SoS: What’s Happening on Piglet’s Plot 23rd March?

This week has proved to be one of the busiest in the garden so far this year. I had (and still have) so much to do that I don’t know where to start. I feel like I’m spinning on the spot. Everything needs my attention, and it needs it now, which often sees me start one job trotting off to get a tool or a product only to find I pass (for example) a plant(s) in crisis, such as a snail attack or lack of water. I deal with that, then, forgetting the original task, move on to another job. Return to the house to be asked by Mr. Piglet, “Did you bring in the mint for the peas? You went to get it over an hour ago.”

1. Nesperas

The Nespera tree has produced an abundance of fruit this year. The birds have had a grand feast, and yesterday, we picked two bowls of fruit… hmmm… Picked with the intention of making Nespera Chutney today. I don’t think I can face it now. I may just prepare the fruit and then freeze it. Can you freeze the fruit and then defrost it later for jam and chutney?

2. Cannas – New Growth

The snails and slugs are enjoying my canna leaves, and I’m on red alert to check them a couple of times a day.

Like the cars, garden furniture and everything else, they are covered with Saharan dust. The Saharan dust finally arrived

3. Transplanting Seedlings

The yellow pepper seed plugs I bought at the market a month ago are now ready for planting on into the raised bed. I had six, but a gang of snails ate one.

The aubergine plugs are also ready for planting on – I just need to decide where.

The processor bean seeds sown on March 8th are now ready for planting in the old strawberry bed, which I have dressed with manure, more compost, and Epsom salts.

Marketmore tomatoes, which I started from seed, are doing well.

4. Seed and Plant Share

Chard

I noticed someone advertising for succulent cuttings in our local gardening FB group. I replied that I had lots of cuttings and plants ready to rehome. The lady brought me a big bucket of chard, complete with roots, as a thank you. I removed all but a couple of leaves, planted them in a large flowerpot, watered well, and prayed. I’d never eaten chard before, so I fried the leaves in oil and garlic, which were delicious!

Tomatoes

The Black Tula (beefsteak) and Ola Polka (dwarf yellow cherry) tomato seeds arrived from a blogging buddy in France.

Full of beans

Thank you! I will be planting these tomorrow.

5. Ants and Snails

We are having a constant battle this week with snails and ants. A lady in the U.S. suggested diatomaceous earth. I’d never heard of it, but much to my surprise, I went into a garden supplies shop (Sanipina), and sure enough, they knew exactly what I meant and actually had some in stock! I am going to give it a try. I have tried sprinkling wood ash around the plants, but it hasn’t really had any effect. Maybe the earth was too wet when I applied it. Any other suggestions, please?

6. Vertical Planting to Save Space

After a lot of cussing (and there were a few choice words uttered), we finally completed this!

While we made this vertical planter for strawberries, I wonder what other vegetables will grow in this type of container?

Step-by-Step instructions

How to Make a Vertical Strawberry Planter

That’s it for this week, folks. My thanks to Jim, who is the Six on Saturday gardening host. Please don’t forget to check out other participating gardening bloggers. What’s been happening in your garden this week?