Thursday 2 May 2013

Autumn potager

The weather during April was mellow and golden. Autumn slid gently into view. We've had some chilly nights (and one frost so far, to welcome May) but there were plenty of warm weekends last month. I have pulled out the corn and tomatoes since this picture was taken, but the zucchini, peppers and chillis are still hanging on. The runner beans are done but I'm letting them die down naturally so they resprout next year.

In the centre beds rosemary balls add structure. Chives are still lining the paths and the time is probably about right to divide them before winter. I have calendula all around the outer beds lining the circle brick paths, so they should flower all through the cooler months and provide interest along with the rosemary.

I'm very pleased at the size of the leeks this year. This is due to planting some good sized seedlings just after Christmas. On the left are some smaller leeks that I planted a month or so later.

Brassica seedlings are protected with plastic bottle cloches. I've planted red sprouting broccoli, purple   cauliflower and orange cauliflower. This bed also has rainbow silver beet and spring onions.

So the winter garden is all set. How is your patch this autumn/spring?

6 comments:

  1. I think I say this every time I see your potager, but I just love it. It is absolutely beautiful. Your winter garden sounds so colorful! And you are so smart to use plastic bottles as cloches.

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    1. Yes! Colour is good in the winter months :) And it's always good to find a way to recycle plastic isn't it!

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  2. Your potager garden looks great, Ruth! I'm surprised at leeks! They grew big!! And using the plactic bottles as cloches is a good idea! I don't have many vegetables in my balcony, but I want to try:)

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    1. Thanks Keity, the leeks this year are the best I've ever grown actually! Can't wait to make some lovely soups and pies with them. Your garden is so lovely with all the herbs and flowers, I'm sure some vegetables will enhance it even more!

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  3. Your potager garden looks lovely, I wish I could have something similar, but I have too much shade, not enough space, and too many other plants I don't have the heart to throw out! I have grown some herbs before, but this year I have tried sowing salad, radish and beetroot for the first time, in window boxes. I am inspecting them closely every day, if the instructions on the back of the seeds were correct, I should be able to make my first harvest in about 4 weeks time. Exciting!

    You seem absolutely set for your winter, hope you have had a good summer, always helps when facing the winter. Take care, Helene.

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    1. Hi Helene, yes we did have a really good summer and you're right, it does help face the winter! Your vege window boxes sound great, those would be the perfect crops for containers. You'll be having lovely summer salads soon :)

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