Farmville: in Real Time

That's a shot of our real-life rosemary and chilli.

I know.

 For the last few months instead of asking virtual friends for silk thread, fairy floss, a donkey

or three bags of yam for our farm; there's been real-life farming and I want to share the

farming recipe with you.

 In between my fashioning of frippery, Mr Fascinata has been quite busy.



First, you will need to limit your garden of any plant that 'doesn't serve any purpose' as my farmer friends would attest.

Or, at least in our climate are water-savvy.

Leave a few bromeliads if you must; they are quite pretty.

Clear the beds for the things that matter.

Place newspaper down and top dress with a few bags of soil and mulch.

If you know anyone with bamboo, get over and rake their yard and take the leaves that

contain a natural herbicide.

In no time you will have this:





 Start with seeds (it's the cheapest way), but so you know where they are and what they are doing

plant them in large containers, a foam box or even waxed cardboard with drainage holes.

Water gently.

Twice a day seems best for our time of year in the sub-tropics.

Coax up the seedlings.

 We committed to bamboo a few years ago now and it has proved a water-tolerant

and shady screen. It also supplies free mulch.

But, do remember that it is fast-growing and difficult to remove if you have to change your mind.

It also needs regular pruning so it doesn't get out of control.

Be careful the seed boxes don't get too hot or too dry.

You should move around the boxes when you need to.

Keep your wits about yourself.

Don't go on holidays and forget about them.

 When you transplant when they look strong enough don't try to

separate the plants, planting little clumps is fine.

Sometimes you can do damage if you try to pull the seedlings apart.

A wooden stake is also good to support the tomato plants.

They seem to grow much better.

You can also use a fertiliser if you wish.

So far, I will admit we have copious chillies and only seedlings of coriander, basil and thyme.

Rosemary's growing well, as with the chives and parsley.

I will keep you updated.

The chillies are also as hot as hades, so half a chilli flavours a dish for a family of eight.

And, we do like spicy food.

This is pesto, chilli and penne pasta.

In other New Year news we have said, 'goodbye' to this:

 And this:

I am as sad as you are.

At least these don't have any calories. 

What are you up to?

Any little projects?

Are you farming, real-life or other?