So this year all of POD’s greenery was planted in fancy organic soils, enjoyed weekly alternating feedings of fish emulsion and seaweed fertilizer, worm castings, and Garden Tone organic fertilizer and was enshrouded in seaweed-enriched mulch. Not a drop of Miracle Gro sullied its soil.

And yet, without a doubt, this was the most troublesome year this gardener has ever experienced. The bug issues have been well-documented (four stink bugs were squished today) but more needs to be said about nutrient deficiencies.

In the hopes of growing great quantities of beans (Des Bagnols, purple beans, and Blauhide pole beans) were sowed and only a few handfuls were harvested. Preliminary research indicates that nutrient deficiencies are to blame. Likely iron, nitrogen, and/or manganese.

Evidently beans like slightly acidic soil (5.8-6.3) and POD’s committed to springing for a pH tester next year.  Remind me what’s wrong with Miracle-Gro again? Shower POD with tips, dear readers, please?