Planting More

First an update on the Maxibel beans. Seeded on July 15, they've germinated and seem to be growing well. Today I added a 2 inch layer of grass mulch. Why not thicker? The plants are only 7" high and they don't respond well to being smothered. So a light mulching will do, and I'll top that off again in about two weeks. The only problem I've had when mulching beans is slugs. So I will have to watch for them and take action when they move into the neighborhood. 

Right next to the Maxibels I prepared more ground for planting. An inch of compost, a dusting of lava sand and wood ash, and a light covering of sheep manure. Till the top three inches. Wallah.....ready to plant. 

Why only till the top three inches? Because it's rocky below that. Every time I till, the tiller kicks out a few more rocks. So over time, the bed gradually gets derocked. Rather than spend all my time digging rocks I'd rather get things growing. Rock removal can get done bit by bit as the years go by. By the way, I only remove rocks bigger than a hen's egg. The smaller rocks stay in the garden. Rocks provide minerals and improve the structure of my soil. As long as my little tiller can deal with the rock, it stays. 

So I've just added 300 sq ft of garden beds. What to plant? Peas and some more beans. I'm going with a couple rows of snap peas, a couple of snow peas, then what space is left will be divided between a purple bush bean and a yellow one. Just adding some variety. 

For the record.....

72 sq ft ---- peas

228 sq ft --- beans