What I Learned from Weeding
The slugs got most of the lettuce, but the beans did well. There is no single right way to approach composting, but some ways are kinder than others. If something here is unclear, that is on me, not you. The particulars matter less than the habit of paying attention.
What I would do differently
Nothing here requires a rain barrel, though it does make things easier. Compost is slow magic, and it cannot be rushed. Leave some corners messy; the insects will thank you.
Most problems with perennials turn out to be problems with time. The difference showed up bit by bit, then all at once. The best advice I got was just to slow down. I keep a short list of things to try next; saving seed is near the top. Some of this will be obvious; some of it took me years.
Second thoughts
Between composting and pruning roses, the second one taught me more. Half of the work is deciding what to leave out. Most problems with wildflowers turn out to be problems with time.
It took me seven attempts to see the pattern. It took me two attempts to see the pattern. The soil is stronger every year, largely because I stopped digging it.
I wrote most of this on a calm Tuesday morning. Between composting and weeding, the second one taught me more. A cold frame extends the season by weeks at either end.
cover crops