Spring into the Garden
September 1, 2014
Spring into the Garden
Garden Share Collective September 2014
The garden is starting to wake in anticipation of the warmth of Spring. The blueberry bushes are in flower, the fruit trees are starting to bud, as are the raspberries.
The newly planted herbs have beautiful fresh growth and I love seeing the bright green new growth against the old of our little olive tree.
Over Winter I have had two amazingly productive parsley plants. They were both huge, there was no way that we can keep up with them. I decided to free up some space for new plants by removing one. I gave away big bunches of parsley (and also spring onions) to the neighbors, kinder teachers and the first mums I bumped into at school pick up. They were gratefully received and I freed up some space to plant peas and beans – plus I love my pea frames so am happy to see them back in the garden again.
This post is part of a series of regular monthly garden updates. It is part of The Garden Share Collective where garden enthusiasts from around Australia and the world are hosted by Strayed from the Table to share their month in the garden. Be sure to visit others in your local area to be inspired and see what they are planting, harvesting and doing in their vegetable gardens now. You can find all of my previous posts via my index page.
Planting:
This month I will be waiting anxiously for the right time to plant more tomato and capsicum seeds, if the ones I planted a week ago sprout.
These plants are going into the vegetable patches this month:
- Beans
- Carrots
- Coriander
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Spearmint
These seeds will be planted in trays (still indoors in a protected position)
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant
- Capsicum
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
Harvesting:
This past month we have harvested the last of our potatoes. The beds have been dug over and are awaiting new plants when the soil warms.
We have had a steady supply of:
- Bok Choy
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Lemons
- Spring Onion
- Parsley
- Rosemary
Tip: I have found that the bugs are less likely to attack the bok choy in pots. I have been harvesting by chopping off the top of the leaves, new growth quickly follows.
Plus we have also harvested some:
- Beetroot
- Carrots
- Coriander
- Peas (just enough to snack on in the garden)
Things to do this month:
- I am keeping my eyes out for some manure as the lot that I was hoping my brother would bring me a few weeks ago didn’t eventuate.
- Tend to my compost – it is need of a mix and check to see if any dry clippings need to be added
- Nurture little seedlings – I like to give them frequent drinks of seasol
Most of the focus and production over Winter has come from the new garden beds near the house. The raised beds have been home to potatoes and not much else. I am looking forward to them starting to burst to life again soon.
Welcome Spring! Here is my little review and farewell to Winter:
Are you ready for Spring? What are you most excited about planting?
Inspiring families to grow at least one fresh food item at home to experience the benefits of fresh food.
You have similar things going on in your garden as we do, similar climates I expect. The first day of spring here in NZ and it’s raining, but we did actually need some. Funny you should say about the parsley, but we had the most amazing plant this year, I’ve had to transplant it so I need to cut it back really, hopefully it will come back as lovely as before. Loved the video, such a good idea. Keep up the good work x
Thanks Sue. Parsley is such a wonderful addition to the garden and kitchen. Maybe there was something in the weather this year that was perfect for them. Many of the Garden Share group have said that they have amazing plants this year.
I love your produce of course, but the photos are absolutely stunning. F
Thanks so much Francesca.
i love those pea trellises – so architectural, works of art in themselves! but of course, the peas are what we really want 🙂
it’s inspiring to see all that you are growing and harvesting.
Thank you e. They are decorative, that is what I like about them as they are close to the house. You are correct, they are not focus, just a pretty extra 🙂
Great post! Wonderful pics. There is so much going on at your place! I’m jealous of all your harvesting .. how wonderful. We have the same problem with parsley – except I haven’t removed one of mine yet. Love the idea of planting the bok choy in a pot!
Thank you Julie. We have had a bumper Winter harvest this year. It has been wonderful.
Everything looks lovely. Especially those gorgeous fat peas. 🙂
Thanks Krista. I am in the process of planting more so hope to get some inside to the kitchen!
Great gardening update Krystie! We too have two really abundant parsley plants…the more we pick, the more grows. Our seeds are growing indoors too and I hope this way, I can get stuff in the garden that is a bit stronger and protected. Our peas never make it in the house either…but really i love seeing my kids eat them straight off the vine – happy spring gardening xx
Thanks Brenda, good luck with the seedlings this year. Hopefully the Spring weather is kind. Happy gardening to you also.
Super photos, you’re plot looks great. We’re getting to the end of Summer now, so I’m kind of looking at your garden with a little jealousy. Oh to be able to look forward to spring growth and fresh peas, broad beans…….
Spring does hold a wonderful promise of great vegetables to come for many more months. Thanks Simon.
Your photography is gorgeous, as always. I love your pea frames too. Where did you get them?
Hi Kate, they are from Bunnings. I searched junk yards and recycle places high and low trying to find something to re-purpose for frames but couldn’t find anything. I settled on these and the hunt continues as I will need more this year. I do love them though.
I love that pot with the bok choy it is just so cute. I tend to overplant my bok choy so I never harvest just leaves. I wouldn’t want them to grow back. I’m always trying to figure out what to do with it all.
Haha after reading about your harvest amounts on your site Daphne I can believe that! Thanks for dropping by.
Love the video and yes farewell winter. The size of those spuds is just inspiring, I hope to get some that size this year. You are so kind to give out herbs to everyone, I need to know some more people, so I can give away all my cabbages. Enjoy spring and see you next month.
Hi Lizzie, I have been thrilled with the potatoes this year. It has made a huge difference planting the seed potatoes rather than organic ones that sprouted. Yes, see you next month 🙂
I had mountains of parsley in the garden when I lived in Melbourne too. Now in Ballarat I’m really struggling to get it established – though my neighbour has lots so it is definitely possible. I have really barely gardened at all this winter, the days are just so much colder I can’t stand being out there for more than a few minutes. Thankfully it is starting to warm up and the broccoli that I planted and have thoroughly neglected is starting to produce. I like the idea of bok choy in pots, I might try that in with some flowers, that could look okay I think. Enjoy your Spring gardening and I hope those seedlings thrive with your attention.