Growing Update

Despite everything else that might go on placing dark clouds above, one constant is my effort at growing herbs and other things. With the nights drawing in and cooler temperatures, I'm beginning to worry a little that some of my plants and seedlings may begin to struggle so I'll be keeping a close eye on it all ready to move them inside if it gets too cold.
I was really heartened the other day when my Mum called in and saw my herbs and greenhouse. She remarked that 'my Father would be proud of me'. It's not often that has been said so it made me feel quite good and that all my efforts so far had been worthwhile.

My 'monster' of a honeydew watermelon plant continues to dominate the conservatory. It's now reaching out to fasten itself to anything and everything it can find. Still no sign of any fruit though and I wonder if the cooler temperatures will prevent it from producing any...

It really fascinates me how the plant has developed a mind of its own and I wonder just how much bigger it will become!

I have succeeded in transplanting my delicate asparagus seedlings from their propogator to a large pot. I'm keeping them indoors until they are strong enough to cope with the wind and rain.

Another plant that's doing particularly well is my Basil. The leaves smell absolutely wonderful, pungent and sweet. We've already used them in cooking. Again, I'm wondering just how big this will become. I've already had to add further support and it appears to increase in size by about half-an-inch every couple of days.

Everything within my mini-greenhouse seems to be doing very well. I've added some more tomato seedlings so hope to have a real mix of different types. My Sweet Cicely hasn't show any signs of germination but it's early days.

Tomatoes and Onions (kindly supplied by Janet Giles)

My Garlic makes a tentative but welcome appearance

A late addition is Oregano which has also gotten off to a good start

My outdoor tomato plant is bearing fruit, and lots of it. I'm hoping this mild spell will last a little longer to allow for ripening.

So all in all I'm pretty pleased with progress so far. I would never have dreamt that growing these things would bring as much pleasure and satisfaction as it does. I'd even go as far as to say that 'I'm hooked!'

Forced to rationalise, job update and other stuff

A few days since my last post and a lot happening in the news. As I type this, the overthrow of the Gaddafi regime seems to be entering its final stage and there is speculation the rebels have him surrounded in Tripoli.

Back down to earth and I've decided to focus my attention on growing herbs, tomatoes, onions, peas and beans. Most of what I've tried to grown in the ground has been eaten and I'm tired of trying to keep my vegetable plot pest free. Everything I'm growing under cover in my conservatory is doing very well including most of what I'm growing in pots on my patio. So these are the methods I'll employ for all my growing. It's so much simpler and more especially, productive.

I will endeavour to grow some vegetables - potatoes and carrots especially, but I'll use grow bags which I know to be a very good method.

Of the herbs I'm currently growing, rocket and coriander are the most popular and abundant. In fact, I've been adding rocket to just about everything I can. It has a mild, peppery flavour.
My tomato plants are beginning to bear fruit, lots of it. They are quite small at the moment but I'm certainly going to have a good crop. I'm keen to get another plant going as soon as I can so I can stagger my tomato production. I'm very fond of tomatoes and I know it won't take me long to eat them!

Still no word from my new employer but I'm hopeful I will hear something in the next few days especially if they want me to start at the beginning of September. I signed-off on Monday last which was a great feeling. I'm no longer slave to the Job Centre!

The TV news (especially from Sky) is getting more exciting by the hour. Their correspondents are really placing themselves in amidst the action and I'd be amazed if awards aren't won. I'd be very surprised if there isn't a major development in the next few hours. The coverage has been excellent and is testament to the continuing developments in technology and the portability of news gathering. Compare this to the techniques used just 10-15 years ago.

Oh, I must mention my wife's Birthday which was yesterday. My wife isn't one for celebration - much like myself - but we did nevertheless have a very pleasant day. We popped along to Hunstanton for the afternoon, one of our favourite seaside locations. My son immediately headed for the land train and we travelled the length of the seafront including the Searle's Holiday Camp. After a few rides at the amusement arcade, we had some fantastic fish and chips, opting to eat them on the grass atop the cliffs. Weather was perfect and it all made for an excellent afternoon.