baba ghannouj – charmaine solomon style.
ms j. barbequed the skins until the eggplant were black – and yet it comes out looking like homous.
the leftovers have been transferred to a freezer container but neither of us want to eat it out of season so – lotsof giveaway aubergines here.
the pesto looks a bit oily here but ms. j knows, from experience, that it absorbs oil while resting in the fridge.
this is possibly the world’s best pesto – with same day basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan.
the basil leaves took me an hour to strip from their branches and will be packed with salt, covered in olive oil and frozen.
yum and yum!
bluegreen said:
yum and yum!
thanks.
figs, capsicums and other peoples apples should also be preserved around about now.
i noticed you did some tomato preserving. my romas might just produce in time, but i’ll be without tom sauce, pizzas bases and frozen pastes this year probably.
That oil salt and basil recipe is the best…if you love basil in your cooking it comes up beautifully…I use rock salt and sometimes I scrape some off the preserved basil and use it as a mild flavour…with a little of the flavoured olive oil, of course…
My autumn harvest at the moment consists of cherry guavas, I need to pick up the dropped ones and attempt to harvest those that the rainbow lorrikeets have left on the tree…
What time should I be over? hehe.
justin said:
bluegreen said:
yum and yum!
thanks.
figs, capsicums and other peoples apples should also be preserved around about now.
i noticed you did some tomato preserving. my romas might just produce in time, but i’ll be without tom sauce, pizzas bases and frozen pastes this year probably.
those were bought ones, not home grown. Mine performed abysmally this year.
Dinetta said:
That oil salt and basil recipe is the best…if you love basil in your cooking it comes up beautifully…I use rock salt and sometimes I scrape some off the preserved basil and use it as a mild flavour…with a little of the flavoured olive oil, of course…
i knew someone had used that frozen basil – i’m glad you have tested it too – basil in winter yeah
i’m trying to remember a forumite in the eastern hills of perth – not collie, horty or bon – ?
they had bushfires there late last week..
Dinetta said:
My autumn harvest at the moment consists of cherry guavas, I need to pick up the dropped ones and attempt to harvest those that the rainbow lorrikeets have left on the tree…
this year’s harvest – all in all – is a bit thin.
i notice that now we have – flies, rodents and weeds – whereas they were scarce this summer – odd.
i doubt it was the hottest on record – we had a cold spring and no 10 day period of 35C+ like previous years.
the other noteworthy oddity was snow and cold temps in the northern hemisphere. we fry they freeze.
i wonder if that glacier in greenland has stopped melting and returned to its previous size?
the media seems to sensationalise the climate change news but not report any modifying influences.
justin said:
i’m trying to remember a forumite in the eastern hills of perth – not collie, horty or bon – ?
they had bushfires there late last week..
I thought Bon was near Subiaco? She must have had her infant by now…
justin said:
the media seems to sensationalise the climate change news but not report any modifying influences.
Whole lot of disinformation going out with the climate change debate. I’d like to know, “what if” the earth is warming up naturally, as we move out of the previous mini-ice age???
This morning I picked a handful of lettuce, a handful of beans, three ribbed zucchini, and some perpetual spinach leaves. And three small tomatoes – two of which are my favourite black ones, and will probably not make it to lunchtime. Not much going at the moment, but promises to be quite a bit more shortly.
buffy said:
This morning I picked a handful of lettuce, a handful of beans, three ribbed zucchini, and some perpetual spinach leaves. And three small tomatoes – two of which are my favourite black ones, and will probably not make it to lunchtime. Not much going at the moment, but promises to be quite a bit more shortly.
well done you. fingers crossed for late toms.
i’ll plant peas where my strawbs were year before last – out under the pomegranates.
i’ll need bird and rabbit protection, as well as soil prep/removing dead strawbs, so it might take a while.
…and my 2 new pistachios will be out that way as well.
btw – stevia and caper berries doing well – no crop this year but – 3 stevias, 2 capers survived.
My strawberries did really badly this year. I think they are too shaded. I have them under the quince tree. So runner are going to be harvested and planted in a sunnier spot for next year. Then I think I might use the bed under the quince for beans next year. They don’t mind a bit of protection. Or maybe I can just sprawl the zucchinis and cucumbers in there. Or maybe both beans and the sprawlers. So many options.
My gooseberries are going to move into shelter when they go dormant. Then that really hot spot will be fed up over Winter for yet another try at capsicums next year.
It was fortunate that our friends had an abundance of strawberries and blackberries….we were not wanting for berries!
:)
buffy said:
My strawberries did really badly this year. I think they are too shaded. I have them under the quince tree. So runner are going to be harvested and planted in a sunnier spot for next year. Then I think I might use the bed under the quince for beans next year. They don’t mind a bit of protection. Or maybe I can just sprawl the zucchinis and cucumbers in there. Or maybe both beans and the sprawlers. So many options.
My gooseberries are going to move into shelter when they go dormant. Then that really hot spot will be fed up over Winter for yet another try at capsicums next year.
my strawbs did woefully as well.
available north sun is the critical thing in winter. however under the deciduous trees is fine.
i’ll soon rotate the chooks and plant out the sunniest of the two fenced gardens. i’m waiting for okra, basil, cuey and radish to finish.
year round crops such as – spring onions, rocket, lettuces, radish and mustard – can be slotted inbetween late finishing crops now.
Morning all. Last of the tomatoes harvested and picking apples pears and limes. And passionfruit. I’m not saving any p’fruit because we eat them as picked.
I want the lawn area back. So do the chooks and the dog and the man. So I pulled strawberry plants and border herbs out of one and relocated the raised bed into a clear space in the rear mini orchard. The chooks flattened the dirt pile left over and grubbed for worms and other bugs. The other raised bed will get lifted tomorrow. The strawbs have been set aside in a tub for collecting the runners.
I’ve refilled the relocated raised bed with compost and will sow the barley, shortly. Then wire mesh over it.
All the mulch we added on the lawn area and around the 2 strawb beds has turned into beautiful compost and I will use that around fruit trees. When the area is cleared and raked, I’ll only need to water it and the grass will come back.
how did your vertical strawberry bed go HP? Where you had all those troughs on a wall? Did that work?
bluegreen said:
how did your vertical strawberry bed go HP? Where you had all those troughs on a wall? Did that work?
The pots on the wall didn’t get enough sun. The wire trellis is still there waiting for me to work out what will grow there.
The 30 cm raised beds did fantastically. I reckon I easily got equal to a full bucket of fruit from each of the 2 beds.
apple and pear time.
local roadside sellers are a very good price so i made cider last night.
my capsicum plants are looking good but are covered in ants ..?
justin said:
apple and pear time.
local roadside sellers are a very good price so i made cider last night.my capsicum plants are looking good but are covered in ants ..?
I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths, just like my parents did every year…came up on the refrigerated van of the train no worries…from Cottonvale or somewhere, I think…
justin said:
my capsicum plants are looking good but are covered in ants ..?
Your capsicum might be on the way out and the ants have worked this out somehow, laying down aphids to milk?
>>I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths<<
A bit early for Grannies yet. My Red Delicious are finishing, the Jonathans starting and the Grannies are a couple of months away. If the birds don’t sample them too badly.
buffy said:
>>I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths<<
A bit early for Grannies yet. My Red Delicious are finishing, the Jonathans starting and the Grannies are a couple of months away. If the birds don’t sample them too badly.
Oh we used to order our “Grannies” just before Christmas.
buffy said:
>>I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths<<
A bit early for Grannies yet. My Red Delicious are finishing, the Jonathans starting and the Grannies are a couple of months away. If the birds don’t sample them too badly.
If you could grow mangoes down there I’d think about relocating…
Dinetta said:
justin said:
apple and pear time.
local roadside sellers are a very good price so i made cider last night.my capsicum plants are looking good but are covered in ants ..?
I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths, just like my parents did every year…came up on the refrigerated van of the train no worries…from Cottonvale or somewhere, I think…
Doesn’t Stanthorpe have it apple festival this month? You should be able to get some beauties sent from there Dinetta.
Dinetta said:
justin said:my capsicum plants are looking good but are covered in ants ..?
Your capsicum might be on the way out and the ants have worked this out somehow, laying down aphids to milk?
ants climbing away from rain saturated soil?
Dinetta said:
buffy said:>>I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths<<
A bit early for Grannies yet. My Red Delicious are finishing, the Jonathans starting and the Grannies are a couple of months away. If the birds don’t sample them too badly.
Oh we used to order our “Grannies” just before Christmas.
Grass green grannies are put away for cooking in Jan/Feb..Eating grannies are not picked until a frost hits them
Dinetta said:
buffy said:>>I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths<<
A bit early for Grannies yet. My Red Delicious are finishing, the Jonathans starting and the Grannies are a couple of months away. If the birds don’t sample them too badly.
If you could grow mangoes down there I’d think about relocating…
roughbarked said:
Dinetta said:
buffy said:>>I’d love to be able to order a case of fresh green Granny Smiths<<
A bit early for Grannies yet. My Red Delicious are finishing, the Jonathans starting and the Grannies are a couple of months away. If the birds don’t sample them too badly.
Oh we used to order our “Grannies” just before Christmas.
Grass green grannies are put away for cooking in Jan/Feb..Eating grannies are not picked until a frost hits them
My granny smiths are being eaten by an often visitor who loves a tart green apple. There wasn’t enough on it this year after espellering for all I want to do with bulk apples, so they were enjoyed.
Next year I’m going to put a do not touch sign on it :)
Happy Potter said:
roughbarked said:
Dinetta said:Oh we used to order our “Grannies” just before Christmas.
Grass green grannies are put away for cooking in Jan/Feb..Eating grannies are not picked until a frost hits them
My granny smiths are being eaten by an often visitor who loves a tart green apple. There wasn’t enough on it this year after espellering for all I want to do with bulk apples, so they were enjoyed.
Next year I’m going to put a do not touch sign on it :)
unfortunately i haven’t taught fruit fly to read.
autumn here is very stable
Maximum 34°C 35°C 35°C 35°C 34°C 35°C 35°C
Minimum 20°C 20°C 19°C 20°C 20°C 19°C 20°C
pomolo said:
Doesn’t Stanthorpe have it apple festival this month? You should be able to get some beauties sent from there Dinetta.
I’ll look into it thanks Pomolo. Thought it was all over red rover by Christmas…
roughbarked said:
A friend of mine lived in a magic zone along the south side of a hill but up the slope a bit. It is in a frost free zone and he had mangoes and avocados overflowing.
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:
A friend of mine lived in a magic zone along the south side of a hill but up the slope a bit. It is in a frost free zone and he had mangoes and avocados overflowing.
He might have had the magic touch as well…won’t avocadoes grow so well down your way?
No magic touch, just magic location.. I call it the MacArthur street gold zone. Everywhere else around here gets frizzled by hard frosts but MacArthur street residents enjoy their haven. Avocados will grow here on south facing hillsides.. nowhere else without lots of frost protection while young. Mangoes too though they will struggle to produce fruit in any but the MacArthur street zone.
roughbarked said:
autumn here is very stable Maximum 34°C 35°C 35°C 35°C 34°C 35°C 35°C
Minimum 20°C 20°C 19°C 20°C 20°C 19°C 20°C
yuck and yuck on both counts. I am not far behind you here
maximum 33°C 35°C 35°C 34°C 35°C 36°C 34°C
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
autumn here is very stable Maximum 34°C 35°C 35°C 35°C 34°C 35°C 35°C
Minimum 20°C 20°C 19°C 20°C 20°C 19°C 20°C
yuck and yuck on both counts. I am not far behind you here
I am not sleeping well because the nights are not cold enough for me :(
maximum 33°C 35°C 35°C 34°C 35°C 36°C 34°C
Indeed I catch up on sleep from May through to August/September.. after that it is too hot to sleep.
>>Grass green grannies are put away for cooking in Jan/Feb.<<
They don’t have any size on them in Jan/Feb, still like an apricot. Even with watering.
buffy said:
>>Grass green grannies are put away for cooking in Jan/Feb.<<
They don’t have any size on them in Jan/Feb, still like an apricot. Even with watering.
hmm.. You obviously don’t live in an irrigation area.
Well I’ve gone over all the whys and wherefores of my tomatoes dying off way too early. Soil too acidic.
Kicks self.
Happy Potter said:
Well I’ve gone over all the whys and wherefores of my tomatoes dying off way too early. Soil too acidic.
Kicks self.
mine is the opposite.. soil too alkaline.
roughbarked said:
Happy Potter said:
Well I’ve gone over all the whys and wherefores of my tomatoes dying off way too early. Soil too acidic.
Kicks self.
mine is the opposite.. soil too alkaline.
Problem is.. native alkalinity is more difficult to control.
I may be going to annoy you…..stand by for some photos……
;)
Right, after I had to search around and I found you have to enable clickable links in the new Photobucket, lets see how this goes:
Looks like that works. The tall ones are Tigerella and Mortgage Lifter, grown in a bunch. This is a tapestry veggie bed. There is parsley going to seed, new parsley, corn, cucumber, carrots (behind the corn) and some lettuce. Oh and some climbing beans making their way up the left side of the arch and a climbing mini cucumber going up the right side – but very late and behind the times. The pots right at the front are horseradish of a couple of types.
This bed gets about 15 minutes of low pressure sprinkler (that pretty bronze thing) once or twice a day depending on the weather and my work schedule.
And here are a couple more:
That’s the same lot from a bit further away.
And those ones are Grosse Lisse and Rouge de Marmande. Suffering a tad because they are within about 10 feet of the trunk of a mature gum tree. I should water more there as the tree just sucks up the moisture in this really hot weather.
My other tomatoes are out in full sun and look stragglier. I’ve just tied up the espalier Tommy Toe and cherry tomato and they are now about 5 foot tall and still reaching for the sky.
buffy said:
And here are a couple more:
That’s the same lot from a bit further away.
And those ones are Grosse Lisse and Rouge de Marmande. Suffering a tad because they are within about 10 feet of the trunk of a mature gum tree. I should water more there as the tree just sucks up the moisture in this really hot weather.
My other tomatoes are out in full sun and look stragglier. I’ve just tied up the espalier Tommy Toe and cherry tomato and they are now about 5 foot tall and still reaching for the sky.
At this time of year I can only easily grow the cherry/grape types/ I haven’t grown grosse lisse for three decades.. too much staking effort required. My Rouge De Marmande’s are able to be cut back and maybe produce more. but the season only grows shorter.
Happy Potter said:
Well I’ve gone over all the whys and wherefores of my tomatoes dying off way too early. Soil too acidic.
Kicks self.
The thought about soil + tomato combo occurred to me when I was showering last night…then I forgot until reading your post…
buffy said:
And here are a couple more:
They all look very yummy…
my third attempt at corn this season and i have a winner – i think?
the spring corn (1st crop) was ok but the middle crop was chook food.
justin said:
my third attempt at corn this season and i have a winner – i think?
the spring corn (1st crop) was ok but the middle crop was chook food.
What’s the plant behind the mandarin? Does it smell sweet?
roughbarked said:
justin said:
my third attempt at corn this season and i have a winner – i think?
the spring corn (1st crop) was ok but the middle crop was chook food.
What’s the plant behind the mandarin? Does it smell sweet?
thats my lemon verbena
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:
my third attempt at corn this season and i have a winner – i think?
the spring corn (1st crop) was ok but the middle crop was chook food.
What’s the plant behind the mandarin? Does it smell sweet?
thats my lemon verbena
Aha.. That’s why I asked if it smelt sweet.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
roughbarked said:What’s the plant behind the mandarin? Does it smell sweet?
thats my lemon verbena
Aha.. That’s why I asked if it smelt sweet.
i have found that you prune when it’s flowering. that piece of info has kept it shaped and full of fresh leaves.
the leaves are now used as tea, as sorbet and (experimentally) in spirit as a liqueur. if you’re doing the liqueur it only needs seeping for between an hour and a day – any more than a day and it turns to an unpleasant cokelike taste.
this is the hibiscus like flower of the okra.
i harvested about 6 okra ‘pods’ before they were ripe and had to fish them out of my curry. i’m unsure what constitutes ‘ripe’ in this new crop but i guess it will change colour or summin?
i have sprayed white oil all over this capsicum because the ants are farming aphid on it.
the fruit is getting ripe so the ants can tick off.
justin said:
this is the hibiscus like flower of the okra.
i harvested about 6 okra ‘pods’ before they were ripe and had to fish them out of my curry. i’m unsure what constitutes ‘ripe’ in this new crop but i guess it will change colour or summin?
Okra is more of a required taste than a required ripeness. slimy things.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
this is the hibiscus like flower of the okra.
i harvested about 6 okra ‘pods’ before they were ripe and had to fish them out of my curry. i’m unsure what constitutes ‘ripe’ in this new crop but i guess it will change colour or summin?Okra is more of a required taste than a required ripeness. slimy things.
http://www.ehow.com/how_8267256_tell-okra-ripe.html
justin said:
i have sprayed white oil all over this capsicum because the ants are farming aphid on it.
the fruit is getting ripe so the ants can tick off.
White oil won’t stop the ants farming. It only reduces their herds.
justin said:
my third attempt at corn this season and i have a winner – i think?
the spring corn (1st crop) was ok but the middle crop was chook food.
Oh yes, just look at those young cobs…!
justin said:
this is the hibiscus like flower of the okra.
i harvested about 6 okra ‘pods’ before they were ripe and had to fish them out of my curry. i’m unsure what constitutes ‘ripe’ in this new crop but i guess it will change colour or summin?
Noice
Dinetta said:
Oh yes, just look at those young cobs…!
I was green with envy about the surviving strawberry plants.
justin said:
i have sprayed white oil all over this capsicum because the ants are farming aphid on it.
the fruit is getting ripe so the ants can tick off.
Plenty for them elsewhere, lol!
roughbarked said:
Dinetta said:Oh yes, just look at those young cobs…!
I was green with envy about the surviving strawberry plants.
Gah, now I have to go back and check the photo…
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:
Dinetta said:Oh yes, just look at those young cobs…!
I was green with envy about the surviving strawberry plants.
Gah, now I have to go back and check the photo…
Sorry, the posts load more quickly without repeating the photo.. ;)
On Okra: http://www.plantanswers.com/garden_column/june03/2.htm
http://rosedalefarmersmarket.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/okra.pdf
roughbarked said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:
this is the hibiscus like flower of the okra.
i harvested about 6 okra ‘pods’ before they were ripe and had to fish them out of my curry. i’m unsure what constitutes ‘ripe’ in this new crop but i guess it will change colour or summin?Okra is more of a required taste than a required ripeness. slimy things.
http://www.ehow.com/how_8267256_tell-okra-ripe.html
thanks – it wasn’t soft enuff – under ripe or over ripe?
roughbarked said:
justin said:
i have sprayed white oil all over this capsicum because the ants are farming aphid on it.
the fruit is getting ripe so the ants can tick off.White oil won’t stop the ants farming. It only reduces their herds.
i have ladybirds on the lebanese zucchini just ten metres away.
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:
i have sprayed white oil all over this capsicum because the ants are farming aphid on it.
the fruit is getting ripe so the ants can tick off.White oil won’t stop the ants farming. It only reduces their herds.
i have ladybirds on the lebanese zucchini just ten metres away.
do they have 28 spots?
justin said:
roughbarked said:
roughbarked said:Okra is more of a required taste than a required ripeness. slimy things.
http://www.ehow.com/how_8267256_tell-okra-ripe.html
thanks – it wasn’t soft enuff – under ripe or over ripe?
only the tenderest pods are used.. they ripen to coarseness very quickly.. faster than beans do.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
roughbarked said:White oil won’t stop the ants farming. It only reduces their herds.
i have ladybirds on the lebanese zucchini just ten metres away.
do they have 28 spots?
no – about 9 spotches – but i’m reckoning on there being more sorts around – including mr. mantis
there are a lot of lacewings about
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:i have ladybirds on the lebanese zucchini just ten metres away.
do they have 28 spots?
no – about 9 spotches – but i’m reckoning on there being more sorts around – including mr. mantis
there are a lot of lacewings about
What is needed to be remembered is that the ladybirds cannot start eating until the aphids are there. When the food supply drops, so too do the predators.
buffy said:
Right, after I had to search around and I found you have to enable clickable links in the new Photobucket, lets see how this goes:
Looks like that works. The tall ones are Tigerella and Mortgage Lifter, grown in a bunch. This is a tapestry veggie bed. There is parsley going to seed, new parsley, corn, cucumber, carrots (behind the corn) and some lettuce. Oh and some climbing beans making their way up the left side of the arch and a climbing mini cucumber going up the right side – but very late and behind the times. The pots right at the front are horseradish of a couple of types. This bed gets about 15 minutes of low pressure sprinkler (that pretty bronze thing) once or twice a day depending on the weather and my work schedule.
it looks like sweet potato in front with those triangular leaves?
toms are looking tall. garden looks strong and has probably benefitted from being diverse.
The triangular leaves with the stakes sticking out of the middle? Cucumbers. I put a group of mixed seed in there (heard that from me before!!) and I think the lemon cucumbers are the ones that have happened. None to pick so far, but they are round ones, just not well formed yet. Otherwise, right at the front are two types of horseradish – plain, from my Mum and variegated, from Diggers. In pots, because it is apparently weedlike in its liking for taking over veggie beds.
buffy said:
The triangular leaves with the stakes sticking out of the middle? Cucumbers. I put a group of mixed seed in there (heard that from me before!!) and I think the lemon cucumbers are the ones that have happened. None to pick so far, but they are round ones, just not well formed yet. Otherwise, right at the front are two types of horseradish – plain, from my Mum and variegated, from Diggers. In pots, because it is apparently weedlike in its liking for taking over veggie beds.
must be the horseradish i guess. i must start infill planting like this – it seems to be more successful than my small monocultures.
this is a native’ bush tucker’ bush that i don’t know the name of …..?
its a native potato or tomato but the fruit is so tiny that harvesting would take forever.
the skinks are living in this patch so that is excellent
however – i can see why the natives prefer to eat our food …..lots easier
I should know that one…..but I’ll have to look at some pictures.
:)
Not a pigface, is it?
ok – so i’m hogging the LHC – this will be my last
it’s sweet potato – the shoot and three leaves on top are edible – the leaves are a sweet lettuce.
this plant is in tropical heaven at present with constant 30 temps and humidity.
justin said:
buffy said:The triangular leaves with the stakes sticking out of the middle? Cucumbers. I put a group of mixed seed in there (heard that from me before!!) and I think the lemon cucumbers are the ones that have happened. None to pick so far, but they are round ones, just not well formed yet. Otherwise, right at the front are two types of horseradish – plain, from my Mum and variegated, from Diggers. In pots, because it is apparently weedlike in its liking for taking over veggie beds.
Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush.. exceeds oranges in Vit. C.
must be the horseradish i guess. i must start infill planting like this – it seems to be more successful than my small monocultures.
this is a native’ bush tucker’ bush that i don’t know the name of …..?
its a native potato or tomato but the fruit is so tiny that harvesting would take forever.
the skinks are living in this patch so that is excellent
however – i can see why the natives prefer to eat our food …..lots easier
buffy said:
The triangular leaves with the stakes sticking out of the middle? Cucumbers. I put a group of mixed seed in there (heard that from me before!!) and I think the lemon cucumbers are the ones that have happened. None to pick so far, but they are round ones, just not well formed yet. Otherwise, right at the front are two types of horseradish – plain, from my Mum and variegated, from Diggers. In pots, because it is apparently weedlike in its liking for taking over veggie beds.
its the cucumbers with the stakes – i’ve not heard of lemon cueys but you seem to be into the new varities.
i will be ordering from diggers shortly – so i’ll get those dragon beans we talked about earlier – but i’ll order all of summer’s seeds to lessen the impact of postage costs.
Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush.. exceeds oranges in Vit. C.
——————————————-
thanks RB – i’ll tag it this evening
http://wallumsmusings.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/ruby-saltbush-enchylaena-tomentosa.html
Just took me a while to find the name….
Can reach out of my office window and pick cherry guavas…I think I need to prune the guava back a bit. There’s also a praying mantis nest there, but I did read where you can take this branch off and relocate it, hang it from a more convenient branch if you need to prune?
buffy said:
http://wallumsmusings.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/ruby-saltbush-enchylaena-tomentosa.html
Just took me a while to find the name….
thanks – the tag in on so hopefully it will become a household word
Dinetta said:
Can reach out of my office window and pick cherry guavas…I think I need to prune the guava back a bit. There’s also a praying mantis nest there, but I did read where you can take this branch off and relocate it, hang it from a more convenient branch if you need to prune?
if they have left the nest there’s a hole in the side of it.
My haul this morning was a handful of beans, (butter beans, yummy), some rhubarb and some perpetual spinach. Which reminds me, the spinach is in water in the sink because I nicked off to Cafe Bagdad for an iced coffee. I’d better spin and fridge it.
And cook the rhubarb too, I suppose.
justin said:
Dinetta said:
Can reach out of my office window and pick cherry guavas…I think I need to prune the guava back a bit. There’s also a praying mantis nest there, but I did read where you can take this branch off and relocate it, hang it from a more convenient branch if you need to prune?
if they have left the nest there’s a hole in the side of it.
I think it’s pretty new, it wasn’t there in January?
buffy said:
My haul this morning was a handful of beans, (butter beans, yummy), some rhubarb and some perpetual spinach. Which reminds me, the spinach is in water in the sink because I nicked off to Cafe Bagdad for an iced coffee. I’d better spin and fridge it.
And cook the rhubarb too, I suppose.
Another iced coffee!?!? Hope you’re riding your bike…
Of course! One a day isn’t going to be a problem. I don’t eat a lot when it is this hot, need some calories somehow. And yes, I rode for about half an hour this morning.
:)
this stevia is obviously able to cope with the xtreme sun – so long as you water it every second day -
- the caper bush is the same so i have some hope that i’ve discovered a coupla nu crops.
justin said:
this stevia is obviously able to cope with the xtreme sun – so long as you water it every second day -
- the caper bush is the same so i have some hope that i’ve discovered a coupla nu crops.
The stevia is for sweetening, is that right? And tell me, is the caper bush for those lovely little caper pickles that go so well on pizza?
Often, plants that will tolerate full sun, like a cool (and moist) root run…like roses, for example…
The stevia is for sweetening, is that right? And tell me, is the caper bush for those lovely little caper pickles that go so well on pizza?
Often, plants that will tolerate full sun, like a cool (and moist) root run…like roses, for example…
——————————————————————————————-
yes stevia is potentially ten times sweeter than sugar without the fattening effect.
i haven’t made a syrup yet but i’ll let youse know how it goes.
capers now come from a farm near here on the murray (mannum). i am thinking they are like olives to process – but once again – i’ll have to google and experiment.
they are on the sandy plateau the bobcat man built for the tank. so drainage and deep rooting is probably both of their’s summer survival method.
justin said:
The stevia is for sweetening, is that right? And tell me, is the caper bush for those lovely little caper pickles that go so well on pizza?Often, plants that will tolerate full sun, like a cool (and moist) root run…like roses, for example…
——————————————————————————————-
yes stevia is potentially ten times sweeter than sugar without the fattening effect.
i haven’t made a syrup yet but i’ll let youse know how it goes.capers now come from a farm near here on the murray (mannum). i am thinking they are like olives to process – but once again – i’ll have to google and experiment.
they are on the sandy plateau the bobcat man built for the tank. so drainage and deep rooting is probably both of their’s summer survival method.
not sure you could make a “syrup” from stevia but you would make a tisane from the leaves, or use the leaves directly fresh or dried.
Capers are pickled flower buds from the caper bush.
bluegreen said:
justin said:
The stevia is for sweetening, is that right? And tell me, is the caper bush for those lovely little caper pickles that go so well on pizza?Often, plants that will tolerate full sun, like a cool (and moist) root run…like roses, for example…
——————————————————————————————-
yes stevia is potentially ten times sweeter than sugar without the fattening effect.
i haven’t made a syrup yet but i’ll let youse know how it goes.capers now come from a farm near here on the murray (mannum). i am thinking they are like olives to process – but once again – i’ll have to google and experiment.
they are on the sandy plateau the bobcat man built for the tank. so drainage and deep rooting is probably both of their’s summer survival method.
not sure you could make a “syrup” from stevia but you would make a tisane from the leaves, or use the leaves directly fresh or dried.
Capers are pickled flower buds from the caper bush.
stevia tincture? – using alcohol which you then boil off?
ok – thanks for that – drying the leaves sounds the best.
bluegreen said:
Capers are pickled flower buds from the caper bush.
Did I say I love pickled capers?
a hawk moth.
we are seeing citrus and wanderer butterflies and now the big drogon(?) moth and this one. the wasp-waist wasp is also active.
i have rescued a centipede, mole cricket and banjo frog from the pool – often we see them for the first time in the season when they are drowning
justin said:
a hawk moth.
we are seeing citrus and wanderer butterflies and now the big drogon(?) moth and this one. the wasp-waist wasp is also active.
i have rescued a centipede, mole cricket and banjo frog from the pool – often we see them for the first time in the season when they are drowning
We haven’t had big moth numbers this summer. Trillions of tiny flying things that can fit through the fly screen wire. Lucky I have one of those cordless hand vacs.
a beautiful pigeon nest – with chook eggs – chooks are opportunists.
we are getting two eggs a day from six chooks.
corn getting closer to just ripe.
justin said:
a beautiful pigeon nest – with chook eggs – chooks are opportunists.
we are getting two eggs a day from six chooks.
corn getting closer to just ripe.
That ear of corn looks bursting with health…Yep chooks are opportunists, they seem to know zactly where when and how to hide their eggs…
Mine are in full “lay” only because they were POLs at Christmas time, be a different story this time next year I suppose…
Mine are in full “lay” only because they were POLs at Christmas time, be a different story this time next year I suppose…
——————————
is this true or do they stay out-of-sync?
i’m not sure.
mine are molting – so that slows them up.
justin said:
Mine are in full “lay” only because they were POLs at Christmas time, be a different story this time next year I suppose…——————————
is this true or do they stay out-of-sync?
i’m not sure.
mine are molting – so that slows them up.
No it’s true, I’ve read it in several sources…in fact they recommend that one purchase POLs at Christmas as they’ll then lay through this moult and for the full year (or better) until next year’s moult…
Goldie looks like a feather duster but then she’s The Mum…
justin said:
a beautiful pigeon nest – with chook eggs – chooks are opportunists.
we are getting two eggs a day from six chooks.
corn getting closer to just ripe.
Things are going ok at Justins I’d say.
Thanks for the reminder – I should pick a couple of corn cobs in the morning, and some green beans. For tea tomorrow night.
Dinetta said:
Yep chooks are opportunists, they seem to know zactly where when and how to hide their eggs…
I’ve only been getting one every two days for a while, what with heat, broodiness and general contrariness. Left them locked in on Wednesday and found a little brown egg with the usual white one. Had to be from one of the young brown pullets. Then yesterday I found 3 more tucked in a corner of one of the vege beds, to which they have access atm.
justin said:
Mine are in full “lay” only because they were POLs at Christmas time, be a different story this time next year I suppose…——————————
is this true or do they stay out-of-sync?
i’m not sure.
mine are molting – so that slows them up.
this is true. It is day length that usually determines the laying season, but POLs can often lay through winter in their first year.
bluegreen said:
Dinetta said:Yep chooks are opportunists, they seem to know zactly where when and how to hide their eggs…
I’ve only been getting one every two days for a while, what with heat, broodiness and general contrariness. Left them locked in on Wednesday and found a little brown egg with the usual white one. Had to be from one of the young brown pullets. Then yesterday I found 3 more tucked in a corner of one of the vege beds, to which they have access atm.
That sounds like an easter egg hunt.
pomolo said:
bluegreen said:
Dinetta said:Yep chooks are opportunists, they seem to know zactly where when and how to hide their eggs…
I’ve only been getting one every two days for a while, what with heat, broodiness and general contrariness. Left them locked in on Wednesday and found a little brown egg with the usual white one. Had to be from one of the young brown pullets. Then yesterday I found 3 more tucked in a corner of one of the vege beds, to which they have access atm.
That sounds like an easter egg hunt.
LOL it does, rather!
from the top – leb. cuey – roma toms to ripen on window sill – leb. eggplant (heaps of these) – capsicums – and on the bottom left – lebanese zucchinis.
there is corn for tonight’s tea – but that gets picked five minutes before eating.
justin said:
from the top – leb. cuey – roma toms to ripen on window sill – leb. eggplant (heaps of these) – capsicums – and on the bottom left – lebanese zucchinis.
there is corn for tonight’s tea – but that gets picked five minutes before eating.
Wonderful haul…the lebanese zucchs look especially healthy…
Dinetta said:
justin said:
from the top – leb. cuey – roma toms to ripen on window sill – leb. eggplant (heaps of these) – capsicums – and on the bottom left – lebanese zucchinis.
there is corn for tonight’s tea – but that gets picked five minutes before eating.Wonderful haul…the lebanese zucchs look especially healthy…
the lebanese cucumber has been eaten like an apple this year. the wife and daughter have removed every one. maybe they didn’t like it fried?
the zuchs are being made into patties tonight.
justin said:
the lebanese cucumber has been eaten like an apple this year. the wife and daughter have removed every one. maybe they didn’t like it fried?
the zuchs are being made into patties tonight.
I love lebanese cucumbers and buy them in preference to the others…I do like the “white” zucchs, they have a much milder flavour and I use them (when I have the $$$) in salads as an extra green…
Dinetta said:
justin said:
the lebanese cucumber has been eaten like an apple this year. the wife and daughter have removed every one. maybe they didn’t like it fried?
the zuchs are being made into patties tonight.
I love lebanese cucumbers and buy them in preference to the others…I do like the “white” zucchs, they have a much milder flavour and I use them (when I have the $$$) in salads as an extra green…
umm? – the zuchs are not big – maybe grilled with the eggplant?
My autumn harvesters in action..
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
hee, hee. I bet he didn’t even say thanks!
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
hee, hee. I bet he didn’t even say thanks!
On the day(the rainy day), I saw at least forty if not fifty land in my walnut trees and surrounds. Largest flock of major mitchells I’ve ever recorded in my yard or anywhere..
justin said:
from the top – leb. cuey – roma toms to ripen on window sill – leb. eggplant (heaps of these) – capsicums – and on the bottom left – lebanese zucchinis.
there is corn for tonight’s tea – but that gets picked five minutes before eating.
Good haul there. We haven’t got any tomatoes except cherry and I had to buy some this morning. $7 a kilo and more. I nearly cried.
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
Don’t tell the bird he’s doing anything wrong.
pomolo said:
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
Don’t tell the bird he’s doing anything wrong.
They drop more than they eat and they prune a bit. I don’t mind at all. :)
roughbarked said:
bluegreen said:
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
hee, hee. I bet he didn’t even say thanks!
On the day(the rainy day), I saw at least forty if not fifty land in my walnut trees and surrounds. Largest flock of major mitchells I’ve ever recorded in my yard or anywhere..
walnuts are probably worth the effort – especially fresh walnuts.
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
Some for you, some for them…it looks cute and what is it, if nobody’s asked before?
justin said:
roughbarked said:
bluegreen said:hee, hee. I bet he didn’t even say thanks!
On the day(the rainy day), I saw at least forty if not fifty land in my walnut trees and surrounds. Largest flock of major mitchells I’ve ever recorded in my yard or anywhere..
walnuts are probably worth the effort – especially fresh walnuts.
Between them and the Mallee-ringnecks.. they’ve already done my almonds in.
Dinetta said:
Some for you, some for them…it looks cute and what is it, if nobody’s asked before?
I see now, you’ve said they’re Major Mitchells…
pomolo said:
justin said:
from the top – leb. cuey – roma toms to ripen on window sill – leb. eggplant (heaps of these) – capsicums – and on the bottom left – lebanese zucchinis.
there is corn for tonight’s tea – but that gets picked five minutes before eating.
Good haul there. We haven’t got any tomatoes except cherry and I had to buy some this morning. $7 a kilo and more. I nearly cried.
we ended up grilling them all on the bbq – with pesto and yogurt – and a mates homebrew ‘mash’ beer – well tasty.
pomolo said:
Good haul there. We haven’t got any tomatoes except cherry and I had to buy some this morning. $7 a kilo and more. I nearly cried.
They’re $5 a punnet here, but I guess we have extra transport costs…
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:
My autumn harvesters in action..
Some for you, some for them…it looks cute and what is it, if nobody’s asked before?
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo. Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, Pink Cockatoo, Wee Juggler.
Lophrochlochroa leadbeateri
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
beautiful cob
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
there were too many ‘i’s’ in that sentence – so i left one out.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
beautiful cob
cob? – there are two there mate LOL.
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
OMG! They’re beautiful!
drools
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
beautiful cob
cob? – there are two there mate LOL.
cob can be plural in a lotta cob weight there mate.
bluegreen said:
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
OMG! They’re beautiful!
drools
natural butter – and about 20 left – yeehah!
btw – muschee hasn’t be seen for a while and where is yeehah?
roughbarked said:
justin said:
roughbarked said:beautiful cob
cob? – there are two there mate LOL.
cob can be plural in a lotta cob weight there mate.
umm? – cob weight? – yes of course i knew that
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:cob? – there are two there mate LOL.
cob can be plural in a lotta cob weight there mate.
umm? – cob weight? – yes of course i knew that
get used to it.. the internet is squashing me into this corner as it expands and I shrink.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
roughbarked said:cob can be plural in a lotta cob weight there mate.
umm? – cob weight? – yes of course i knew that
get used to it.. the internet is squashing me into this corner as it expands and I shrink.
your powers of keen observation are growing to compensate for the squashing – i think?
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
I would be too!
justin said:
there should be a medically recognised condition – “corn addction” – i’m sure it exists and i’m a victim!
An addiction is understandable because home grown, fresh sweet corn is very yummy.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
roughbarked said:cob can be plural in a lotta cob weight there mate.
umm? – cob weight? – yes of course i knew that
get used to it.. the internet is squashing me into this corner as it expands and I shrink.
We’re all shrinking.
I don’t have too many tomatoes this year, and they are very late. But they are very, very tasty…. these ones are Tigerella. I think the lack of rain from November to now might be part of the problem.
buffy said:
I don’t have too many tomatoes this year, and they are very late. But they are very, very tasty…. these ones are Tigerella. I think the lack of rain from November to now might be part of the problem.
They look like, with a tiny bit of hot oil, they’ll pop in your mouth…well done Buffy…
pomolo said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:umm? – cob weight? – yes of course i knew that
get used to it.. the internet is squashing me into this corner as it expands and I shrink.
We’re all shrinking.
:) true indeed. expansion and contraction are the basic fundamentals.
buffy said:
I don’t have too many tomatoes this year, and they are very late. But they are very, very tasty…. these ones are Tigerella. I think the lack of rain from November to now might be part of the problem.
Yes. It was not the best year for home growing down south as the rain just didn’t eventuate. Of course if we all had the same rights to use irrigation water as the farmers do, We’d have better crops but even that still hinges on the rains falling at the prescribed times in the prescribed doses.
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:umm? – cob weight? – yes of course i knew that
get used to it.. the internet is squashing me into this corner as it expands and I shrink.
your powers of keen observation are growing to compensate for the squashing – i think?
Thanks .. I wish they were.
buffy said:
I don’t have too many tomatoes this year, and they are very late. But they are very, very tasty…. these ones are Tigerella. I think the lack of rain from November to now might be part of the problem.
they look alright – but we all might have to buy 20 kilos if we want to freeze sauces this year.
this is my asparagus now (above) – is it too early to prune?
these are the limes (below) – slightly too early to pick but picking now does extend the season and the budget
justin said:
these are the limes (below) – slightly too early to pick but picking now does extend the season and the budget
If you’re cooking with them, it wouldn’t be too early to pick limes once they’re fully formed? They might not be as juicy but seeing as they’re “free” (and not $13.99 / kg)…
justin said:
this is my asparagus now (above) – is it too early to prune?
I’d give them a bit longer, some of those fronds still look green.
bluegreen said:
justin said:this is my asparagus now (above) – is it too early to prune?
I’d give them a bit longer, some of those fronds still look green.
ta – wait until dead – gotcha.
justin said:
bluegreen said:
justin said:this is my asparagus now (above) – is it too early to prune?
I’d give them a bit longer, some of those fronds still look green.
ta – wait until dead – gotcha.
or very yellow :) I am assuming that any nourishment left in the fronds get drawn back down into the corms to feed the new seasons initial growth and you don’t want to deprive the plant of any of that.
bluegreen said:
justin said:
bluegreen said:I’d give them a bit longer, some of those fronds still look green.
ta – wait until dead – gotcha.
or very yellow :) I am assuming that any nourishment left in the fronds get drawn back down into the corms to feed the new seasons initial growth and you don’t want to deprive the plant of any of that.
just let them die down to nothing?
is there a need to cut them at all?
justin said:
bluegreen said:
justin said:ta – wait until dead – gotcha.
or very yellow :) I am assuming that any nourishment left in the fronds get drawn back down into the corms to feed the new seasons initial growth and you don’t want to deprive the plant of any of that.
just let them die down to nothing?
is there a need to cut them at all?
probably good gardening hygiene to remove them once they are dead.
purple salvia flowering for their first autumn.
I have never grown foxgloves or lupins – so hollyhocks are the closest thing to a big flower spike I’ve managed.
we are still picking – corn, Lebanese zuchs and eggplant, capsicum, herbs and carrots but now there is a distinct feeling of winter coming on.
justin said:
purple salvia flowering for their first autumn.
I have never grown foxgloves or lupins – so hollyhocks are the closest thing to a big flower spike I’ve managed.
we are still picking – corn, Lebanese zuchs and eggplant, capsicum, herbs and carrots but now there is a distinct feeling of winter coming on.
I’ve still got corn zucchini and eggplant comnig out of my ears.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
purple salvia flowering for their first autumn.
I have never grown foxgloves or lupins – so hollyhocks are the closest thing to a big flower spike I’ve managed.
we are still picking – corn, Lebanese zuchs and eggplant, capsicum, herbs and carrots but now there is a distinct feeling of winter coming on.
I’ve still got corn zucchini and eggplant comnig out of my ears.
if it’s coming out in ears its probably corn or wheat LOL.
i’m picking the beans, broccoli, and zucchinis I should have been picking in summer. this plant is 6 months old and is producing heads like a newby.
justin said:
i’m picking the beans, broccoli, and zucchinis I should have been picking in summer. this plant is 6 months old and is producing heads like a newby.
You’re growing broccoli in the summer? Seriously?
Dinetta said:
justin said:
i’m picking the beans, broccoli, and zucchinis I should have been picking in summer. this plant is 6 months old and is producing heads like a newby.
You’re growing broccoli in the summer? Seriously?
its the side shoot of last winter broccoli. it is a summer crop down here – altho’ it grows best in winter.
justin said:
Dinetta said:
justin said:
i’m picking the beans, broccoli, and zucchinis I should have been picking in summer. this plant is 6 months old and is producing heads like a newby.
You’re growing broccoli in the summer? Seriously?
its the side shoot of last winter broccoli. it is a summer crop down here – altho’ it grows best in winter.
It looks pretty damn good…
justin said:
Dinetta said:
justin said:
i’m picking the beans, broccoli, and zucchinis I should have been picking in summer. this plant is 6 months old and is producing heads like a newby.You’re growing broccoli in the summer? Seriously?
its the side shoot of last winter broccoli. it is a summer crop down here – altho’ it grows best in winter.
I grow broccoli all year around.
roughbarked said:
I grow broccoli all year around.
Is broccoli more heat resistant than cauliflower?
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:I grow broccoli all year around.
Is broccoli more heat resistant than cauliflower?
cauliflower is more difficult because the sun can easily ruin the flower head.
justin said:
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:I grow broccoli all year around.
Is broccoli more heat resistant than cauliflower?
cauliflower is more difficult because the sun can easily ruin the flower head.
Thanks for that…Dad only grew Caulis during the winter…as you may recall, winter is our big season for a lot of vegetables…and I always thought of broccoli and caulies as being the same type of vegetable requiring the same climatic conditions…
Dinetta said:
roughbarked said:I grow broccoli all year around.
Is broccoli more heat resistant than cauliflower?
yes broccoli also can easily throw new florets whereas caulis are shy of more than one head.
the broccoli are side shoots planted 12 months ago, then transferred to this spot 4 months ago
the Japanese seedless mandarins are prolific this year.
the Tahitian limes are ripe when green
justin said:
the Japanese seedless mandarins are prolific this year.
Thank goodness for that, do I recall that last year you had very few fruit on these fruit trees?
Dinetta said:
justin said:the Japanese seedless mandarins are prolific this year.
Thank goodness for that, do I recall that last year you had very few fruit on these fruit trees?
yep – this is first really big crop for the mandies.
the fruit is smaller this but taste is good.
the problem is the water bill – we have to keep these citrus growing as an avenue.
justin said:
Dinetta said:
justin said:the Japanese seedless mandarins are prolific this year.
Thank goodness for that, do I recall that last year you had very few fruit on these fruit trees?
yep – this is first really big crop for the mandies.
the fruit is smaller this but taste is good.
the problem is the water bill – we have to keep these citrus growing as an avenue.
Citrus do well on drip systems.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
Dinetta said:Thank goodness for that, do I recall that last year you had very few fruit on these fruit trees?
yep – this is first really big crop for the mandies.
the fruit is smaller this but taste is good.
the problem is the water bill – we have to keep these citrus growing as an avenue.
Citrus do well on drip systems.
the citrus are surrounded by veges so I use a sprinkler and do the lot. my orchard is on adjustable drippers.
anyhoo, last summer is passed and I now know I should have given everything twice the normal amount of water.
everyone I know is complaining that the cost of water is so high it threatens home gardening.
it makes you appreciate rain – it covers all your ground at once, is salt free and costless. beautiful. even the bunnies are eating something other than my trees and chicory now.
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:yep – this is first really big crop for the mandies.
the fruit is smaller this but taste is good.
the problem is the water bill – we have to keep these citrus growing as an avenue.
Citrus do well on drip systems.
the citrus are surrounded by veges so I use a sprinkler and do the lot. my orchard is on adjustable drippers.
anyhoo, last summer is passed and I now know I should have given everything twice the normal amount of water.everyone I know is complaining that the cost of water is so high it threatens home gardening.
it makes you appreciate rain – it covers all your ground at once, is salt free and costless. beautiful. even the bunnies are eating something other than my trees and chicory now.
Rain is good and if you have the spare space, fill it with rainwater tanks. The best one is a big underground tank. This will be a wonderful boon to gardeners.
roughbarked said:
justin said:
roughbarked said:Citrus do well on drip systems.
the citrus are surrounded by veges so I use a sprinkler and do the lot. my orchard is on adjustable drippers.
anyhoo, last summer is passed and I now know I should have given everything twice the normal amount of water.everyone I know is complaining that the cost of water is so high it threatens home gardening.
it makes you appreciate rain – it covers all your ground at once, is salt free and costless. beautiful. even the bunnies are eating something other than my trees and chicory now.
Rain is good and if you have the spare space, fill it with rainwater tanks. The best one is a big underground tank. This will be a wonderful boon to gardeners.
I have installed a 90K litre squatter’s tank – that’s the limit of my roof catchment capacity – and currently we have the whole house on rainwater – I changed over from mains as soon as I had a tank one quarter full. we didn’t have much rain between last autumn and this autumn – the tank doesn’t work without rain.
justin said:
roughbarked said:
justin said:the citrus are surrounded by veges so I use a sprinkler and do the lot. my orchard is on adjustable drippers.
anyhoo, last summer is passed and I now know I should have given everything twice the normal amount of water.everyone I know is complaining that the cost of water is so high it threatens home gardening.
it makes you appreciate rain – it covers all your ground at once, is salt free and costless. beautiful. even the bunnies are eating something other than my trees and chicory now.
Rain is good and if you have the spare space, fill it with rainwater tanks. The best one is a big underground tank. This will be a wonderful boon to gardeners.
I have installed a 90K litre squatter’s tank – that’s the limit of my roof catchment capacity – and currently we have the whole house on rainwater – I changed over from mains as soon as I had a tank one quarter full. we didn’t have much rain between last autumn and this autumn – the tank doesn’t work without rain.
No, the tank can stay empty for a while, once it is empty. :(
Some beaut crops of dryland sunflower to come off shortly…they look very healthy…the dryland sorghum has headed up nicely (from what I can see from the speeding car) and will probably turn colour (ripen) within the next 4 – 6 weeks…
Dinetta said:
Some beaut crops of dryland sunflower to come off shortly…they look very healthy…the dryland sorghum has headed up nicely (from what I can see from the speeding car) and will probably turn colour (ripen) within the next 4 – 6 weeks…
thanks for the update of that northern area – crops just beginning to be planted here.
a lot of butterflies around here at present. the cabbage white moth is being picked off the broccoli in multiples but this fellow was just hanging about-
We are picking peas, spuds, carrots and radish but the tiny bit of light pink tuber between the carrots and spuds shows that our climate is not real good for the sweet potato.
Jalapenos , eggplant, capsicums, broccoli are all hanging on but the tubers and green leafy stuff is taking over.
