Snow Peas, Garlic, Capsicum, Coriander, Kangaroo Paw, Mushroom Compost - Winter 2011

A mild winter in Perth caused the roses, chilli and basil to continue flowering well into the middle of winter.  

Summer climbing beans also grew and produced long sweet beans during winter. Some of these shoots made it to the top of my green wire lattice. I planted winter snow peas (in pic) at the same time and the summer beans grew faster.

Capsicum that I germinated in Spring last year produced the bulk of its crop in late Autumn/early winter. I left a few red capsicums on for weeks after they were ready and they sweetened up very well.

Rocket and Coriander grew well in situ, same as last year.  I planted ‘slow bolt coriander’ seeds in the shade and these took about 4 months to bolt to flower.  The parsnips are still growing and my eggplant came back to life and started to flower.

The Garlic and Beetroot are still growing in the same bed. After 5 months they are still not ready yet due to a lack of winter sun in my patch, but they’re getting there. I’ve topped up this bed with mushroom compost every few months.

The Kangaroo Paw planted 18 months ago has multiplied several times. I’ve cut back some ‘fans’ that blocked access to my front gate. I’m expecting several red and yellow kangaroo paw flowers this summer. 

I have fertilised with Eco-Aminogro and Eco-Cweed once or twice a month, particularly after heavy rains (I’m trialling these products instead of using Powerfeed and Seasol.)

"Eco-aminogro is based on the microbial digestion of fish wastes; the resulting product being free L-form amino acids. Free amino acids are highly plant-available and rapidly correct minor nutrient deficiencies in plants and soil"

Cooking Compost, Chilli Oil & planting more Australian Natives

I have reticulated the watering of my compost. I extended the drip tubing from the garden to the underside of the compost lid (which is carpet). The tubing is attached to little brackets so the carpet doesn’t get continually wet from the watering (see pics).  Perth had a record no rain for 63 continuous days from Jan-Mar, then it drizzled for a bit, then no rain for a further several weeks. I made up the initial mix (see recipe below) and since then I’ve thrown in pruned leaves, soft stems and soft veggie scraps. I then turn the pile with a pitch fork every few weeks or more. By the end of spring, this should be ready to use as rich organic garden mulch.

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The cable tie acts as a hinge for the lid. This can be easily changed if needed.

Compost recipe

2 parts nitrogen (green leaves, chopped lemongrass blades, veggie scraps) to 1 part carbon (dead leaves and thin sticks).  I’ve read that a 2-to-1 ratio of Greens to Browns will make a fast batch, also known as a hot-pile. So, this hotpile should be ready for my hotpatch in about 4 months.

The Carbon:Nitrogen ratio in this batch is about 30:1. In the initial mix, I added some mushroom compost, blended manure, rock dust and blood & bone meal. After a few days, I stuck my hand down into the middle of the pile and it felt warm. 

Planting small Western Australian Natives

To attract more small wildlife into my patch, I’m trying out some natives to attract beneficial insects such as native bees and coloured butterflies. I listened to a talk by the ‘Frog Doctor’ (Biologist) at the 2011 Garden Show and he gave out free native tubes that I have planted around my pond.

Can you spot the 3 small natives close to the rocks?

Part of his advice in ‘creating’ a habitat pond was to get the yellow flowers in the morning sun and blue/indigo flowers in the afternoon sun, then use a log or old piece of wood with scattered 2-5mm drilled holes to make a home for native bees, making sure that some of the wood dips into the pond (coming soon).

I now have six West Australian small natives & interstate natives mixed with non-native plants around the pond.

 

  

 This was the only lilly to appear in Autumn. It lasted about 3 days.

I’ve also planted some small bushy natives in corners of the veggie patch and time will tell if this will aid my quest for housing good pests. I already have Ladybugs around and they are one of the best predators (grrrr!) for an organic veggie patch.  I tell visitors that if you listen closely, you can hear them growl. 

Autumn planting - progess after 5 weeks

Left - garlic and beetroot in the bed, bok choi in rear green pot.

Right - potatoes at the back, nasturtiums in the front.

Carrots and snow peas in the tub                

Chilli oil is a great to preserve fresh chillies. All I do is simmer chopped up freshly-plucked green and red chillies in olive oil for about 20 mins, let it cool, and then pour into glass jars to be frozen. 

Bottled chilli oil, less then 1 hour after picking the fresh chillies

It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

As a snack, it’s great with cheese & crackers and red wine. Try it!