melbaboutown

My zucchini seedlings have been wilting a bit between waters already so I’ve looked into some things to help over Summer.

There are various options to give plants slow release water. They’re apparently good because it reduces stress from dryness or wildly varying amounts of water (which may result in zucchini becoming bitter/toxic or tomatoes splitting), reduces water runoff, and avoids root rot.

There are plastic spikes used with plastic bottles or terracotta spikes (aka ‘olla spikes’) used with long necked glass bottles. Note that terracotta spikes may take wear and the rim may break with a heavy wine bottle so from time to time those may need to be replaced.

Another option is to seal the bottom hole of a porous terracotta plant pot with caulk and bury it to the rim so it can be filled with water to slowly seep out through the soil. If you do it this way you can use the saucer as a removable lid. Other people choose to flip it upside down, caulk the saucer to the pot to make a sealed ‘bottom’ and have the hole at the top to pour water in. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GRiLhrY2CMc

This is an ancient irrigation method and used to be done with actual ollas which are shaped more like a vase. You can still buy them or make them but terracotta pots are cheaper and easier.

You can also use old plastic bottles with pinprick holes which I will probably do.

Olla watering spikes vs plastic bottles https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XBaQhNDm7q0&pp=ygUaVGVycmFjb3R0YSB3YXRlcmluZyBzcGlrZXM%3D

These can all be used in-ground, in pots or containers, or in raised beds. You just need to check the spacing

Posting this a day early while I remember.

Spring. A good time for vegetables. According to some table it’s a bit late now to sow tomatoes from seed? But you could still buy seedlings.

In the warming weather what do you have planned for your landscape, pots, patch, window box - or even the lone houseplant/cactus in your apartment?

Why is the image not showing?

Here you go

The weather is warming up and it’s good to put out water. Especially now I’ve got magpies here.

However I stopped doing it because of potential disease transmission with avian flu. (Especially owning a vulnerable elderly cat - who is kept indoors but could get sick if I tracked something in.)

I’m physically disabled so would have trouble cleaning and disinfecting the water containers daily.

What’s everyone else’s plan for managing this?

This service is free via the EPA - apply through GardenSafe in Victoria and VegeSafe for the rest of Australia). The only cost is postage. You may choose to donate but it’s not compulsory.

It’s October and the maggies are singing.

As the weather warms up what do you have planned for your landscape, pots, patch, window box - or even the lone houseplant/cactus in your apartment?

Sorry this is super late. I’ve been busy and forgot to post at the same time as the frugal thread.

I also haven’t been able to do much gardening. The window boxes don’t hold much, I’m struggling with fatigue and the carrots I’m hoping would set seed are being eaten! Perhaps in future I’ll be able to do more.

Have you got any plans for your garden coming into spring?

Sorry it’s late. I really haven’t been doing much over winter.

Something knocked over my pot of carrots and has been eating the tops, boring down into the root vegetable! I’m suspecting a possum.

I really need to repot the rosemary and buy seeds to resow the cat grass.

Have things been more active in your garden? Did you get some good results with winter vegies, or are you thinking ahead to spring?

I've been a bit crook so haven't managed a lot of gardening lately. I'm just leaving my heirloom carrots in their window box until they set seed, and resowing the cat grass.

Have things been more active in your garden? Are you getting some good results with winter vegies, or thinking ahead to spring?

I really don't want to do this again