GARDENING is a great hobby to get into and just like life there are ups and downs and many trials and tribulations to manage.
We have weather and pest problems and sometimes we just throw up our hands in frustration.
As summer approaches we should once again lay out some ground rules for our leisure time and include gardening as part of our activities.
It doesn’t have to be too energetic even a few large pots scattered around and you have the makings of a fine garden.
Large pots and dwarf fruit trees make an ideal start, not labour intensive, just some fertiliser and TLC every now and again.
You may not have a suitable garden area, maybe it’s all concrete, but you can still have a garden just think pots, either square or round.
I say pots, because a 400mm deep pot as big as you can move has the makings of a small garden. Ideal for small crops like lettuce, beetroot, garlic, onions, capsicum or chilli.
Maybe you start off with one, grow a small amount of salad vegetables and gradually increase your holding to five. All the while seeing what works for you.
If you like garlic then this is a plant that takes no looking after.
Buy an Australian garlic clove from the store, split the cloves, place them pointy end up and about 75mm in the ground cover with soil and wait.
Although this will be too late now, plant them on the shortest day of the month (June) and pull on the longest day (December).
Hang them in a bunch to dry or use them straight away as required.
Did you know that you can grow garlic throughout the year.
This is called green garlic and these can be harvested at any time. They look like a small white onion or shallot, have no cloves and can be used in dishes throughout the year.
Unlike onions you harvest the garlic when it still has a few green leaves left as these stalks tell you that there is still a covering over the garlic bulb, this is required so that they are protected.
No leaves mean that they may not be protected in the ground.
There is a lot to know about gardening if you want to learn, though you can be a lazy gardener and still grow a reasonable crop and put food on the table that your whole family can enjoy.
A great feeling!
For those growing pineapples, if they’ve been in for a couple of years or less, keep a lookout for the tell-tale pinky/red centre which means a baby pineapple is forming. This time of the year sees the start of the season. Last year I had 12 good size pineapples. We have at least nine starting already this year so far, should be a good year.
For those of you who just can’t wait for two to three years and have a small area of unused garden, plant them anyway! And virtually forget them. You’ll be amazed at how the years go by, and before you know it you too will be hooked on growing pineapples.
Till next time.
