We Have a Winner

On the attack. The cabbage whites have won this time

I’ve lost the battle with cabbage whites.   

There comes a time when you just have to stand down and  admit defeat. This week’s burst of hot weather produced so many caterpillars that I could see the plants moving as they set about devouring every last piece of leaf of the kale and broccoli and leaving me with bare stalks. 

This isn’t just inside the tunnel either; outside plants have suffered the same fate.  Things were so bad in the tunnel that people couldn’t go in without commenting about the smell of rotting plants. This phenomenon came about because of the poo deposits being left by so many caterpillars; it was all dropping on the floor and decomposing.  

Itchy

As I pulled up most of the plants I was getting attacked by the crawling swarm, well I say attacked, I really mean they were falling down the back of my neck and landing on my arms( I am really itching now just talking about it!)  I will save some of the plants that didn’t come off so badly, but the ones in the tunnel are beyond any form of a comeback.

In a moment of panic I went online to see about getting a smoke bomb to fumigate the tunnel.  I’ve only ever used these as a youngster when my friends and I would have telephone box crams. After we found out how many of us we could fit inside the box (the record was 10) we would ignite one of the fumigation tablets and hide and laugh as we observed the reactions of passersby.  

As an adult, a couple of points come up from me now. Firstly the telephone box could have been needed for people needing the emergency services and secondly you can bet your bottom dollar that fumigation in the 1970’s probably contained DDT or some other lethal chemical. Ignorance can be bliss, but not in this case I fear.  

A Bit of Research

The smoke bombs I found on the internet were cheap enough at about 5 euro for two and the packets claim that no harmful (to human) chemicals are used.

As with most things though I decided to do a bit of research and find out which type are the best.  One comment on a forum forced my decision; someone commented that the best form of pest control is the winter and frost.  They are right. All I need to do is bide my time and revenge will be mine. Any other pupae that survive will get the finger and thumb treatment.  I was also thinking that the smoke probably wouldn’t kill off soil borne pests either, so the 5 euro remains in my pocket as I wait for the cold sharp hand of frosty death to creep into the tunnel.

I’m in the Shops!

I’ve gone retail again!  It’s been a long time since I sold plants, but my fantastic handmade terracotta pots from Carley’s Bridge Potteries in County Wexford have inspired me.  I have been planting the pots up with some choice houseplants and decided to go down the “health and vitality” route and chosen aloe vera and ginseng plants. 

I have chosen these two long lived plants as they don’t require much root space and can withstand a bit of neglect and radiator heat.  The plants and pots should give pleasure for at least a year before the plants need a bit of extra space.  I currently have one outlet at the Legenderry Warehouse No1 in the centre of Derry next to the Guildhall square, but you never know they could be in a shop near you very soon. 

On the Lookout

I am on the lookout for some seasonal plants that are long lived to go into the pots as well. I have seen some succulents sprayed autumn colours to pander to the Halloween shoppers and it won’t be long until the Christmas stock is upon us.  I don’t want to put anything cheap looking into these lovely pots and I would like them to be long lived again too.  I thought of poinsettia but these plants very rarely make it past the New Year. It seems strange to be thinking that far ahead to Christmas, but after saying that I have seen a lot of decorations in the shops already!

How about dwarf conifers with a sprinkling of white powder on them? OK, I’ll stop there

PS. I’ve just found out why I am so itchy.  3 caterpillars down my shirt!

Cacti and Succulents

My new impulse purchase has arrived.

I’ve been online shopping again. The last time I did this I ended up with 600 terracotta plant pots couriered to the door.  This time I have been bulk buying cacti and succulents from Poland. I did have a slight feeling of “why did I do that” but it was nowhere near the same intensity as the pots.  The plants in question were only about 2 cm in width and height so take up very little space. Unlike the pots which take up the garage.

Well Packaged

I ordered 35 small cacti and 25 succulents. They came very well packed in a box half the size of a shoebox. The cacti are about 2 to 3 years old and all have roots, not the largest but enough to secure them firmly into multi cell modules trays that I have. In a way I feel as though I have gone back to my “roots” so to speak as cacti and succulents were the first plants I grew as a youngster. They are pretty robust and can stand the neglect of not watering them every week. In fact from November to March you really don’t have to water them at all unless they are close to a radiator. Succulents have to be attended to a little more often though but as long as the soil dries out in between watering and the roots are not constantly in water, they usually give trouble free displays all year round.  

Soil Mix

I’ve been playing with the soil mixture. Most books and the web all say different percentages of grit, compost, sand and feed. I’m just using what I have around me to come up with what I feel is the best for my plants (cheapest option). This consists of sieved sand to get 2-5mm grit, coir compost, but any will do, and some horticultural grit mixed together, peat is good as it keeps the soil slightly acid which the plants enjoy as it releases nutrients easier for them. I’m not adding any plant food just yet as I think the lack of nutrients will entice the roots to grow faster as they look for food. I can be so cruel sometimes! Some other alternatives would be pumice and perlite to aid soil aeration.

For those of you with an interest in spiky plants (not for the feng shui lovers) here are a few simple tips to get the best out of the plants.

Light

Succulents and Cacti enjoy being kept in a light, airy position all the year round. A south-facing window is ideal for most types, although plants like Aloe will be quite happy in more shaded areas.

In general, to keep looking healthy, a succulent plant should have sunlight falling on it for at least part of the day. Many would be quite happy with either morning or afternoon sun in an East or West window. I have taken to putting my large Mother in Laws Tongue outside this summer and it has really benefitted by a bit of fresh air and rain. I think most succulents would be the same as long as they are taken in when it gets cold and stay well drained.

Water

Rain water is always better than tap water if you have a choice.

Flowers

Once flowering size is reached, they will flower every year and some even twice in one year. Many cacti reach flowering size at two years old, while some take ten years to mature.

To produce flowers, some cacti need a cool, dry, rest period in the winter. A cool bedroom is ideal for this. Given this rest each season, and plenty of sunshine, many varieties will flower on a windowsill, although there are some that produce better results in the greenhouse or conservatory. 

Temperatures

Most of the plants can withstand full sun but leave airflow or they will cook. In the winter, most plants are happy if kept at above 40 deg.F (5 deg.C) if dry.

When to re-pot?

The plants are not too demanding and can be kept in very little soil. But like all plants that will grow better (and happier) if there is a bit of spare compost for them to grow into. Unless you want bonsai plants, repot them every year into a slightly bigger pot.

Propagation

Take cuttings during the active growth period - that is in spring and summer.

Take the cuttings (Stem or leaf cuttings) on a dry, sunny day (So the cut surface forms a callus quickly) Succulents will grow better if the leaves are not put into soil, leave them on a plate. When you see roots appearing on the base (In about 3 weeks), pot them carefully into slightly moist soil. Cacti can have offshoots that can be placed into sandy compost. I have a packet of free seeds from the Polish suppliers. They are called Astrophytum mix. I’m not sure what to do with them so I will have to go online to look. Hopefully I won’t have to go on any sites that are trying to sell me things. 

I have enough to be getting on with!

Things that made me Happy in the Garden This Week

Gardening as a hobby, what could be better?

Having a Hobby

Having a hobby of any kind is beneficial to health. There are probably a few exceptions, like smoking a pipe, but these are generally few and far between and classed as “Bad habits” more than hobbies.  Having a hobby is perfect for reducing stress and allowing yourself to have time to pursue your own interests; some people actually turn them into money making ventures. 

We’re all different and have a multitude of ideas when it comes to passing the time constructively. Thankfully I found a hobby that I love, gets me out into the fresh air, exercise and on a yearly basis doesn’t really cost a lot of money, in fact it saves me money. Gardening.

Not having a hobby can actually lower your happiness levels. Research from the Gardener’s World magazine found that more than 90 per cent of gardeners think it improves their mood. It also found that gardeners are less likely to display signs associated with unhappiness or depression.

Recent Survey

The poll of 1,500 adults found that 80 per cent of gardeners feel satisfied with their lives compared with 67 per cent of non-gardeners. Gardeners’ World editor Lucy Hall said: ‘We have long suspected it, but our research means we can definitely say gardening makes you happy.’

‘Part of it comes from nurturing something but also a natural optimism that no matter how bad the weather, there’s always next year. It’s also about passing the seed of knowledge and the pleasure that gives.’

Overall, outdoor pursuits appear to bring the most happiness – 78 per cent of walkers are satisfied with their lives, as are 75 per cent of those who fish, according to the survey.

Keeping busy with any pastime, though, is important – of those with no hobbies, only 55 per cent were satisfied with their lives.

Green Exercise.

Green Exercise, or enjoying the benefits for the big outdoors is said to help mental health, this could be gardening but it also includes walking, sailing, tennis or anything else that’s done out of doors. Gardening especially provides a dose of nature as it can be done at any time of the year.

Professor of environment and society at the University of Essex, Jules Pretty, said: ‘Active living is more likely to be effective if physical activity becomes an inevitable part of life rather than a matter of daily choice. This could have significant long term impacts both on individual health and costs of health services.’ 

According to the research, gardening is known to have therapeutic effects on our stressed nerves. It helps us wind down. And that particular feeling, of having created something, is a powerful elixir that can take us a long way towards feeling happy, relaxed and totally de-stressed. 

Things in the garden that made me happy this week

Getting physical. I have enjoyed being out in the garden and being physical. There’s no need for me to go to a gym or do anything too strenuous. It helps keep me in a good mood and helps me sleep a lot better.

The Hounds of Love. I enjoy having the dogs with me when I am working. They cause more jobs of course as they rummage around for the ball in the vegetable patch but it’s so much fun to watch them I don’t mind.

Just taking time out. The garden is ever changing and being able to take time out just to enjoy the smells, sounds and colours is something that I am always grateful for.

New crops. Planting up new salad crops this week has given me the satisfaction to know that we will be eating fresh lettuce until well into the autumn.

Continual Harvesting. Harvesting the runner beans and tomatoes has been really enjoyable this week. Being able to pluck fresh vegetables and fruits from your garden is liberating. And of course, all the organic food will prove to be extremely beneficial, healthier and also tastier.

Added Vitamins. I’ve not been short of vitamin D this year and this week was no exception. The sunlight feels great on my bald patch (one of the advantages of hair loss)

Sweeping up.  Even mundane jobs like getting the brush out to sweep up some early autumn leaves is a joy!  And let’s not forget just sitting and drinking tea in the garden. I am easily pleased.