Since my last spring garden update your garden should now be bursting with life. My neighbour regularly visits our garden bringing donations of plants, advice on what to and not to do, knowing that gardening here in Greece is slightly different from that in the UK. Most of my vegetables are now planted and I am beginning to struggle for space.
The potatoes are close to flowering and shortly after I will harvest them and then use the space for carrots. Instructions are to water below the leaves in the late afternoon, so that the leaves do not get wet and can dry before the evening. Potatoes are vulnerable to a variety of bugs and diseases. I woke early the other morning to find my neighbour sprinkling them with a blue power (commonly seen) from a little sack to prevent diseases. She also dusted the tomato plants and other root vegetables.
The aubergines, courgettes/zucchini and pumpkins are planted well apart as these will grow large. I have only just managed to get radish seeds but they don't take long to grow.
Due to a late cold spell this year I deferred putting seeds in the ground as the frost would have ruined them, so the beetroot is only just showing its purple/green leaves.
The onions are large now. I have been good at nipping off the flower shoots as soon as I see them. I will leave them in the ground to dry before harvesting, which is different to the UK method of pulling them and drying them indoors. This is because here in Greece the summer weather is perfect for drying them out.
We chose cherry tomato plants as we love their sweet flavour; using branches as canes to support them and remembering to put egg shells in with the root ball. Cucumber plants will be trained to climb into the grapefruit tree for support. I also made a frame for the green beans using straight branches or bamboo. My Greek neighbour encourages us to use free resources rather than buying garden canes.
The lavender is about to flower. I love this versatile plant both for its culinary flavours and its medicinal fragrance. We purposely planted this under our bedroom window so that this soothing smell wafts in when resting. See my archived blog on lavender.
Don't be afraid to experiment in the garden. My neighbour gave me some runners from last years strawberry plants which I have planted in pots. Although they have only produced a couple of strawberries I am hoping next years growth will be better and once pollinated will produce more fruit.
I have also potted some cuttings; 'pinks' small carnation and geranium. The cost is nothing so there is nothing to lose by having a go, but if successful the feeling of growing a new plant is wonderful.
In addition to the vegetable garden this year I have planted a walled garden. When the drive was created, boulders were strategically placed as a natural retaining wall but it lacked colour and texture. Keeping this project to a minimal budget we purchased some plants and seeds that will cascade, spread and that we can divide once established. We have been gifted plants from friends by splitting and taking cuttings at no cost. We have also re positioned wild flowers growing on the mountains around us so the whole look will be more natural. Although it may look a little sparse now by next spring we hope the walled garden will be blooming and of benefit to the honey bees.
We also potted a bougainvillea which I will train up the carport frame. These plants a beautiful but do not like the wind, so need to be planted in a protected place.
Other splashes of colour are now bringing the garden at The Goat Bell to life. The hanging baskets on the lower apotheke, garden pots, and window boxes.
Maverick has been busy with other garden features. He renovated a cast iron garden bench which looks amazing and made a new outdoor dining table which will comfortably seat six.
We have a couple more garden projects pending; one being an unloved bridge which will span the area around the herb garden where the vothros is and some discarded sun loungers. 'One mans junk is another mans treasure.' I will post these projects on Greek Country Living when complete.
A special part of living in a village community is sharing our grown produce. One neighbour may have a gluten of a certain fruit or vegetable which can be exchanged for something different for another neighbour. This week I was invited to pick broad beans. An early morning rise (as most gardening is done early to avoid the heat) armed with black bags and wearing stout boots, the morning sunshine was stunning, the poppies cheerfully nodding there heads amongst the crops.
Another 'yia yia' in traditional black dress passing by, greeted us with 'Kalimera' and was invited to pick also. Leaving with a bag full of beans, she returned minutes later with a morning treat, as her returned 'favour for a favour'. I just love this way of life.
Minutes later the spring water was diverted from the mountain to water the garden plot via the old rills, so it was time to return home with our yield before we got wet feet.
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