Child of the Planet

Almost everything has germinated. I’ve started to re-pot the Roma (two columns, far left) and the Tommy toe (double row along the bottom) The ‘saved seed’ corn is going really well, so I’ve started planting out some purchased seed (which is covered with anti-fungle crap) just to check that there is no difference between the purchased and saved. Added some white Spanish onion and some coriander seeds. Capsicums are now collected up in the top right hand corner. Planted some capsicum directly into the raised garden bed on the far right hand side.

Took down the light reflecting wind break. Winter garden was a bit disappointing this year.

Last week I set up the tunnel house ( click here to read ).  The dirt I left for a week in the tent, has tiny shoots where weeds have sprouted so I picked them out. I’ve planted out tomatoes,capsicums, and some mild Spanish onions I’ve read somewhere that the best way to save tomato seed is to ferment it for a while in the pulp of the fruit. I thought that since capcicums were part of the same family, I might give it a go. Last year I grew corn for the first time, and decided to see if I could save some corn kernels. Planted them out in punnets just to see if they germinate. Had some big winds recently and the tunnel seems to be holding up ok.

Last year I experimented with germinating tomatoes in the tunnel house ( click here to read about it ). This year I constructed a short polytunnel. I’ve laid out a grid of slate to soak up some sunlight and try to help with heat retention overnight. I’ve portioned out some soil into each cup, and leaving it for a week to cook and hopefully germinate most of the weed seeds that have been lurking in the compost bin All tucked in for some cold spring nights.

 This is probally my last attempt at growing lettuce and other leafy veg. Direct sowing into hopefully the coolest spot on the property. Also transplanted some celery from the winter garden.