Oh, what a gem!

It's an unsolved mystery. These beauties popped up and I am not sure if it was from the prior failed seed planting episodes (which I thought was baby marrows), or if it was just pot luck out of the compost heap.

Strawberry popcorn

Yes, you heard me right, strawberry popcorn (popcorn the colour of strawberries). I ordered these seeds at my favourite supplier, Living Seeds Heirloom Seeds. Even though I didn't necessarily have the space to grow corn, I just had to try this out. One should not plant fewer than I think 40 or so plants in a block to ensure good pollination (which is required to produce full cobs). The space I had available could only accommodate 10 or 11 plants, but thanks to the good old cape doctor (the wind!), I had a fairly successful harvest! What a magic experience! To harvest these beautiful bright red babies and then to make organic heirloom popcorn as white as snow and soooo delicious out of them! A great healthy and fun idea for little kiddies (or big kiddies, if you are like me, a child at heart!)

My pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

Purple podded pole bean

Another magic find from Livingseeds Heirloom Seeds. Success and so striking!

The Incredible Tomato Seed

This little surprise tomato seed popped up in my window box one day. It grew into a strong little seedling. In the first month of winter I took the very bold step of transplanting the seedling into a pot on my back patio. I sheltered it from wind by placing a board behind it and two bottles along side it. A basil bush sheltered it from the front but still gave it enough light and room to grow. From time to time I pruned the lower branches and gave it some love and worm tea. Look at her now! She made it through winter and I'm looking forward to my first crop soon this spring!

Impatience

Okay, so I simply couldn't wait. In early August I planted some seeds into trays to see if any would come up. Needless to say, most didn't however, the mange tout peas and leeks did! Once they were big enough I planted them into the veggie beds and covered them each with an upside down milk bottle to create a little 'greenhouse' effect to protect each seedling. It looks like it is working! I also added grass clippings as mulch and lots of egg shells to help keep the snails at bay. Although I am using plastic bottles, it is just for a short period during the cooler months to protect the seedlings until they grow strong enough, so I do not believe it is harmful.

Local Organic Farm Produce

To my absolute delight, I found a farmer around the corner from me who farms organically and sells to the public from his small holding in Kraaifontein. 'Oom' Thys was such a breath of fresh air! He was very honest about which of his produce was organic and if he was not sure, he would say so (whatever veggies he does not grow himself, he buys in from other local sources - not all organic). His prices were also competitive [I bought organic beets [R8 a pack], a large butternut [R5], lemons [R3], bunch of leeks [R9] and honey [R35] - not bad for organic!]. In addition to veggies, he sells honey for one of his neighbours and free range eggs for his other neighbour. He said he also sells free range lamb and his wife makes delicious 'farm style' home cooked meals (not nec. organic) for sale at very reasonable prices to the public. On top of all this, he offers free delivery for his regular customers. To get to 'oom' Thys's place, take the N1 heading to Paarl (from Cape Town) and then take the Maroela Rd turn off (the turn off immediately after the Brighton Rd turn off). At the T junction turn left. You will pass the nursery on your right. Follow the signs on your left (take a left shortly after the nursery at the sign). The house will be further down on your left at sign.

Preparing Veggie beds for planting

Last Saturday (?) I started filling the veggie beds with organic stuff. So, I layered grass clippings and leaves with a bit of wood ash and river sand (using sand because of clay soil - not necessary for sandy soil). Greg is mowing the lawn this weekend, so more grass to follow soon!

Veggie Beds

Because of the clay soil struggle, I decided that, for our veggie beds, we will definitely have to go with 'raised beds'. We found these two 'easy-to-erect' beds on special at Builders (half price!), so decided to go for it. Here they are assembled in the yard in a nice sunny spot. Ideally when deciding on a spot for veggie beds you should also consider having their long axis running from east to west and if situated on a slope, the beds should be facing across the slope, not down. I was so tempted to start planting, but since winter has just begun I decided not to chance it. Instead, the plan is to start filling the beds with organic material from the garden to prepare them nicely for spring planting (in Sept).