It's Tomato picking time...this one weighing in at 500g is the biggest yet!The heat finally gave way too a cool change last weekend but not before many bush fires burnt out more than 445,000 hectares (some are still burning) in SA alone with more in Victoria and NSW. Later in the week rain fell on our heat battered garden, as we head yet again into another heatwave to end the month.
Jan 22nd and 23rd:
Seeds Sown:
Beetroot Beta vulgaris
Detroit 2 from Mr Fothergills Organic Range
Egyptian from Eden Seeds
Carrot Daucas carota var. sativus
Red Cored Chantenay from The Lost Seed
Purple Dragon from The Lost Seed
Radish Raphanus sativus
Mila from Country Value Seeds
Marigold Tagetes erecta Crackerjack home saved seeds
Were direct sown into Beds 10 and 11
Planting out:
Marigold purchased seedlings
Dandelion Red Ribbed
Silverbeet Bright Lights
Planted into Bed 10
The next lot of propagation won't be until Februray 1st to 3rd when seeds of Leafy Green crops may be sown. I shall be sowing some more Lettuce into punnets and maybe try some Asian Greens if the weather isn't too hot. I could also look at adding some more seeds of brassicas (faster growing ones like Mini Cauliflowers or Cabbage) and annual herbs as well.
While we are thinking of things Lunar...the New Moon on the 30th January will be a Black Moon as it will be the second New Moon in the month...and it is said to be a Supermoon as well so the tides will be higher than usual.
General Seed Raising Here on this link
I didn't get around to soaking the beetroot seeds before it was time to sow them so I made sure the soil was very damp when I put them in. I have covered them with a layer of damp (pre-soaked) Coir to help retain moisture.
Friday's 9mm of rain was welcome but we are expecting the temperatures to rise over 40C again next week so I have covered the beds with shade cloth and the rows of carrots with wood (removed as soon as the seeds germinate) to retain moisture.
