It's November and we've harvested a lot this month, particularly okra and beans, but now everything is slowing down. I've tried to reinvigorate the okra by supplying them some potash and also cutting them down to about 30cm. Will have to wait a couple of weeks to see if those actions have any effect.
Rockmelons have been a failure. In addition to the powdery mildew, they seem to be subject to sunburn, which causes smooth areas which eventually rot. I've harvested a Zatta melon and while edible, it lacked sweetness so I ended up blending it with mango and making ice-blocks. I think the solution to both of these problems is to grow rock melon on an arch (e.g. of Reo steel), which will improve airflow and hence reduce powder mildew, and also the fruit should hang down and be shaded by the leaves.
Watermelons have been no better. One (Cream of Saskatchewan) was sunburned so I've harvested it. It seemed ripe enough, but the flesh is watery and insipid, and it is chock-full of seeds that makes eating it very difficult.
Planted two kumara cuttings (from Daleys) in the new vege bed. They are in full sun, and wilt somewhat during the day but seem to recover at night. As insurance I've taken a new cutting (there were plenty of stems) and put in a pot in a more shaded position. I've planted okra in the same vege bed as apparently they can grow well together.
Recently moved two wine barrels from an area that, due to the movement of the sun as we move towards summer, have become shaded. They are now in sun for at least half the day. They have bitter melon, malabar/ceylon spinach, snake beans, and lagos spinach. We'll see how they cope.
I keep planting winged bean and they do germinate, but they seem to die suddenly. Not sure what is happening with them but will keep trying.
No comments:
Post a Comment