citrus – both orange trees are navel and yet one has orange fruit the other one has only green

shots of the winter garden now 8 weeks old

hi pepe. my orange tree usually has both – the orange ones left from last season as it produces more than we can eat. Need to give it a good prune as it is getting a bit hard getting out the back door these days!! it also tends to get covered with sooty mould due to the resident scale. I don’t usually bother treating it as it doesn’t seem to be affecting the health of the tree, but it does make the fruit a bit unsightly and the skin is not so good for zest.

pepe said:

citrus – both orange trees are navel and yet one has orange fruit the other one has only green

Looks even better on the big screen:D

pepe said:

citrus – both orange trees are navel and yet one has orange fruit the other one has only green

It’s one of those garden secrets. Did this happen other years too ?

bluegreen said:

hi pepe. my orange tree usually has both – the orange ones left from last season as it produces more than we can eat. Need to give it a good prune as it is getting a bit hard getting out the back door these days!! it also tends to get covered with sooty mould due to the resident scale. I don’t usually bother treating it as it doesn’t seem to be affecting the health of the tree, but it does make the fruit a bit unsightly and the skin is not so good for zest.

Mine have ripe fruit, green fruit and flowers atm.

you might be interested in the medieval fair

one orange (ripe fruit) is a ‘new hall’ navel and the other is a ‘washington navel’ they are both 4 years old now and its their first real fruiting season.

pepe said:

you might be interested in the medieval fair

I love medieval fairs. Went to one here years ago, it made me want to join in. There is something so romantic about the dress and the simplicity of life. No, I’m not forgetting the lack of healthcare and sanitation that would have been the reality back then, and the limited life expectancy, it’s just nice to romanticise it all.

hortfurball said:

pepe said:

you might be interested in the medieval fair

I love medieval fairs. Went to one here years ago, it made me want to join in. There is something so romantic about the dress and the simplicity of life. No, I’m not forgetting the lack of healthcare and sanitation that would have been the reality back then, and the limited life expectancy, it’s just nice to romanticise it all.

it is a laugh – celtic dancing is scary – like a rugby harka (sp?) – except done by women with big wooden sticks – and the archers, horse jousting, stalls with hand made goods – all good.

those who want an acreage should note that weeds are a real problem this time of year. the rain has brought a total germination and this means that every piece of the garden needs some attention all at once.

the ‘meditation garden’ is a case in point – the barley is up but that patch of 3× 12m ground will need forking in 4-6 weeks. the bigger 6×12m patch has been hoed and raked once but will need doing again before i plant peas, bbeans and chick peas in it. great news – the three female carobs are full of flowers.

the birthday garden by the outdoor living area must be kept clean because it is so public – so i will plant the spinach crop there and intersperse with transplanted dill and italian parsley from the vege patch.

decisions, decisions – no time for perfection or procastination – just do. raspberries and strawberries to the west of the shed. shadecloth on straw bales will be needed for sun and wind protection.

ah – autumn – busy little gardeners.

pepe said:

those who want an acreage should note that weeds are a real problem this time of year. the rain has brought a total germination and this means that every piece of the garden needs some attention all at once.

and not just on acreage either! the mallow is jumping for joy from the rain we had the other week! just one of the weeds I just never seem to keep on top of…

bluegreen said:

pepe said:

those who want an acreage should note that weeds are a real problem this time of year. the rain has brought a total germination and this means that every piece of the garden needs some attention all at once.

and not just on acreage either! the mallow is jumping for joy from the rain we had the other week! just one of the weeds I just never seem to keep on top of…

if mallow is like marshmellow – you have to hand pull it. my record marshmellow taproot so far is deeper than two forks – ie longer than 600mm.

pepe said:

bluegreen said:

pepe said:

those who want an acreage should note that weeds are a real problem this time of year. the rain has brought a total germination and this means that every piece of the garden needs some attention all at once.

and not just on acreage either! the mallow is jumping for joy from the rain we had the other week! just one of the weeds I just never seem to keep on top of…

if mallow is like marshmellow – you have to hand pull it. my record marshmellow taproot so far is deeper than two forks – ie longer than 600mm.

that’s the one. One of the reasons that is does so well here is that 1. the chooks don’t eat it, and 2. it’s usually too dry to pull. Best time to get onto it is when the soil is damp and soft enough to let go of the roots, and that doesn’t happen that often these days. Managed to pull some of the bigger ones the other day, but there are hundreds of little baby ones that are yet too small to get a good grip on…

pepe said:

bluegreen said:

pepe said:

those who want an acreage should note that weeds are a real problem this time of year. the rain has brought a total germination and this means that every piece of the garden needs some attention all at once.

and not just on acreage either! the mallow is jumping for joy from the rain we had the other week! just one of the weeds I just never seem to keep on top of…

if mallow is like marshmellow – you have to hand pull it. my record marshmellow taproot so far is deeper than two forks – ie longer than 600mm.

Hand pulling Mallow is rather difficult once you allow it to get its roots down. The bark is slippery underneath and the more you pull on it the worse it gets.

I pull all mallow out at the seedling stage.. I hate doing hard work for no reason.

you can see my barley green manure crop is up – but look closely at the closeup and you’ll see some spinach has self sown – good news – i need more spinach

looks good pepe.

a five pack of ‘japanese seedless’ mandarins

veg gardener said:

looks good pepe.

i was beginning to despair of finding english spinach seed this year – it all seems to be a hybrid – so these self sown might solve my problem
thanks veg.

pepe said:

veg gardener said:

looks good pepe.

i was beginning to despair of finding english spinach seed this year – it all seems to be a hybrid – so these self sown might solve my problem
thanks veg.

it would be better in a blog pepe.:P

veg gardener said:

pepe said:

veg gardener said:

looks good pepe.

i was beginning to despair of finding english spinach seed this year – it all seems to be a hybrid – so these self sown might solve my problem
thanks veg.

it would be better in a blog pepe.:P

blogging is for others
- i just clutter the cyber space with my random ramblings.
you and your father have a beaut little farm going there – it would be worth noting – even if for your family alone – need not be published as a blog.

pepe said:

veg gardener said:

pepe said:

i was beginning to despair of finding english spinach seed this year – it all seems to be a hybrid – so these self sown might solve my problem
thanks veg.

it would be better in a blog pepe.:P

blogging is for others
- i just clutter the cyber space with my random ramblings.
you and your father have a beaut little farm going there – it would be worth noting – even if for your family alone – need not be published as a blog.

ok then pepe, i love our farm :) plenty of stuff to do on it.

i found the hothouse plastic for my winter toms – in the next town further out from the big smoke. in fact this country hardware store had two types – the woven mesh sort and the thick plastic.

amusingly the old bloke who served me the plastic in a thrice – was technologically challenged and couldn’t get the register to produce a price or a receipt.

moral of the story – if you want something useful – go to a country hardware store.

pepe said:

i found the hothouse plastic for my winter toms – in the next town further out from the big smoke. in fact this country hardware store had two types – the woven mesh sort and the thick plastic.

amusingly the old bloke who served me the plastic in a thrice – was technologically challenged and couldn’t get the register to produce a price or a receipt.

moral of the story – if you want something useful – go to a country hardware store.

Oh absolutely… my parents found meat hooks up at Innot Hot Springs… not available in a prime beef area…

pepe said:

i found the hothouse plastic for my winter toms – in the next town further out from the big smoke. in fact this country hardware store had two types – the woven mesh sort and the thick plastic.

amusingly the old bloke who served me the plastic in a thrice – was technologically challenged and couldn’t get the register to produce a price or a receipt.

moral of the story – if you want something useful – go to a country hardware store.

I agree with that Pepe. You never know just what else you might find in them as well. It pays to have a poke around in those types of shops. Not many of them left though.

bannana palm is fruiting for the first time
how do you know when limes are ripe?

the vege patch with the first broccoli of the season

pepe said:

bannana palm is fruiting for the first time
how do you know when limes are ripe?

Pepe I’m glad you asked about limes , the same question I didn’t ask for appearing silly lol.. I’m assuming because they smell ripe and look smooth and full and at their largest..

Happy Potter said:

pepe said:

bannana palm is fruiting for the first time
how do you know when limes are ripe?

Pepe I’m glad you asked about limes , the same question I didn’t ask for appearing silly lol.. I’m assuming because they smell ripe and look smooth and full and at their largest..

thanks
they stay green inside i think – so i’m assuming when the skin turns a bit yellow outside.
your smell and touch method will probably be as good as any.

pepe said:

bannana palm is fruiting for the first time
how do you know when limes are ripe?

I reckon those ones that look a bit yellowish would be ready to pick. Even though we think of limes as being green, they are yellow when fully ripe I believe, but are usually used green.

reckon those ones that look a bit yellowish would be ready to pick. Even though we think of limes as being green, they are yellow when fully ripe I believe, but are usually used green.
—————-
thanks.
the first ones we picked last year (only a few) were bigger. so these ones have suffered in the drought.
i think you’re right – we will start picking the yellowish ones – and find out by trial and error.

pepe said:

reckon those ones that look a bit yellowish would be ready to pick. Even though we think of limes as being green, they are yellow when fully ripe I believe, but are usually used green.
—————-
thanks.
the first ones we picked last year (only a few) were bigger. so these ones have suffered in the drought.
i think you’re right – we will start picking the yellowish ones – and find out by trial and error.

More yellow skinned limes are sweeter the flesh is still green anyway.. it depends on which use you want them for.. tanginess or sweetness.

More yellow skinned limes are sweeter the flesh is still green anyway.. it depends on which use you want them for.. tanginess or sweetness.
—————-
ok – that’s good advice – as always – thank you sir

I just picked three limes and had half a one in a glass of lemonade and orange juice. Tastes good – so they are ripe.
My daughter’s lime cocktail recipe involves putting the whole lime, skin and all, in the wizz. Judging by the smell on my hands after squeezing a lime that would be one aromatic drink.

pepe said:

I just picked three limes and had half a one in a glass of lemonade and orange juice. Tastes good – so they are ripe.
My daughter’s lime cocktail recipe involves putting the whole lime, skin and all, in the wizz. Judging by the smell on my hands after squeezing a lime that would be one aromatic drink.

Try equal parts Cointreau, Gin, and Lime juice with sugar syrup to taste.

pepe said:

I just picked three limes and had half a one in a glass of lemonade and orange juice. Tastes good – so they are ripe.
My daughter’s lime cocktail recipe involves putting the whole lime, skin and all, in the wizz. Judging by the smell on my hands after squeezing a lime that would be one aromatic drink.

Is it the Brazilian one?

http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/recipe.cgi?r=41386

Bubba Louie said:

pepe said:

I just picked three limes and had half a one in a glass of lemonade and orange juice. Tastes good – so they are ripe.
My daughter’s lime cocktail recipe involves putting the whole lime, skin and all, in the wizz. Judging by the smell on my hands after squeezing a lime that would be one aromatic drink.

Try equal parts Cointreau, Gin, and Lime juice with sugar syrup to taste.

Corrrr!! That sounds oright! Could drive a person to drink.

Bubba Louie said:

pepe said:

I just picked three limes and had half a one in a glass of lemonade and orange juice. Tastes good – so they are ripe.
My daughter’s lime cocktail recipe involves putting the whole lime, skin and all, in the wizz. Judging by the smell on my hands after squeezing a lime that would be one aromatic drink.

Is it the Brazilian one?

http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/recipe.cgi?r=41386

sorry bubba i don’t know. i will have to get back to you when i’ve had a taste.

pepe said:

bannana palm is fruiting for the first time
how do you know when limes are ripe?

Aww, bubby nanas. I bet they taste wonderful when they mature and ripen.

Happy Potter said:

pepe said:

bannana palm is fruiting for the first time
how do you know when limes are ripe?

Pepe I’m glad you asked about limes , the same question I didn’t ask for appearing silly lol.. I’m assuming because they smell ripe and look smooth and full and at their largest..

AFAIK they should almost fall into your hand if you give them a slight twist.

Happy Potter said:

Bubba Louie said:

pepe said:

I just picked three limes and had half a one in a glass of lemonade and orange juice. Tastes good – so they are ripe.
My daughter’s lime cocktail recipe involves putting the whole lime, skin and all, in the wizz. Judging by the smell on my hands after squeezing a lime that would be one aromatic drink.

Try equal parts Cointreau, Gin, and Lime juice with sugar syrup to taste.

Corrrr!! That sounds oright! Could drive a person to drink.

Use Lemon and it’s called a White Lady but Nigella used lime so I thought I’d give it a try. Goes down dangerously easily but sneaks up on you. LOL

Bubba Louie said:

Happy Potter said:

Bubba Louie said:

Try equal parts Cointreau, Gin, and Lime juice with sugar syrup to taste.

Corrrr!! That sounds oright! Could drive a person to drink.

Use Lemon and it’s called a White Lady but Nigella used lime so I thought I’d give it a try. Goes down dangerously easily but sneaks up on you. LOL

I’m sure she used Lime on one of her shows?????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISe-GW3h_gg

i let the pigeons out this weekend. i have now got 20 of them. tonight i discover two of them nesting inside the plastic covered tomato cages.
they’re a nuisance – i’m going to have to do something.

pepe said:

i let the pigeons out this weekend. i have now got 20 of them. tonight i discover two of them nesting inside the plastic covered tomato cages.
they’re a nuisance – i’m going to have to do something.

Pepe i hope there not Homing Pigeons.

pepe said:

i let the pigeons out this weekend. i have now got 20 of them. tonight i discover two of them nesting inside the plastic covered tomato cages.
they’re a nuisance – i’m going to have to do something.

Oh but they must be so comfy there, Pepe, they love having kids at your place!

veg gardener said:

pepe said:

i let the pigeons out this weekend. i have now got 20 of them. tonight i discover two of them nesting inside the plastic covered tomato cages.
they’re a nuisance – i’m going to have to do something.

Pepe i hope there not Homing Pigeons.

why ?
ms pepe is suggesting we take a trip to malayasia, with them in our luggage, and forget to bring them home LOL.

pepe said:

veg gardener said:

pepe said:

i let the pigeons out this weekend. i have now got 20 of them. tonight i discover two of them nesting inside the plastic covered tomato cages.
they’re a nuisance – i’m going to have to do something.

Pepe i hope there not Homing Pigeons.

why ?
ms pepe is suggesting we take a trip to malayasia, with them in our luggage, and forget to bring them home LOL.

lol if they are they just keep coming back.

pepe said:

i let the pigeons out this weekend. i have now got 20 of them. tonight i discover two of them nesting inside the plastic covered tomato cages.
they’re a nuisance – i’m going to have to do something.

Aww Pepe.

Oh but they must be so comfy there, Pepe, they love having kids at your place!
———
they’re yours.

what’s unbelievable is they can drop into vertical spaces and fly out again. the male fetches and delivers food while the female sits (and visa versa i think).

i did managed to plant the – chickpeas, peas, barley and broad beans – throughout the remaining ‘meditation garden’ – so that area is under control – for a while. ms pepe forked over some of the front garden soil – and we both sat moaning about our sore backs for the rest of the night.

the rain has been good here – don’t know how much – but no surface water – it’s all soaked in.

the winter garden is now about 12 weeks old.

pepe said:

the winter garden is now about 12 weeks old.

you’re doing something right pepe :)

all the plants are disease and pest free – so its about this time the photography is at its best

you’re doing something right pepe
—————
wished i knew what it was.
i think the soil is pretty good now and the walled garden is sheltered.

Your vegies are looking excellent Pepe! Are they early or am I running very very late?

orchid40 said:

Your vegies are looking excellent Pepe! Are they early or am I running very very late?

winter crops are theoretically planted at the end of february (for melbourne and adelaide), but there wasn’t the rain. so i’m still planting.