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Flummery · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2008, 01:25 PM

I put my home made compost in spring where the beans are going - I usually dig out a pit and fill it then pile the soil back over - did it this morning in one area. This allows the mound to settle somewhat before I plant out the beans - usually mid to late May round here. In a cold year it can be first week in June. There are climbing beans I'm talking about - runners or climbing french. I also top dress many of the beds - some still have crops in of course. Anywhere I don't add compost to, I usually use for carrots, parsnips etc - anything I don't want to fork at the root. It's a fairly casual rotation but it works for me. I don't add compost to the beds in the autumn. For one thing, I'll only have had it in the bins since spring and it won't be fully rotted. For another, I suspect the nutrients leach out in the winter. Just my thoughts. Mind you, there are as many methods of gardening as there are gardeners!