October 2015 - SpadeRunner

Rain again, the Wet Season returns?

October 27, 2015December 29, 2015 Stephen Carlin

We have had our usual dry Spring. Put in the perspective of places across the world and closer to home that really suffer from droughts, our little dry season is nothing to complain about, and in fact it gives us a welcome break from mowing, but it does make seed raising in the garden an endeavour unlikely to succeed. No matter if they get daily watering, seeds sown outdoors in beds just aren’t going to try to germinate under the combination of dry air and baking sun. This year hasn’t been nearly…

Aquaponics update; the first month

October 26, 2015December 14, 2015 Stephen Carlin

Our aquaponics system has been running-in and settling-down for a month now. As expected, it has needed some adjustment, but it is working well for a first time try. Now that the system has proved itself it’s time to expand and get some of those rain-sensitive Summer crops going. Tweaking the system has involved more structures, like a shade house for the pond, a sand filter, and setting up for expansion, but the main issue has been controlling the pH of the reservoir.

Home grown coffee; worth a try!

October 15, 2015September 7, 2023 Stephen Carlin

A couple of coffee trees can give you an interesting home addition to your coffee repertoire. Our place here came with a couple of mature coffee trees, growing under a canopy of tall trees. After some maintenance and two crops, I have learned a few things about processing them for home grown coffee, and decided it’s worth the effort. Although the processing is a little involved, it can reward you with a good home roast, with no additional equipment if you already grind your home brew.

Growing zucchini ‘Costa Romanesque’

October 12, 2015December 27, 2015 Stephen Carlin

You’ve got to love growing zucchini as a home garden vegetable. They are quick, easy and delicious. This year I’m growing the ‘Costa Romanesque’ cultivar. I have two plants that I started early, and they have raced ahead in the warmer Spring weather. I have been watching them closely to check whether there are both male and female flowers, so was astonished to find this huge first zucchini; either I overlooked it or it grew tremendously overnight.

Tongue orchid, Dockrillia linguiformis

October 7, 2015December 27, 2015 Stephen Carlin

This sweet little orchid, native to the East coast of Australia, has been amazingly forgiving of some pretty harsh treatment, but hopefully it is now in a spot where it can flourish. It is an epiphyte, growing on a piece of wood on a tree trunk, and has lovely spikes of white flowers in early Spring.