Saturday 25 April 2026

​Beautiful autumn ANZAC Day.  Light breeze, cloudless sky, 18°C.  I snapped a quite nice photo of our eucalypt leave and seed pods which I thought reflected the ANZAC vibe.  
We missed the parkrun mob this morning having stayed in Devonport last night.  Back to town just as the morning service ended and a visit to West Park Grove Nursery for some bits and pieces.

Garden Notes

First seeds / bulbs of the year planted in the under-deck grow space.  
Broad beans:  12 seeds sowed directly into 3 mid sized pots.  Seed notes say germination expected in 5-10 days.  Once germinated, fertilise until flowering begins.  I intend putting some climbing frames over them once they germinate.
Garlic:  10 cloves planted into two rectangular plant boxes.  Seed notes say the plant should emerge within 14-21 days.  Fertilise regularly before the Spring equinox, but not after!  Harvest when 4-5 leaves remain on the plant.  Avoid water one week before harvest.  Cure in a warm, shaded spot.
Red onion seeds:  30 seeds into 30 jiffy pots.  Seed notes say seeds should germinate in 14 days.  When transferring to beds, prepare soil with organic matter and manure.

​Other Concoctions

Today I chopped 8 apples and put them in my fermenting jar with 5 tablespoons of raw sugar and topped it over with water.  The theory of apple cider vinegar making says that the apples should be removed after about 2 weeks, and the remaining solution left to ferment for another 4 weeks or so, stirring every few days, before bottling.  The flavour of the ACV will develop as long as it is left in the fermenter.  When content with the flavour, whack it into bottles and store in a cool pantry or refrigerate.  It should last a year.