Another month, and the summer harvest has only slowed down a little. March is usually a wet month around these parts, though this year it has been so dry. Waves of dust come drifting into the house whenever the sheep go by the yard. We have been using the drip irrigators in the early morning to keep the plants alive (although we finally got a little rain this morning when I popped out to take a few photos).
The tomatoes are still going, although we are no longer getting big boxes of tomatoes every other day. There is still loads of unripe fruit hanging on the vines. They will slowly ripen over the next few weeks, until the frosts come and kill the plants. We have roasted a lot of tomatoes and frozen them so we can make tomato soup over the winter.
The zucchinis have not been as prolific this year as in previous year. Even so, we still have more than we can possibly eat. The beans are also growing well, and we are waiting for them to fatten up and dry on the vine so we can make baked beans this winter!
The capsicums and chillies are still pumping out the produce. This year CB has grown several varieties, and they provide a beautiful colour pop in the amongst the greens and browns of the garden. I love colour of the black capsicums.
We have harvested nearly all our corn now, and CB has pulled out the dead stalks, and put the chicken tractor over the beds for several day. In place of the corn, he has now planted out all the brassicas. They have been hit by some caterpillars, however one of our friends suggested we plant some cress next to the brassicas which attracts the caterpillars, and also kills them. We are going to pick some up in town this week!
The decorative gourds are mostly finished, though we are waiting for the frosts before we bring in the pumpkins.
With most of the winter planting in the ground now, the next month is all about gathering in the last of the summer harvest, digging the potatoes, collecting the pumpkins, and getting ready for the cold weather. Fingers crossed for some rain soon!
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