You might remember that I cleared the garden bed and planted seeds and seedlings back in October with the bright hope of harvesting our own produce. This is just too funny, the only seeds that came up were zillions of calendula seedlings, a few spindly lettuce and a zucchini which flowers but has not set any fruit (which is apparently because it is not being pollinated).
The pear tree behind is loaded with fruit which all have brown spots inside them -- my research suggests this is because the tree is old and can't get enough calcium into the fruit so needs spraying when the fruit is small.
I give up on both counts and might transplant the calendulas for a spot of colour along the front fence.
We have given up trying to grow vegetables. It is just too difficult.
ReplyDeleteAs you can see I am going to join you.
DeleteOhhh... but here you can grow nearly anything. You really give up? Maybe try something easier to grow? I'm always so happy if I get a few strawberries I brought from my parents place. My Mum collected the plants in a wood with me when I was two years old and they still "feed" me!
ReplyDeleteI think I will have to at least wait until I live at Kandos full time to be able to water and spray things properly. It is too difficult as a part time gardener.
DeleteDon't give up.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog Regine. Thanks for the encouragement.
DeleteMy dad said enough was enough with vegetable gardening one year when the deer ate everything. Actually, he was probably pleased by the decision, as he didn't like gardening anyway.
ReplyDeleteI have seen kangaroos, rabbits and wallabies in the neighbourhood. The previous owners pretty much rabbit proofed the fence line but kangaroos would just jump the fence if they had a mind to but I think there is plenty for them to eat elsewhere. Thankfully we don't seem to have a possum problem at this place, so at this point seem free enough from garden munchers of the larger kind.
DeleteI find it strange that you did not have pollinators with all those calendulas! I have tried pollinating pumpkin flowers, but clearly do not have the right touch - it never works.
ReplyDeleteYes it does seem a bit odd. Haven't tried hand pollinating, if it is still flowering I might give it a go just for the fun of it.
DeleteOh, dear! I've found that gardening is trial and error even when I think I know what I'm doing (which I really don't). I haven't had great luck growing from seed. Add in that we have a short growing season and there have been a lot of lessons. Some things I can get started from seed but I mostly get starts from the nursery now, baby plants that at least have a head start.
ReplyDeleteIt sure it trial and error. We have a nice long growing season but it does get very hot so I think one of the problems is the watering. I did a mix of seed and seedlings with no success with either - and buying seedlings gets expensive so I might as well go to the supermarket where I am guaranteed vegetables! The barren zucchini was actually planted from seed as were my sunflowers and sweet peas this year so I have had some seedy success.
DeleteIt must be very difficult living between two properties, gardenwise. We have to pay for all our water, so growing vegetables is not a saving but they are fresh and delicious.
ReplyDeleteWe have to pay for water but also have water tanks. I agree there is something nice about homegrown vege - provided they grow.
Delete