The veggie beds are just starting to become established with the beginnings of some produce emerging. This is incredibly rewarding for a novice veggie gardener. I’ve never seen some of these plants growing before so it’s highly educational and ridiculously exciting.

As I feared, the beds are way too over planted, so today I started to thin plants out,  particularly those that I had sewn by seed. The Harlequin carrots were growing very thickly and those I pulled out had already started to shoot the baby carrots, which look so perfect as micro mini veg. These look hopeful for a good crop.

I discovered the Beetroot bulbs (?) whilst removing yellowing leaves. I’ve already eaten some Broccoli (which goes to seed frighteningly fast). And the Celery looks great. I’m hoping this will stand me in good stead for soups and casseroles for Winter – I’m just not sure whether I should have staggered the planting or if it will last for some time.

There have been a few failures along the way. I discovered the green grubs were back with a vengeance today and have done considerable damage to a number of crops. I’ve removed heaps of them and am now a little reluctant to spray given how thick all the growth is. I know now what the frost can do (and we’re not even into Winter). The Baby and Bantam Corn just managed to peek above the straw mulch, before being totally burnt by the frost. And the Beans are all beginning to show signs of damage as well – the Snake Climbers were destroyed very early in their life. However the root veg – turnips, swede and parsnip all look fantastic. The English Spinach is going well and Spinach seeds have been planted over the failed Corn kernel seeds. The mini Caulis are also starting to sprout and look very healthy. I’ve been told root veg as well as some of the leafy crops like broccoli, caulis and cabbage should all do well in the cold.

Last night I had some lightly blanched Kale with soy sauce and sesame seed oil dressing with my meal. Tonight I will be using some Capsicum and masses of Italian Parsley in a pasta dish. I’m now at a point where I can try to organise meals around what’s available in the garden. It doesn’t get much better than that.