Runner Bean Trench

This is the time of year we ought to be actively preparing our Runner Bean trenches (she said authoritatively!). They need a soil that retains plenty of moisture ... and I only know these things because I read it in the Kitchen Garden magazine that a neighbour has kindly lent to me.

So I’ve dug a trench 1 foot deep, thats roughly the depth of a spade. I lined it with newspaper (you can also use cardboard), and filled it with raw fruit and veg kitchen scraps. Finally, I mixed in some horse and donkey manure. That sounds far less impressive an action than it actually was, as it involved me reaching several feet through an electric fence, in the rain, with a very inquisitive wild horse showing far too much interest in the proceedings.

I’m hoping the runner beans will appreciate all the effort when they are eventually planted in late spring, in their luxury moisture retentive trench. Come to think of it, creating any other form of trench in the moist Irish weather would be quite an achievement!

Comments

[Julie]

yummy, fresh runner beans this summer - moose looks most impressed with your hard work

[carolyn]

Gosh, really this early, no wonder my beans never really amount to anything.

[Ken Robertson]

Wonderful site (& sight) especially like the goats and would love to keep some. Just don't have the space (yet)

[Joanna]

You have a really great blog. Can't to get started in my new garden. I liked your post about giving children adult paints, I think thats really important for them

[Leanne]

I'm sure your runner beans will be yummy. I live in Australia and at the moment we have very strict water restrictions so gardening isn't so enjoyable. I just wanted to thank you for you felting tutorial. I have a very cute pattern for booties in wool felt so thought I would have a go at making the felt myself. Your instructions look easy. wishing you a safe 2007 and a bountiful garden.

[Rebecca (eco felter in rural Ireland)]

Lest I confuse anyone, I'm only preparing the trench at this stage. The runner beans won't be planted until mid summer ... that seems a long way off from here!