Question
I planted fava beans in November as a green manure on a raised, previously neglected, bed. When should I chop them and turn them under and how long will it take them to decompose before I can plant? They are starting to flower now. Also, when I turn them under, can I mulch the entire bed to help kill the prolific oxalis? Thank you.
Suellen
San Francisco
Answer
You want to turn the fava beans under before they begin to fruit so now is optimum. It will not take long for them to decompose, especially if you decide to mulch over the bed as well. You might consider the lasagna method of mulching too, especially with the Oxalis. Chop and turn under the fava, cover with damp newspaper, mulch, damp cardboard, more mulch. When it is time to plant, just cut into the layers. You can plant your bed in about 2 weeks with spring vegetables and flowers.
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