Spring time brings with it new growth of the plants and flowers we love and the ones we’d rather not have (weeds).
Weed Control.
As I garden as naturally as possible, weeds present alot of hard work for me.
I have been ‘weeding’ now for a few weeks as the weeds love the spring as much as all other plants and flowers.
Finally, I seem to be getting on top of it all, so now I need to order in large quantities of mulch and get busy mulching.
For the areas around my gardens and paths I also used ‘Beat a Weed’ from Richgro – one which can be used in Organic Gardens – according to their own website.
Planting.
I have planted lots of vegetable seeds and seedlings, using ‘companion planting’ with both vegetables and herb companions plants.
My tomato seedlings are surrounded with basil. with lettuce in the foreground. Carrots with radish and peas. Garlic, parsley and French marigolds surround the vegetable patch all helping to strengthen and protect my vegetables.
In another part of the garden cucumbers and capsicums are planted with onions and garlic chives and oregano.
As I like the idea of ‘cottage and pottager’ gardens, my vegetable area also has hibiscus, daphne, bay, foxgloves, wisteria, elder, along with many other plants, flowers and trees and is located close to the back door.
Companion Planting.
Apparently, by ‘mixing’ up vegetables with other ‘companion’ vegetables and herbs and flowers etc. insects get confused with all the different scents and become less of a problem.
I also make sure I havent planted the same crop/vegetable in the same position as I did the previous year, which apparently controls soil diseases.
Feeding.
I gave all of my newly planted seedlings, seeds, plants some seasol to help them get over the transplant shock and to give them a good start in life.
The mulch I am soon to apply also breaks down and helps to feed plants, as well as controlling water loss and weeds.
Worms.
Where there is mulch and no chemicals worms can multiply and get on with the wonderful work they do to help our soils.
Final thoughts.
This years ‘vegetable’ garden is as much as an experiment and learning experience for me as the previous years gone by but going on the results of the past and the bumper crops acheived, to me, it is a good way to garden.
More updates to follow soon.
