shiukopuppy's Blog
shiukopuppy's November 2007 Entries
Last Post 59 days, 9 hours Ago
Nov 6, 2007 | 2:00 PM PST
It's been busy in the garden! Slimezilla and I managed to do some preventative work to keep out the birds and possums. Even today, I had to move a potted lemon tree into the greenhouse because possums ate all of the new growth last night. So I think it will have to live in there permanently, as this is the second time this has happened.
We have protected the black/red currants and raspberry plant by building a wooden frame with bird netting and wire mesh. Hopefully it will keep the possums out, as well as the mystery animal that keeps digging them up at night.
We protected the fruit trees by making an enclosure out of crop covering fabric which lets water and sun in, but keeps pests out. All of this looks a bit messy, but it protects the leaves of the fruit trees (which the possums like to eat). The possums stripped all the leaves off the apple and pear trees in the past.
Finally, I'm going to put protective bags over the new fruit: plums and pomegranates. Just in case.. as the only plants the possums have ever left alone have been onions and peas.
And regarding the myna birds that turned out to be scavengers, I've moved the chicken food out of their sight and have been chasing them away! :)
Nov 1, 2007 | 2:44 AM PST
My fav gardening books:
This helped me to understand seasonal tasks e.g. pruning,
re-potting and fertilizing (naturally), crop rotation and also the possibility of having a winter vegetable garden.
After reading this book I tried to grow galangal, turmeric, ginger, cumin and daikon but unfortunately I didn't have the right conditions. I did succeed with flowering pak choi, water spinach, thai basil, laksa mint and shiso leaves though!
This book taught me about soil care and good insects, organic plant care, resourcefulness, homemade cloches and making shelter for local wildlife.
