I was nervous about the condition in which I would find my garden upon my return but it turned out well. The garden is thriving. The tomato plants are taller than I am. Butterflies and bees flutter around. And there’s a sweet fragrance. I took to watering all my plants and checking on their health before I even brought my bags indoors.
If strawberries always taste like this did, I could be a convert.
Couldn’t prevent basil from flowering.
Nor the coriander (cilantro) now going to seed.
Tomatoes are turning red.
Accidentally broke off a tomato stem so stuck it in the ground. It has taken root and is now bearing fruit.
Sweet peppers! Now do they turn colours while still on the plant? Hmmmm! When am I supposed to harvest?
Habanero coming along too.
Corn! Can’t believe I already have cobs. They are small though. Must shake the tassels to pollinate the silk myself.
Eggplants.
Bees in the garden at this point is a good thing. Lavender smelling wondrous.
Another look at the fragrant corner. The hammock is going right there.
Planted two lemongrass stalks from kitchen scraps. They have taken off! It’s tea time!
Groundnuts!!! Need to weed around though.
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But there were some failures.
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Looks like the stevia is drowning.
As is this pepper which I hope to harvest before the inevitable.
Cannot save the vegetable patch. Lesson learnt. Will not plant cabbage next time. Brought in the worms which have made lattice-work of my greens. Also, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli have proven to not be worth the investment. So next crop cycle (fall), will just be greens – kale, chard, spinach, lettuce. Simple!
Lettuce patch wilted indoors. Don’t ask why I didn’t take it out.
The sorrel didn’t even have a chance to root.
A lover of mangoes. A woman - smart, without pretense, lefthanded, Afropolitan - navigating this thing called life. An unapologetic believer in social justice and karma. Choosing to radiate positive energy and be true to myself. Here, my musings.
I found the gem that is your blog last night and i have read almost half of the entries!!! Your post on forgotten spices in Ghana found a place in my heart,bought land and built a ranch there. Now this particular post has my attention. I have a couple of questions. 1. Where is this garden located?please say Ghana. 2.If Ghana, do you have any suggestions as to how a novice like me who NEVER took the Agriculture Science class seriously can start to grow a garden in a backyard?? I wont even be mad if you dedicate an entire post to that very subject. I say this because i have nursed the desire to grow a garden for so long but i think it near impossible. I simply do not know where to start, what grows in Ghana and what doesnt, what times are best to grow theem,etc 3. Any ideas what seeds or herbs or plants are sold in the states that can be planted in Ghana and would thrive?i get soooo frustrated when i find a cool recipe online ,decide to try it at home only to see myriads of 'ingredients'(like you im also trying to find a better sounding substitute to this word) that simply cannot be found in Ghana. Im in the states at the moment. i soon leave for Ghana so if you have any suggestions, i would quickly act on them, buy what i have to and bring them over to Ghana. Ok this 'comment' is probably too long.lol Thats how excited i am about your blog!!!
Hi Anonymous, thanks for the enthusiasm. Unfortunately, my garden is in the USA. I do not know what the best growing seasons are in Ghana for different plants. Your best bet would be to look to see what grows locally around the area where you are. The crops at the market that aren't imported would be a start. When we lived in Accra, corn, banana,plantain, cocoyam, groundnuts were grown, aside from the fruit trees (citruses, mango, sea almond, soursop). Tomatoes should be easy. I suspect peppers including the sweet ones, okra, shouldn't be a hassle either. In terms of the greens, that would likely be more difficult. Lettuce, broccoli, chard, spinach, kale etc. like it cool.
Suggestions would be to just try and see. Online seed stores (burpee, parkseed) will soon be having clearance sales as it is the end of summer. I would just buy what is desired, plant and see. Most should grow and grow well. Herbs like basil and cilantro would grow too fast ie. they bolt ie. they flower quickly in heat so for those you just have to keep re-planting to keep fresh stock. At least with the cilantro, when it goes to seed you get coriander. A two for one.
The mediterranean herbs (rosemary, tarragon, oregano,marjoram, thyme) don't mind heat, but don't like it too wet.
Good luck!!
I would be concerned about planting seeds in the rainy season because the heavy rainfalls can easily wash away the seeds and damage the seedlings. so maybe start in the dry season, and have your own supply of water (specially regulated).