Six on Saturday – Garden Diary

This week the sun pushed its way through the clouds and once again temperatures reached the high twenties. At least the heavy rain we enjoyed for a couple of days replenished the water-butts, gave the shrubs and hedge a much-needed drink, and brought some relief to the scorched landscape – fire risk downgraded from high to medium in some areas.

Sammy the snake also put in an appearance this week. I saw movement in the front flowerbed and then he slithered across the drive in front of me. I must now remember to stamp my feet as I walk around the garden.

Another critter to put in an appearance this week was the mongoose, who likes to tapdance on our roof in the middle of the night.

Sadly, the robin who returns to our garden each year flew into our dining room window …. he is no more.

1. A Question re. Rejuvinating the soil

As the summer season draws to a close, I have a question re regenerating tired soil. What do my fellow gardeners add to their soil to give it a pick-me-up to support the next batch of crops? Other years I have added manure but this seemed to have little effect. I am not sure if we should remove some soil and start again, add some rotted compost, add fish and bonemeal (if we can buy it here) or what to do. Any advice appreciated.

2. Herbs

While shopping in Lidyls we noticed they had trays of herbs for sale. At €1.49 each, I could not resist the temptations, so I bought basil and thyme. I will repot these and add to my potted herb collection on the terrace.

 

3. Cucumbers come in shapes and sizes

My Portuguese cucumbers come in all shapes and sizes. They would not win any prizes but they taste good. The plants are now coming to the end of life

4. The Battle of the Brussel Sprouts – OH v. Cabbage White Butterflies

The OH continues to wage war on the cabbage white butterflies and with the help of Mr. Blackbird, they remove the writhing mass of caterpillars. OH still sprays the leaves with diluted washing-up liquid but it does not seem to deter the butterflies. Any other suggestions, please?

4. Lettuce

Failure to visit our local gypsy markets and plant stalls to buy new seedling plugs has resulted in rationing. We are now reduced to one pot of mixed lettuce which are tired and past their best. fingers crosssed we can find a market this week so we can replenish our pots for autumn and winter supplies.

5. Melons

After an initial growth spurt, the Galia melon plants have now withered and died. Time to harvest our final three melons before they rot on the plant. However, what I did discover, that in my garden at least, they grew better in pots than in the raised vegetable area. but I wonder if the issue lies with the soil.

6. Yellow Peppers

It’s heartening to see we still have many babies on our yellow pepper plant. Fingers crossed they ripen before the clocks change at the end of October.

That’s a wrap for this week. For more garden updates check out other SOS bloggers

If anyone has any ideas re soil improvement and/or how to deter cabbage white butterflies.