Sweet Potato, Barley, and Vegetable Soup

1 c medium barley
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp fennel seed
9 oz package baby carrots
1 chopped onion
2 celery stalks chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 sweet potatos, peeled and chopped
2 c frozen corn
2 c frozen green beans
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
42oz vegetable broth
4 c water
14 oz can diced tomatoes with herbs, undrained

Place all ingredients except tomatoes in 5-6 quart crockpot in order given. Do not stir. Cover crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir soup, add tomatoes. Cover crockpot and cook for 15 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf, serve.