At the beginning of October, we took a step back from the coalface to take stock of our gardening activities and evaluate what was a productive use of our time and energy and what wasn’t.
One thing’s for sure: we ain’t getting any younger! So, labour-intensive jobs like growing vegetables, which weren’t proving productive, had to go.
We have decided to focus our efforts on tending and maintaining the plants we enjoy.
1. Weather
Last Sunday we were threatened with rain. While other parts of the Algarve enjoyed cloudbursts and storms, we had about ten spits and spots, heard the growl of distant thunder and then it stopped. Apparently rain is now forecast on November 1st.
We seemed to have transitioned from baking hot to cold in the blink of an eye. This morning (08.00) on checking the outside temperature I discovered it was only 9C. No wonder I had to don my woolly beanie in bed last night! Time to dig out the winter clothes and change the duvet to a winter tog.
Ignore the time on the weather gizmo I haven’t figured out how to change it. Don’t you just love technology?
2. Aubergines
Aubergines are usually the one crop that grows well, but not this year. After waiting all summer for them to ripen, I opened one up only to discover it was inedible. Needless to say Mr P was instructed to bin the plants and turn off the watering system. I am gradually emptying the pots of soil so they can be retired.
3. Composting
This was another casualty. Mr P built a three bin composter many years ago but it was hard work to maintain.
I continue to compost but use large black plastic plant pots which I stack. This method keeps out the rodents and snakes. Another plus I don’t need to venture into the undergrowth near the hedge where anything could be lurking …. and usually was!
4. Main Vegetable Areas
Over the last couple of weeks, we have been emptying pots and various other containers.
Almost cleared
Progress has slowed this week as had a minor procedure on my face which meant the most I could do in the way of physical activity was direct Mr. P.
5. Vertical Strawberry Planter
A great idea, but the extreme heat we’ve experienced this summer resulted in the soil drying out too quickly, and the planter needing constant attention. I removed the surviving strawberry plants and rehomed in three tubs.
The transplanted strawberries are looking rather bedraggled. I need to get them moved into the sun. Hint, hint Mr P
6. The Orange Tree
A while back I thought it was dying but it rallied over the summer. It even bore fruit … but inedible. It now has two chances: subit to Mr P’s pruning endeavours or we chop it down.
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That’s my six for this Saturday, gardening buddies. My thanks to Jim for hosting the gardening meme
End of an era! Now you two can enjoy the well-deserved rest from the weeding and hauling!
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Hopefully you can still enjoy a bit of gardening that isn’t too strenuous. A petanque area sounds fun.
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As we age, we all have assess what we can or cannot do. Indeed, what we want to do. A little sad, but that’s how it goes.
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We are coming to a similar conclusion, so much work for not enough edible reward. Our sweetcorn was brilliant, the raspberries have had a long season and the leeks are still going but the potatoes got blight, the caterpillars ate all the brassicas and the shallots, though many are very small.
We are doing some deep thinking about next year. :)
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Hey, long time no see! I decided last year (2025) not to continue in 2026 after a disastrous year. We had a severe drought, and I hand-watered everything after saving water from dehumidifiers, washing up and shower runoff. I was worn out for no reward. This year I was sucked in again. I am determined not to get sucked in again …
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It’s very hard not to! We gave up our allotment a year ago intending to go easy and then planted nearly as much in raised beds in the garden but with mixed success as explained. :)
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You’ve been busy. It certainly makes sense to make the garden easier to manage and focus on the plants that do well. I wonder what went wrong with the Aubergines?
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The aubergines are a real mystery. I was gutted when I opened them up.
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Having an easier to maintain garden is a must as we get older unless you can afford a gardener. Though it can be hard to edit. I gave up on veggie growing because of all the S&S I get here. Even my herbs have decreased. Have you any plans for the empty space?
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Hi Jude, we have a guy who comes in and cuts the hedge a few times a year and occasionally we have someone to come in an yank up the weeds but I really like the pottering side myself. I do find gardening is therapeutic.
I want a pentaque area …we will see.
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What are your plans with the area where your vegetable garden used to be?
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I want to see if we can convert it into a pentaque area :)
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Did you get into gardening at a young age Carole? I do admire your patience.
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Hi Lana, not until I got married and had my own garden.
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Well done on your efforts to look after the orange tree!
I see the weather isn’t great, and it’s quite chilly in the mornings too… It makes me think of my sister, who’s heading to Faro and Lisbon in a week’s time—but , it is autumn!
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Hi Fred, the secret to clothing in Portugal is wearing layers. It can be cold at night but up to 20 °C+ during the day. Lisbon will be cooler than the Algarve. I hope she has a wonderful holiday :)
As for the orange tree, Mr P is working on it as I write this.
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