A gravel wicking bed. The soil is 100% gravel by volume with 15% compost and biochar filling the gaps.

  • Treevan 🇦🇺@aussie.zoneOP
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    7 months ago

    Would that be the quality of the seed rather than soil media? Or are they germinating and not growing well?

    I’ve been running that particular bed for a couple of years now. No species has struggled in it. It’s 1 of 4 gravel (structural soil) trials.

    I put this one together on weekend with a new recipe type. It’s 3/4 gravel topped off with a living soil mix of peat-sphagnum/scoria/compost (first shovelful has just gone on in pic):

    • Rusty Raven @aussie.zone
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      7 months ago

      I’ve had seed from a couple of different sources and not had success germinating them. I soaked the last batch in water overnight before planting and had the two sprout, which is an improvement on previous attempts! I think they might need a lot more water to sprout successfully, I am going to try a bit longer soak and watering more often. I don’t think all the warnings about not watering beans after planting to prevent the seeds rotting in the soil apply when you have very free draining soil.