[Auntie Rain]

This may not be a new idea, but has anyone tried burying paper logs made with papier mache into thier bean trench, squash hole, courgette mound?

My idea is to get major moisture holding capacity. (After drying & moving to the lotty, I might soak in nettle/comfrey tea!)

AR

[Terrier]

Why not just use rolled up newspapers. You could put the nettle and comfrey leaves in between the sheets of newspaper, give it a good soak and put it in the trench.

[Ivor Backache]

I am saving newspapers for the runner bean trench. Dig 3 feet of trench and put the soil at the other end. Line the bottom of the trench with about an inch of newspaper. I don't think there is any need to roll it up- just overlap it. Cover with homemade compost. Dig out the next yard and put the soil on top of the compost. Line again with newspaper etc until you reach the far end of the trench and put the soil from the first cut on top of the compost in the last cut. Usually done in March.
Runner beans need a lot of moisture and any system of holding it in the ground is essential.