Peas and Beans

Well, I realized that my wonderful attempt at a pole bean trellis just isn't going to happen. Why? Because the soil at the foot of it is in the shade!

Drat.

In Portland, it's really hard to tell what spot may be in the shade until May. Because before May, there is no sunshine. And even then, it's optional. So there I was thinking that where I was putting my crafty tee-pee style pole bean trellis was in full sunshine. But no, now that the sun is actually shining, I realize that it is a foot too south, and is shaded by that damn arbor vitae hedge.

The beans at the North side of the backyard have come up but they are weak and being slaughtered by slugs.

I don't really like beans that much, and I'm sad to admit that I am more disappointed for the aesthetic purpose they were going to serve. Perhaps they knew that, and decided to protest. It's definitely a possibility, considering what seems to do well in the garden based on my input and interest. Hmm.

The peas don't have as much sun as they'd like but they are doing well, are not affected by slugs and are progressing smoothly.

I am learning a lot about the sun conditions in our backyard. It's a tricky place; it's not so obvious where the sun will hit and for how long. It's only five or six feet wide, but 30 feet long, and there is a fence to the East, our house to the West, and a hedge to the South. Last year, I only had the eggplants and peppers and some tomatoes back there in pots, that I left in the center of the yard. This year, I'm trying to work with the existing soil and make a few areas for planting. Difficult.