[Yana]

I've noticed that a few fellow plot holders put used tea bags in their bean trench. When I asked why, I was told that this increases the moisture retention of the soil. Are they right? 

[DD.]

It's humus in te soil that asists with moisture retention, so anything that you would put into your compost bin to rot down as humus you can put in your bean trench to do the same.

[Yana]

Thanks DD. So I'm cutting out the middle man (compost bin) by putting the bags straight into the trench?

[mumofstig]

Although most people only do it for their beans, trench composting is an alternative to using a heap 
http://organicgardening.about.com/od/compost/a/trenchcompost.htm

[DD.]

Trenches are also a good way of composting the stuff that takes longer to rot down in a compost bin, such as brussels sprout stalks.

[LilacSandy]

At this time of the year I dig a trench and fill it with shredded paper and the contents of my home waste bin where I put the peelings and used tea bags etc., and than back fill as I go  so as not to attract vermin.  This heaped trench then rots down over the winter and gives a good base for the beans.  I have also started to trench compost in my potato patch.

[Yana]

The plot holder next to me digs all his brassica stalks straight into the ground and I wondered why he did this. Now it all makes sense but that means you can't grow roots there for a while as the roots will have to bend around the stalks?

[DD.]

Yes, I'd avoid them.

[BabbyAnn]

At work I put a little bin in the tea room and everyone puts their tea bags, leaves, coffee grains and peelings (especially bananas) and any manky fruit into the bin.  I get a good bucket load every week which gets trenched over winter and spring.  Banana skins are particularly good for potatoes and tomatoes so I'm pleased it is a popular fruit 

[Aled]

Yep i do the same, but i put it into the compost bin. Are you saying you put it straight into the soil? (Makes sense if you do?)
Cheers
Aled

[Yana]

Yep i do the same, but i put it into the compost bin. Are you saying you put it straight into the soil? (Makes sense if you do?)
Cheers
Aled

I've learnt something today Aled and that is exactly the same thing you have said. That is, to put straight into the soil. I thought that everything had to be 'composted' in a bin but now I will give the direct method a go. 

[DD.]

Bean trench = straight into the soil!

[Aled]

nice one, will make life easier, and i dont have to wait so long before getting its nutrition into the soil.
Cheers
Aled

[Trillium]

I compost only in late fall and winter simply because my soil is frozen solid and I have to put the peelings, etc somewhere (rather than the tip) so they go into the bins. Otherwise, I throw items into the soil or under mulch, etc.

[Yana]

Oh no .... 
The foxes have taken a liking to the 'buffet' on offer in the bean trench. Tea bags and peelings scattered about the other beds. Will have to put a wire mesh over the trench to stop them helping themselves.