Tending your Daisies

Most of you will have tried to grow a thing or two, whether it be a lemon tree in the back garden, some mint by the tap, a decorative pot of basil on your window sill, or even just your child’s straggly school-project runner bean. We at Dune Daisies applaud you for your efforts and have faith that they have not been in vain, whatever your success rate (disclaimer: we both confess to having killed the odd plant or two, entirely by accident). In our books, any attempt at planting deserves a daisy high five.

We also understand that this time of year is particularly trying for those attempting to grow the odd salad green. It’s just too cold, there’s not enough sun and the back garden has become a football pitch/dogs running track/weed-infested jungle while your back was turned. Well, as we have often mentioned, we are here to make your lives that little bit sparklier. So please do read on to find out how, what and where you can grow some edible greens during these winter months.

And for those who cannot source planting boxes, old car tyres will work just as well – and they can be stacked on top of one another to create deeper planting mediums.

3) Garden beds

The winter growing options available to you as the ‘ground gardener’ will all depend on how much sunlight your winter garden bed receives. Remember that the number of hours as well as the intensity of sunlight in winter is drastically reduced when compared to the sizzling summer sun. If you are lucky to have a well sheltered spot of garden, that gets its fair share of winter sun, plant from the list we have provided.

4) None of the above

If you are struggling to find the right place and spot to plant your winter garden, put word out there in your community, get together with a friend or two and make it happen. There are inspiring examples  of kerbsides becoming blooming edible gardens, old recycled cars sprouting onions from their open bonnets and cooperative garden clubs for those that want some company whilst donning their green fingers.

Get set…

So, now that you have earmarked where you are going to plant and what you are going to plant, a vital component determining the success rate of your green fingers project is your planting medium (ie: the soil). And not just any soil will do. We recommend getting in touch with either Clint at the Farmyard Nursery (Facebook), John Davies or Andrew at St Francis Bay Organics to obtain a couple of bags of affordable, top-grade potting soil/vermicast/compost to give your plants the best chance in life. And please don’t forget the importance of good draining before the soil gets chucked on!

And plant…

Okay, the time has come, you have done your research and created the best possible planting place and medium for your winter garden and you have sourced the appropriate seeds and seedlings. Now comes the fun bit. Remember to space out your plants/seeds with an eye to the size of your future harvest – no self-respecting bean wants to be too close to those pesky, sprawling swiss chards. Check online or on the back of seed packets for spacing recommendations. Watering in these drought-filled months will always be an issue; be mindful of how often and when you water your plants – top tip: utilise the last dregs of your fur baby’s water bowl, catch the extra water used to prime your coffee machine and collect your dish wash water in the sink – your veggies and our local dam levels with thank you. One last word on waterwise gardening (and this really deserves its own blog); one cardinal rule is to never have any bare soil showing in between your greens. Yes, we know that it looks tidy and pretty to all you A-types out there, but it’s just not sustainable. Breathe in, allow a bit of wild into your garden (whether it be a pot/container or bed), mulch away and ensure that every bit of water you pour around your plants gets utilised (and not evaporated or runoff).