The transition from summer to winter is a little tricky. It’s definitely easier the second time around but there’s still a fair bit of guesswork. We’ve only had one decent frost so we haven’t been forced to give up on summery plants like field tomatoes and beans just yet. But the pumpkins are inside and the withered vines have been cleared. The nasturtiums that we interplanted with the pumpkins are still making the bees happy and given me a chance to try making nasturtium capers, which I’ve learned can be made with nasturtium seeds either pickled or preserved in salt. We’ve been harvesting snow peas for three weeks now, which we didn’t realise was a possibility last year. But the powdery mildew that I had feared has hit the podding peas so they’ll be cleared to make way for more snow peas. We don’t have enough brassicas or spinach but it’s too late now! 

The tunnel warms up nicely on a sunny day. The cucumbers are still producing, alongside some less happy tomatoes while one huge marigold continues to feed the bees. Remembering that the tunnel would be in the shade for part of the day by now we planted carrots and beetroot early enough that they’re now well on their way. The silverbeet and rainbow chard were planted a smidge too late and are still a touch too small but they’ll be ok. Yet somehow we’ve been caught short on lettuce – it seems like all varieties simultaneously began a go-slow. We’re trying some lettuce outside under fleece in a sunnier spot but we need to remember to check they aren’t being decimated by slugs while we’re not watching. 

Even though we saw it  last autumn we’re still marveling at the mushrooms popping up everywhere – out of trees, in garden beds, out of the woodchips in the paths, everywhere. I managed to convince Alex that anything that can’t be named should not be eaten! And the only ones we can confidently name so far are poisonous! The one place without mushrooms is the pile of mushroom logs that I carefully drilled and stacked over a year ago. My early optimism of eating home-grown shitakes has faded somewhat but I’ll try to soak them and throw them around to see if they can be shocked into fruiting (the internet says they might be!). 

The start of May also brought International Compost Awareness Week, though I unfortunately missed that opportunity to post our compost widely and wildly. While unaware of ICAW, Alex continued to ensure I was aware of developments in the six piles and pallet compost he continues building and turning. Temperatures are high so the weed seeds are hopefully fried. He also roasted some garlic in one (not intentionally and not for eating!). The pallet compost is full of worms and the pace that they transform the hot compost (after it’s cooled) into something finer is incredible. Meanwhile there are still no worms in the last pile of purchased compost, which is also incredible.

A month ago I thought we would have a greenhouse by now. Two weeks ago we had marked out the trench, bought rebar and counted out ligatures (after learning what they are), starter bars, stools and special bricks. But I think we were both a little relieved when we were delayed by surprising difficulties in hiring the trench digger (not the real occupational title). Apparently once it starts it needs to happen quickly. And apparently I will be involved. Let’s see what the next fortnight brings. Although it’s daunting it will be fantastic when it’s done. And at some point the tomato seedlings will start showing their displeasure at this delay!

 

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