mmm... vegies

Growing a vegie patch is essential to my core. I have attempted to grow one at nearly every house I have lived at since I moved out of home some 8 years ago... at last count, that's 11 houses! My current abode has been my home for nearly 3 years - that's a record by 2 years (not counting my parent's house, which I was born into, and they still live in!). One of the first things I did upon arrival to this latest home, even before all the boxes were unpacked, ok, there are still some unpacked boxes... ANWAY, one of the first things I did was rip up the old chicken coop and make a vegie patch. My yield of tomatoes that year was impressive to say the least, but has been declining each year since then. Tragic.

Every year, I have major renovations within the confines of my 3m x 3m patch, usually to keep out the hopping variety of pests or trying to beat the mid-summer sun or just laying down some excellent compost/mulch. All with the vain hope that "this year will be the year". Last Summer was the worst, ending with me pulling everything out in disgust in late January and leaving it until Winter vegie time.

I have theories as to why my crop has dwindled. None of which are the simple explanation that we are in a long drought.

Whatever the case, I am giving my patch a rest until October... except for a small patch within the patch where I have some broccoli, cauliflour, lettuce and peas. All is going well though I didn't know until I planted them that I had inadvertantly bought "minature cauliflour"... what does that mean? I have yet to find out... except to note that tiny seedling sized plants are sprouting white heads... they are high achievers!


Here's to next Summer! Because this year will be the year...