Boom-chikka-wa-waaam. Along with some, Go Rikki arm movements insync with the MC Hammer running man. THAT, was how excited I was to see my first broadbean appear?! G’sus, what has my life come too? Beans?
Well, I ought to be a little giddy with joy. My small apartment garden is one of those ‘I wish I had more space to grow stuff’ kinda scenario. I don’t give it much attention at all. Often forgetting to water or fertilise until the caterpillars or weeds appear and before-I-know- it, they’ve eaten my plants alive. Seems, the front balcony is exactly the right temperature and bug-free zone to grow some vegies.
I DON’T PROFESS TO BE BURKE OR JAMIE – BUT IF THEY OFFERED TO COME DO MY GARDEN – I WOULDN’T SAY NO! BY THE WAY, I’D PREFER JAMIE, SORRY BURKE.
A few months ago, I had some spare pots (here’s where I tell you, they were spare cause the plants died) and just happened to be at the Marrickville Organic Farmers Market chowing down on the Char Kway Teow. Unexpectedly, I picked up a few tiny plants in coffee cups from a lovely european lady, for the bargain price of $1 or $2 each – I spent a whopping $10 altogether – wowzas so cheap! Fast forward 3 months, and my garden is in full swing. The broadbeans are appearing, the beets are forming, blueberries are getting there – I think, the round carrots are almost ready and the herbs are in full-bloom.
Seems my thumb is turning a slight tinge of green. In the next few weeks, I’ll harvest a few things to cook them up to show you. I. Can’t. Wait!
The gooky balcony vegie garden
The beets are no fuss and just grow, grow, grow
Say hello to the tiny blueberry plant beind the beets
I have no idea how long til I have fruit good enough to eat but here's hope!
Here are the ruby beauties, a few more weeks then I'l harvest some
Carrots looking a little sad and worse for wear
Alas, their little orange tops are a good sign. Must. Water. Everyday.
So excited for the broadbeans, growing so big in my tiny balcony.
The shedding flowers were a little worrying - I thought the plant was dying BUT...
Dead Flowers = Beans + Happiness... Beans are appearing and are almost ready to be picked *woop woop*
Thai basil great for lunch rice paper rolls
Keeping the mint restrained in a small pot, this one can get outta control easily
Mojito anyone? Pimms & lemonade with mint and cucumber?
Basil, "I need some space", Cucumber Cress, "I just don't care, I'm taking over!"
More Basil, "Hello, I'm coming through - watch out."
Cucumber cress - this stuff is amazing. Tastes like fresh cucumber. Great in salads, drinks or used as a garnish.
There's even some chillis appearing - hurrah!
THE DEETS YOU WANT TO KNOW
Plants bought from Marrickville Organic Farmers Markets
Every Sunday from 8:30am – 3pm
Addison Rd Community Centre
142 Addison Rd, Marrickville
Look for the lady with the plants sold in coffee cups
$1 for small plants
$2 for larger plants
All soil and pots from Bunnings
