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Friday, 24 February 2017

Panama Berry

I have two Panama Berry trees in pots which I ordered a few months back. They have just started to flower. Apparently they can flower and fruit all year round.
I've been wondering if they can be grown from cutting, and the answer is YES, though I am yet to try this. According to Daleys they need to be hardwood cuttings. Another option might be simply to take some fruit and bury them in the ground. I have had enormous accidental success growing plants by burying food waste in the garden (in lieu of a compost heap).
The leaves, I hear, can be used as a tea infusion, but I'm yet to try that.

Monday, 6 February 2017

February

It is now constantly hot and humid (around 33 Celsius) every day, and there has been no rain for about two months. This summer in SEQ is proving to be a very dry one. Most of the vegetables have decided to call it a day and are shutting down. The okra still produces a few here and there, but they are being overwhelmed by aphids and mealy-bug, and there is very little sign of the good guys (like ladybugs). The bitter melon are producing small fruit which are yellowing before maturing to an edible size. Time for the vege garden to take a rest until autumn approaches. The one exception is malabar spinach, which is still growing well (in the shade).