Six on Saturday: Seedlings and Saharan Dust and Gusts

Wow, what a week! I’ve been gardening in a mask!

It’s the first time we’ve been advised of ‘poor quality’ air alerts. Not only did we enjoy the effect of the Saharan dust from Africa we were also subjected to our own local manmade dust storms. ‘They’ whoever ‘they’ maybe, are clearing all the local sandy scrubland and with a huge machine creating an environmental desert. All the wild plants and shrubs are being ground into the earth.

Consequently, when the wind blows off the ocean it whips up a whirlwind of dust. Another consquence of the clearing the land is the wildlife living in this scrubland is now homeless… snakes, rabbits, rats, mice … and nesting birds. Oh, joy.

1. Saharan Dust and Gusts

Everything is coated in sand. It’s even seeped into the house.

And when we returned after my hospital appointment we were greeted with all the empty pots in the pool AND the garden chairs and little coffee table.

2. Cucumber – F1 Lunchbox

3. Melon – Carentais

One of the melons has already fallen victim to a hungry snail

4. Courgettes

I will remove the net once the roots are more established. Mr Blackbird was observing the planting ceremony with too much interest. Ah, there’s Piglet. Worm alert!

Courgette de Milao

F1 Ball Mix

5. Tomatoes – Minibell Cherry Tomatoes

6. Growing Herbs From Seed

I am attempting to grow, basil, oregano, curley parsley and dill.

That’s a wrap for this week, folks.

*Turns off computer and dashes out to the garden to check how my newly planted seedlings are adapting to the big bad world of insects, birds and other nasties.

Do check out Mr P’s blog for more SoS gardeners