Like most people in Melbourne I suspect, February 7 killed the patch. Things were going beautifully up to that point. I lost 60% of my tomatoes, along with the climbing beans. Most distressing was the sweetcorn, which was looking so good, and was then unceremoniously cremated that day. On the plus side we got some pumpkins and zucchini. I have no photos of this as I want to forget it.
By the end of March the remaining tomatoes were picked, and everything ready to come out. Bed preparation consisted of adding some compost, handfuls of blood and bone, and three bags of manure (chicken, cow and sheep) to each bed. The tomato bed (Bed 3) also had some dolomite lime added to it to sweeten the acidic soil.
Bed 1 got dug up, weeds and grasses removed, and another root crop of onions and leeks were planted, as well as turnips (which are magnificent). Also in this bed is silverbeet, pak choy and spinach.
Bed 3 has legumes. Two types of peas, "Massey Gem" and "Telegraph Pole" climbing, as well as snow peas and broad beans.
Bed 4 and 5 have the Brassicas planted. Mostly broccoli, but also cabbage and cauliflower. These are growing so well at the moment, with the broccoli only a handful of weeks away from being picked.
All beds have had a helping of liquid fertilizer (fish emulsion in this case), and are due for another dose this weekend.
We have also moved the herb garden out the front. I have a bed culinary herbs, and one for medicinal. The medicinal herb bed will have echinacea, evening primrose, chamomile, and feverfew. I'll also add some pyrethrum as it is a nice flower, and perhaps some salvia and comfrey. Culinary herbs will include thyme, rosemary, sage, lemon balm, oregano, tarragon, marjoram, chillies, sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, and whatever else springs to mind. I will also plant some sunflowers somewhere. The chooks will love these.
We have also built a new chicken enclosure. I have planted some rosemary in the coop as it is meant to help them, and I also plant some lavender for the same reason. From what I have read they keep away parasites. If nothing else it will make a little more pleasant looking.
Some other additions include an 8000 L water tank, and corresponding water pump. This should keep the veggies well watered over the summer months, and hopefully drought protect me somewhat. We have also ordered some photovoltaic cells for the roof to generate solar power. I can't wait for these babies to arrive!
And finally, I have noticed two new birds in the garden, a white naped honey eater and a silver eye. I found the silvereye after it knocked itself out on a window on the garage. A very small but pretty bird.
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