Sunday, June 28, 2009

Growth, growth and more growth


The patch is filling up. Three weeks does make a difference in the garden.

Today we had some of the lettuce and coriander. I have also picked the baby spinach. The slugs or something seemed to have had a good munch too. So I am not sure the plants will come back.

Oranges are due to start picking in two weeks. Some are starting to fall from the tree. The possums are having a feast on those that have fallen. Hm mm.. Possums. What can one do to deter possums? Many birds visit the orange tree - check out the most common visitor seeking the orange blossom and getting the oranges ready for next year!







The leeks progress interests me. They don't seem to be doing anything. When I purchased the punnet there were eight clumps. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to separate out the individaul plants (6-8) in each clump when I transferred them to the patch. Advise on this would be good.


This week there will be some feeding and pest control....

oh and a few of the asparagus seeds have germinated... very slow growing.
Soon I will be picking up my strawberries, blue berry and avacado plant from the post office. Can't wait :)

Friday, June 5, 2009

Researching best practice for BB.

Well after no one respond to my call for help on the Broad Bean (BB) issue of staking...
I checked out the web.
There are many ways to stake a BB it seems:
  • don't stake
  • put stakes in either ends of the row and run string around the perimeter
  • put stakes in the rows at regular intervals (120cm) and run string around
  • put stakes in the patch of BB to create a zig zag effect
  • stake each individual BB plant http://www.gardenersclick.com/questions/view/staking_broad_beans
  • use a triangle on a few plants
I have found out the string needs to be strong as the BB can become weighty. Also that when black fly is visible on the top its best to pinch the tops to stop the growth of the plant and promote Bean growth.

I also learnt that staggering your crop plantings will ensure you have BB for longer in the season - der on that one!
Bottom line is... it will depend on how I feel like doing it tomorrow - stay tuned for further BB updates.