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.
Related Posts:
That’s my six for this Saturday, gardening buddies. My thanks to Jim for hosting the gardening meme
I understand what you mean about not getting younger! I also share your frustration, from a very different growing area, about aubergines–eggplants to us! We got one tiny success. Maybe the weather? (This summer we even had struggles getting zucchini to thrive..)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam, it’s strange that the aubergines have failed this year. I have some more that have self-seeded, which have just started to develop, and they are the usual deep aubergine purple.
Zucchine I never have had much success with. Once the flowers dropped off the zuchinnni went mouldy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make me feel better. Zucchini are legendary here for over-producing…people struggle to give them away, and ours were non-starters!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your veg area is really big, that is a ton of work! And I agree with you, some veg just aren’t worth the amount of time. I think I’m sticking with herbs, chives and tomatoes from now on. They grow easily here. Oh, and citrus. Our lows have been about the same as yours, it does feel chilly in the morning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Tracy it is a ton of work for the return of produce. Most things get diseased or are eaten by bugs. We have a good local farmers’ market so I will support them. You are lucky with the tomatoes. Ours usually got blight. I’ve only had one year of productive black tomatoes and nothing this year or last.
I am with you on the herbs. Let’s see how they go.
LikeLike
Hard decisions, but you are being completely sensible about scaling back the gardening. I love the idea of a petanque area too. Good luck sorting it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, it was a hard decision but one that had to be made. Once we’ve cleared everything as much as we can, I will have to employ some young muscle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
End of an era! Now you two can enjoy the well-deserved rest from the weeding and hauling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, AW. And a new chapter for the garden
LikeLike
Hopefully you can still enjoy a bit of gardening that isn’t too strenuous. A petanque area sounds fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, Suzanne. The gardening was something of a chore but now I am actually enjoying just pottering
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is one of the frustrating realities of getting older, especially when our brain tries to persuade us we are in our twenties where anything was possible
LikeLike
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. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 …
LikeLiked by 1 person
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. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
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?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The aubergines are a real mystery. I was gutted when I opened them up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What are your plans with the area where your vegetable garden used to be?
LikeLike
I want to see if we can convert it into a pentaque area :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun!
LikeLike
Did you get into gardening at a young age Carole? I do admire your patience.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Lana, not until I got married and had my own garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person