Mikhailah's Blog

Last evening I planted my pumpkin seeds and my lettuce seeds. In the herb bed I planted Sweet Basil and Dill seeds, the Basil may come back to bite me later on! I couldn't find my coriander seeds anywhere. When I've pulled up the seeding lettuce I am waiting on in this bed I will have room for 2 more herbs, coriander and I'm not sure what else... maybe a cinnamon basil?

So I'm now waiting for bush beans, pole beans, english peas, lettuce, pumpkin, gladiolus', basil and dill to show, I love the anticipation!

Early this morning I was out and about, I was determined to do something about the messy, weed ridden onion patch under the chicken wire and out of the reach of the monkeys.... and me. So I disassemble the structure and got to pulling weeds. Cleared everything, I had to replant a few onions that came up with the weeds! They're still mainly around the size of golf balls. They smell great and I can't wait to sample them. They were planted from seed and are well worth the wait.

I found a runner bean online that is self pollinating. MERGOLES I wonder how many more there are out there? I just read some more, I'm so confused. No bees, no touching, lots of beans, that's all I'm asking for! Can anyone give me some advise and help me out here? Please?

I've been thinking about my strawberry seeds and gathering information....

Growing Strawberries From Seed

Planting:
Best started indoors in early March. These seeds are very tiny and should be sown on the surface of the soil. Sprinkle seed very thinly over the surface of the soil and cover flats or trays with a clear plastic wrap, bag or dome to hold moisture and humidity within the soil. Provide bottom heat to maintain a soil temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F), which will maintain a temperature at seed level of 15-18°C. Seeded trays should be kept from any direct bright light until seeds germinate. Trays can then be moved to a sunny location. If the temperature fluctuates widely, then germination will be very poor. Germination will take 3-4 weeks. After 4-6 weeks, transplant tiny seedlings into 2x2" pots until they are ready to be placed permanently outdoors. Light feedings with a well balanced fertilizer can begin at this time.

Growing:
Thrive in full to partial shade with a soil pH of 5.5-7.0. Moderate feeders. Alpine strawberries are perennials and special care should be given to area in which they will be permanently planted. Prepare a rich well drained soil by adding plenty of compost and well rotted manure to the area. Use bonemeal and compost teas or other balanced fertilizers during the growing season.

Harvesting:
Pick once the fruit has fully ripened to a crimson red. (These strawberries will be much smaller than commercial types).

Pests & Diseases:
Red Spider Mite is easily recognizable by the first signs of fine speckling on the upper surface of the leaves, which eventually lose colour and become hardened. In severe attacks, webbing can be seen on the underside of the leaves. Mites love dry air and dust, so wash off foliage with a jet of water in dusty seasons. An excellent all-natural bio-degradable insecticide is Safer's Natural Insecticide. Mulch over winter for protection.

Companions:
Melon.