[Kajazy]

Numpty question, but...

Is a bean trench specifically for runner and French beans, or am I also supposed to do something like it for broad beans or peas...?

[mumofstig]

They're only usual for climbing beans 

[Paul Plots]

Quite agree. 

[Kajazy]

Thank you! Saves me a spot of work at least...

[gobs]

You do not NEED to do them for any.

[Ice]

You do not NEED to do them for any.

True, but is a tried and trusted method of growing them.

[Paul Plots]

Bean trench = helps retain moisture, adds nutrients & improves soil structure

A good way of disposing of all sorts of compostable material - straight into the ground over winter. Cover over with a good layer of soil and plant into it in the Spring.
 

[galen]

Although I do have compost heaps to feed I find doing a bean trench gives you something to do in January down the allotment when not a lot else is going on. Gave me an excuse to go down for a natter this morning 

[mumofstig]

I use mine for all the winter kitchen waste, it's somewhere to put it until I empty one of the compost bins in the spring 

[sunshineband]

I use mine for all the winter kitchen waste, it's somewhere to put it until I empty one of the compost bins in the spring 

Me too 

Sealed over the biggest bin ready to grow a squash or two in the top and I haven't unloaded the daleks so don't want to add anyting else to them now, as they are really ready to go.

[Rangerkris]

I done a bean trench first time last year and the beans had a better production rate that the year before, dug it out again on Friday.

[vegypete]

hi ya when i lived in norfolk an old boy on one of the plots , kept a trench open all the time when it was full he would dig another one along side of it and  throw the soil on to the first trench, over the years his whole plot was treated like this  ............pete

[Higster]

I've just dug my trench over this week-end and have made a start adding kitchen waste (only veg ) will I be able to plant beans this season

[bigben]

I assume you need to bury what you put in or Mr Rat will be in there. Do you just throw a bag of waste in and backfill that bit or do you collect enough for the whole trench first?

[savbo]

i did it bit by bit last year and didn't see any signs of rats...