June in the Garden

Ahhhh......the beginning of Winter  -  such a favourite time for me here in the garden  -  easily my most productive season throughout the whole year.  Milder temperatures, less hot sun, not as much torrential rain and a greatly depleted population of insect pests makes it a happy time for me - "THE GARDENER".

I have growing at the moment :

• BRASSICAS - Sugar Loaf Cabbage, Pak Choy, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Kale
• LEAFY GREENS - 3 types of Lettuce, Silverbeet, Spinach, and Rainbow Chard
• LEGUMES - Bush Bean, Climbing Bean, and Snow Pea
• SOME ROOT VEGETABLES - Carrot, Beetroot, Sweet Potato, Ginger, and Yacon
• TOMATOES - Full size (at this time of year) makes a change from the little cherry tomatoes
• POTATOES - Really healthy in their homemade planter towers
• PERENNIALS - Asparagus, Pineapples, Comfrey, Aloe Vera   

And of course as always

• HERBS - Oregano, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Mint, Lemon Balm, Basil, Coriander, Chives and Spring Onions

Making sure my seedlings "get off to a good start", I have found that surrounding them with an old pot works a treat.  Simply cut the base out of a small pot and, after planting the seedling, place the pot over the top pushing it into the soil about 2 centimetres.

 

This method makes it extremely easy to water and feed the seedling in its early stages of growth and protects the young plant from slugs, snails and cut worm.

 

After the leaves start to protrude from the top of the pot, simply lift it off, wash thoroughly, and it's ready to be used again.   The seedling would now have established a thicker stem and a more intricate root system which will enable it to fend for itself better in the wilds of the vege patch. 

I find all my plants benefit from a regular feed with seaweed or a home made compost tea.  Regular being at least once a week.  The brassicas will also need a spray with "DIPEL" to deter the cabbage moth which is out and about in force this time of year, and I do keep the soil well mulched the keep in the moisture.