SoS: Seeds – Success or Failure?

Where do the weeks go? We desperately need rain but despite the forecast showing a shower or two, we have only been gifted 1cm since last Sunday. If it does not rain soon, we have already been warned there will be a shortage of water in the Western Algarve.

Sitting in the garden eating breakfast while listening to the birds chirping I was startled when a large fox emerged from behind the olive bush just two feet away. He stared at me for a few seconds until my self-defense mechanism kicked it and I roared at him. I am not sure who was more surprised, the fox or me. Yep, he was cute, but I was not sure if he was going to attack me and I was taking no chances.

1. Rust on Green Bean Leaves

Our baby French bean plants ( planted from seed) have once again developed rust on the leaves. The first time this happened (a couple of weeks ago) OH removed all affected leaves and disposed of them. Apparently, rust is an airborne virus and spreads quickly. Now it’s happened again, I now wonder if I should cut my losses and just dispose of the plants and remove the top layer of soil? Is rust treatable?

2. Growing Salad Spinach in a Container

From seed to plate in less than twenty days! Amazing! I had no idea spinach grew so quickly!

3. Iceberg Lettuce

While you can buy iceberg lettuce in the supermarkets you can’t buy the seeds. Luckily a friend had some spare seeds she’d brought back from the UK and shared some of hers. These were planted on the 13th of March. I am rather disappointed only three have germinated so hopefully, I will have better luck with the next batch.

4.  Gumbo (Okra)

When a friend offered to share some Gumbo seeds with me, I naturally said: Yes, please. Which surprised me considering Gumbo, also known as Okra, has never appeared on my food radar. Now the seeds have germinated and beginning to show promise, I consulted Wiki

Leaves and seeds
Pods are cooked, pickled, eaten raw, or included in salads.

Young okra leaves may be cooked in a similar way to the greens of beets or dandelions.[15] The leaves are also eaten raw in salads. Okra seeds may be roasted and ground to form a caffeine-free substitute for coffee.

Also known as Lady’s Finger has many Health Benefits

5. Nasturtiums (Indian Cress)

I decided to grow nasturtiums after a morning’s workshop at Ceratonia herbal gardens. I was fascinated by the fact nasturtium flowers can be added to salads as a colorful, edible decoration. I have since been advised the leaves are also edible.

I planted two varieties: Tropaeolum Majus which is a climber and Tropaeolum Minus which is a bush. We will see.

I will be planting these in the garden tomorrow.

5. Radish

The radish seedlings planted on the 12th of March are slowly appearing. Note to self: I need to plant a new batch once a fortnight through the summer to ensure continuity of supply.

6. Basil Vilmorin Italiano

I planted the seeds on the 27th of February. Are they a little ‘leggy’ or is it just my imagination? Do they also need further thinning? Not much of a result for a month’s growth.

That’s it for this week. Please check The Propagator’s blog to catch up on the progress of other gardeners.