I've been busy in the gardens here at Struan Farm the past few days with some decent weather. In addition to some seriously overdue extreme weeding, on which I made a respectable dent, I potted up a few hundred heirloom tomato seedlings ("Big Red Heirloom," "Super Steakhouse," and "Vintage Brandywine" from seeds saved from last season plus "Black Cherry," "Black Oxheart" and a mix called "Chef's Choice," all from King's Seeds). The glasshouse is operating currently at capacity. In fact, I had to move some seedling damson trees outside to make room for tomatoes.
I have four seed trays of Cherokee Purple heirloom tomatoes still to pot once they're big enough. For some reason the other varieties have taken off this year but not my favourite. It will come in its own time, I'm sure. I've shifted it onto a different rack closer to better, warmer sunlight.
Most of the "Black Coral" zucchini, several "Big Chieftain" butternut, "Wild Fire" chiles, and several of three different types of pumpkins have germinated (Musquee de Provence, Jarradale, Queensland Blue). I've had to repot several zucchini since it's too early to plant them out just yet. My seed tray of Italian parsley has germinated but the plants are holding off for more heat to grow further. Still too early to start any basil, you'll be wondering about that I'm sure.
I always try to grow more plants than we require since you never really know what will germinate and what won't. Plus it's good to have surplus plants to contribute to the Piopio Community Fruit & Veg Stand and the new Maara Kai Roopu Maniapoto "MKR" Community Garden that grows fruit and veggies for the local food banks.
Labour Weekend. Patience Grasshopper, patience..... But those broad beans and peas had better get a move on. The peas have read the memo, pods are ripening away, the broad beans are just flowering.
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