed with soil from the greenhouse in the trench and mixed cow manure and bone meal through then watered the whole thing thoroughly. I shall let it sit (hopefully for a couple of months more or less) before planting the bean plantlets. You can see the finished trench there in the distance. I will sow the beans indoors in april so that they will be ready around our "Mothers' Day" which is in the middle of may more or less. The only thing is, that using last years greenhouse soil may be a bit risky because of the tremendous amount of Mg that toms require and take. I am contemplating adding some MgSo4 to that soil before planting. I shall think on that.
Thanks Toni. Thanks alot...for your nice compliment. I reckon that I have had this lottie for 10 or 12 years now. I'd have to look at the original contract to be sure.
It shows that you have been loving your soil for that many years Sjoerd because it is so black and soft looking. I am going to make a start on my bean trench next week - hopefully! I alternate my runner bean area as I grow them along the side of my tomato house and swap sides each year - I figure then the tomatos planted on the opposite side benefit from the nitorigen the bean roots have left behind. I have a sack full of our freebie newspapers to tear up in the bottom of the trench, then a layer of leaves and topped off with stable manure and backfilled with soil. Fingers crossed, that should do the trick.
Nice trench! You're so good with your soil and the trimmings. You must love what you're doing, for certain.
Its great that you got a start on gardening. Won't be doing much here until after the last frost about the end of April.
Thanks for the nice words, EJ--It sounds to me like you have a good system for your runners. It is interesting to hear that you switch back and forth between your tom's ground and the runner's ground. I always remove all the soil in my trenches and I replace it totally with fresh. The soil that I have put in the greenhouse is always so incrediubly rich--and ai know that the toms do not take all the mineral and elemental nourishment available...so hopefully it will be quite suitable for the runners. Thank you, kats_gardens. I have a special affinity for runners, and preparing for their season is pure fun for me. I hope that you can get started soon, Petunia. Fingers crossed for you. Thank you too, Droopy. Your encouragement is always appreciated.
Got my trench done today Sjoerd. Gave it all along soaking before backfilling with soil. The level is high, but that will soon settle again. Amazing what you can do inbetween work and picking the kids up from school!
Way to go, EJ. You are a busy woman. I don't now how you do it. hahaha. Tina and GG: thanks very much for your nice words of encouragement.
And may you be rewarded with a lovely crop to harvest. You are one of my gardening heroes. Your soil looks great and you say more than a decade on that lotty. Well I am impressed. Year after year all the prep and hard work. 8)
You always have a great crop of beans Sjored.In fact your lottie grows wonderful veggies every year and that tells me its alway prepared just right. Your soil always looks so fertile.Good growing .
Sjoerd, what a wonderful method for preparing the soil! never thought of egg cartons to hold moisture. great idea! great pics....especially the one of your foot stomping the ground! we still have snow...sigh...soon, i hope! oh, i was going to ask how you start your runners inside? i do mine in homemade paper pots so i don't disturb the roots when transplanting.
