So, all my vegie seeds arrived safe and sound and I'm preparing to sow them in seed-raising mix...the carrots I'll sow straight into the bed, as the young plants don't like to be disturbed. Little of my carrot seed germinated last year, or maybe they were just gobbled up before I could say "Peter Rabbit", so this year I have a more reliable security system in mind. They'll be outside the fenced kitchen garden, but I'm making a long tunnel from chicken wire, which should protect from rabbits, birds and anything else that might take a liking to them.
I had such a bumper crop of capsicum, eggplant, chilli and zucchini last year, that I can't wait to try again. The difference is last year I planted mostly seedlings, while this year I'm being a little more adventurous by sowing seed of a few different varieties of each.
My plan is to sow in succession, so that I have a good, steady supply for longer, rather than a glut. But I don't yet have a greenhouse...so I'll use a makeshift frame which will protect the plants as they germinate. Towards the end of summer, as temps start to cool and frosts threaten, I'll build a plastic tunnel to prolong production.
I'll plant:
- capsicum
- eggplant, including a gorgeous small, round variety called 'Thai Green'...can't wait to have this one in a Laksa!
- mini cabbage
- carrots: purple, round and baby
- chilli
- cucumber: lebanese and a round, yellow variety
- coriander: slow bolting
- beans: green and purple
- squash
- pumpkin
...and a whole host of flowering beauties to attract those busy pollinators.
