The Death of a Lima Bean

I refuse to admit failure so early. It was really a machine that killed said Lima Bean. A tragedy of calamity, not neglect. Before we get to the incident let us first introduce the departed.

Lucas the Farmer
photo Marrisa Senteno


 

Under the care of Lucas, the Lima was flourishing. It soon outgrew its makeshift planter and Marrisa and Lucas brought it to my place to find permanent residence in a larger water bottle "greenhouse." Here's where my "machine" accusation gets rather shaky. I did not want to keep the Lima inside because I had read reviews of the specific organic potting soil we were using that warned of bugs. I realize that organic implies life and I am not necessarily bug-shy, but I certainly am not eager to intvite them into my tiny apartment. So I decided the Lima should live outdoors with the hearty Raspberry. We indoctrinated him without the recommended "hardening" phase. And, yes, it snowed 24 hours later. Poor Lima never stood a chance.

We test the pulley
photo Marrisa Senteno

Sam gives a dismal wave to the fallen Lima
photo Marrisa Senteno



  

photo Marrisa Senteno

My "machine" story might never hold up in court, but here it is...mostly because I am so proud of my super (albeit ineffective) pulley! I proposed to Marrisa that our farm should exisit on my tiny balcony. We do have access to a charming backyard space, but our yard is also the universal litterbox for all the rouge gangs of the Cats of Queens. I give them special title, because although I cannot foresee the future, these spectacular creatures are sure to make multiple appearances in our farming adventures. Also, I looked it up, and cat feces does not qualify as manure. Problem is, our balcony does not get sunlight until much later in the season, so we must start our plants in the backyard. What we need to move the plants from yard to balcony without the hassle of trucking them upstairs is a simple pulley machine. The very day I told Sam we needed to buy pulleys, we magically found not one, but two pulleys strewn in my back yard! Thank you random New York junk-heap awesomeness.We used some shepard hooks from other failed gardening attempts and built a transportation system. The Lima was the first passenger. It was not smooth sailing. Both of it's limbs suffered injury, requiring amputation. Today, two weeks later, I declare it the first casulty. I stand by the pulley, though.
It's usefulness is not yet known.