ANNA'S GARDENING DIARY
As you have probably seen in various parts of the media, growing your own stuff is the new way forward. Whether it's because it's cheaper, better for the environment, more enjoyable or just for a work out, it is defiantly the new big thing. I love programs like 'It's not easy being green', but gardening has never had too much of an appeal to me. But, not one to sit back while everyone else is having fun; I decided it was time for me to have a go. I have a number of things growing (mostly edible, with a few exceptions) and I have to say I have been converted. It's great getting stuck in and it's really enjoyable too. Not only am I a green thinker ... my fingers having turned green too now!
I'll keep you up to date with how things are going and I will do my up most to show you how easy it is and how much better for the environment it is.
Oh, and the water I use to water the plants comes from the water butts in our garden, so its all rainwater and its all recycled!
Courgette We bought a small plant and were given two off a friend. 23/04/09 - Bought courgette is out in the garden now 29/04/09 - Oh no! Attack of the slugs! It's really bad and we have had to bring it inside 16/06/09 - After the brief blip with the slugs, all plants are outside. The two we were given look like they are dying, but our original one it absolutely thriving!! I have seen four decent size courgettes already! |
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Lavender Lavender has a lot of uses (not eating, though) and is a lovely scented plant. 21/04/09 - Planted from seeds 02/05/09 - They didn't appear to be growing, but today was the first time I saw some tiny little shoots emerging! I was really excited! (How sad). 16/06/09 - Are still quite small (about 3cm) but seem to be steadily growing. I accidentally killed half of them when I went away for a weekend in Brecon ... oops! |
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Mixed Salad Leaves These are really good for you and easy to grow. The only problem is I don't really like them! 21/04/09 - Planted from seeds, and have covered pot with a bag 29/04/09 - First noticed some little shoots ... grew very quickly, huh!? 09/05/09 - Have been steadily and quickly growing and are about 10cm tall now 16/06/09 - We have been eating them for a few weeks now. They have really bushed out and now the problem is they don't have enough room! They are growing quicker than we can eat them! (Oh, and by the way ... if you are like me and don't like them, if you cut them up small and mix them with other things, they are quite nice!) |
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Lettuce These are apparently really easy to grow, and if you eat a lot of salad, this could save you a fortune! 21/04/09 - Planted from seeds, and have covered pot with a bag 29/04/09 - First noticed some little shoots, although they are not growing as much as the mixed salad leaves 09/05/09 - Have been steadily growing 16/06/09 - Just like the mixed salad leaves, they have been abundantly growing for a few weeks now |
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Runner beans These grow really tall and are pretty tasty! 29/04/09 - Planted from little plants. They seem to be growing really fast! 09/05/09 - They have been continuing to grow, but have actually slowed down quite a lot 16/06/09 - Have practically exploded upwards!! They are now at the top of the bamboo canes and still appear to be growing! |
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Sweat Peas Although the name might be a bit deceiving, these aren't actually peas ... there flowers. And there my favourite! They are climbing plants and grow 1-2m tall. They look a bit odd, but have the most delicious sent in summer. 23/04/09 - Planted outside from little plants 29/04/09 - Have grown a bit but are struggling to climb 09/05/09 - Are steadily growing, but not climbing. Just flailing about! 16.06.09 - Are finally starting to grow along the fence with a bit of encouragement and string. Due to a lot of sun and quite a bit of rain, they have rapidly grown |
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Feverfew Although this is a bit of an odd herb, I chose to grow it as it has been noticed to sometimes reduce migraines and headaches. So I thought there was no harm in trying it. 09/05/09 - Planted from a small potted plant 16/06/09 - Has grown unbelievably quickly; it must have at least tripled in size! Has got a few buds on, but also some rather unwelcome greenfly ... |
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Lemonbalm This herb has got a lovely lemon scent (you don't say ...) 09/05/09 - Planted from a small potted plant 16/06/09 - Like the feverfew it has rapidly grown and it at least three times its original size |
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