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Life on two acres of arid dirt, on the edge of the Australian outback.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Uncovered

Hello dear friends,

Last week we had some cooler weather. This had not happened in such a long time. 

One day of coolness, then it was gone... 

On this day the skies looked like we could get some rain, so I thought uncovering the veggies would be a good idea so the plants could get a decent drink of life giving water. 

It. did. not. happen. 
I think I may have scared the rain away!

The veggies appreciated the coolness and the bit of sunshine they had the next day.


Silver beet growing with some chives in there somewhere.

 This bath has a mixture of strawberries (looking a bit worse for wear from the heat), celery and beetroot.

The new zucchini plants are doing well.

 I have picked three of these already.

More silver beet.

 Dwarf Beans.

Beetroot.

Capsicums.


Rhubarb.
I am going to make rhubarb and ginger jam.

Cucumbers.

I am not sure what is going on with the cucumbers. 
I found this lighter coloured one hidden among the vines. I am thinking they are actually meant to be this colour!

The heat has taken its toll on the tomato bushes but they still producing fruit.


I have planted some more young seedlings to keep us going for the rest of the season.

 Grapes.
These have been picked, some eaten, some drying.



 Nectarines. 
They are almost ready.

 White figs.

 Pickings...

Somebody's hiding.
Must be nice and cool in there.

Another beautiful sunset.

Could this week will be the last we see of the hot weather for a while? I hope so. 

It reached 43C today (109.4F), but has now cooled down to 39C. I am praying for some rain.

I hope you are all having a lovely week. 


33 comments:

  1. Gosh, I dont think I could stand the heat for so long. We've had it pretty hot too but not much above 37C and then it cools off each night too.
    Those wicking beds must be doing a good job, every thing looks good. Maybe that was an albino cucumber?? Stay cool,

    Cheers - Joolz xx

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    Replies
    1. I can barely stand the heat right now Joolz! I need a break...

      Our nights are about 27C at the moment.

      Is there such a thing as an albino cucumber? I don't know :)

      Yes the wicking beds are working well, so much better than any other method I have tried.

      xTania

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  2. Your garden looks like it is doing very well under the duress of the heat. I loved your little friend who was seeking shelter from the heat!

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  3. Tania, I am green with envy (forgive the pun) every time I see your garden. You are going great guns! Mimi xxx

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    Replies
    1. The wicking beds was the answer Mimi, they are doing so well.

      xTania

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  4. Love the photos. We've been down near 0 Fahrenheit lately.

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    Replies
    1. Brrr Gorges! I could do with a tiny bit of your coldness right now :)

      xTania

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  5. I am continually amazed at the produce you grow in an outback environment

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Phil, it is a battle, but I persist :)

      xTania

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  6. You have me thinking about spring but we have a while yet as it is about 10F and they are calling for several feet of snow in a couple days. I have an old bath tub and may have to give it a try this year in a warm spot to start then move to the cool side of the house for hot weather. Enjoy your good vegies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cant believe you are going to get snow while I am melting lol!

      Give the bathtub a go, they make great veggie beds.

      xTania

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  7. Look at your wonderful garden! Praying for rain here too - surely it will cool down soon. Watering the garden just isn't the same - the plants need some rain desperately. Hope you get some soon.

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jayne,

      No rain yet. I am not going to listen to the forecasters anymore, they promise rain and it doesn't come...

      xTania

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  8. Oh My Goodness,

    You've had temps at high as 109 degrees Fahrenheit and we've had temps as low as -9 degrees Fahrenheit - Sometimes, it's hard to believe our planet can sport temperature differences of 118 degrees Fahrenheit or better. Your garden seems to be doing well despite your hot temps. I also hope you see rain very soon.

    Blessings,
    Mrs.B

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  9. Thank you Mrs B, I hope so too.

    xTania

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  10. Tania, we put another wicking bed in the other day as hubby made one from an ALDI raised garden base. It is working well so far. He used up all the blue drums for seed :-( We are hot here when it is 33C never mind 43C. I hope you do get some rain very soon.

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    Replies
    1. Glad to hear your wicking beds are working Nanna Chel. They certainly do work.

      We have had rain overnight, but it is still humid and meant to be 33C here today.

      xTania

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  11. We finally got some rain yesterday. It was lovely. But I think it heating up again in the next few days. Stay cool and hydrated xx

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    Replies
    1. We had rain last night, the place looks so refreshed this morning :)

      xTania

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  12. If you were here, your veggies would all be covered with snow. 17 degrees above zero (f) last night.

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    Replies
    1. Brrr Harry, I cant imagine temperatures like that. Hope you stay safe and warm. I think it is cold when we get to 0!

      xTania

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  13. Those tubs of yours are great. Ugh the weather is driving me nuts 42 one day 17 the next back to 35. Still you are doing so well. Birds are eating all my tomatoes unfortunately.

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    Replies
    1. Yes the barrels are doing great Lynda. We are enjoying cooler weather at the moment and the shades are still off. The plants are loving it!

      Shame about your tomatoes. I have not had that trouble with mine luckily, but they had good go at the fruit trees.

      xTania

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  14. Wow Tania, I am loving your garden. Your container garden is flouring. Like you, my tomatoes did not cope well, with the fiery blasts we have been having. However, your garden has is an inspiration for me, to rethink my own garden plan. It was lovely to visit your blog and I will definitely be back.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Wendy,

      So glad to see you back blogging, I will pop over and take a look a bit later. Yes after much trial and error, the wicking barrels are definitely doing the job.

      xTania

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  15. Dear Tania,
    I am amazed how wonderful your garden looks in spite of all the heat! It looks so abundant. We got a huge storm and downpour Friday afternoon. It was amongst the heaviest rain I have ever seen! It didnt last all that long but was well over an inch. Not sure how much.. but garden soaked. Next of course it is humid. But stuff grows like crazy in this weather!
    I forgot to reply re the cutting board. If it was from somewhere like Neds or Cheap as Chips I would have flown there! But otherwise I will resist ... building up my pantry so being careful, thank you though.
    I am hoping you have good news to share soon!?
    Have a really good week. Enjoy the bit cooler days. With love Annabel.xxx

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    Replies
    1. Dear Annabel,

      It has been cooler for a couple of days. We even had rain! Not as much as Adelaide got though.

      No baby news yet :)

      xTania

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  16. Your garden is beautiful. I hope you get some relief from the hot weather soon.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Belinda.

      The weather has cooled and we also got some rain to freshen things up.

      Thanks for dropping by today,

      xTania

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  17. Still too hot for me! Good veg though. I better peppers love it!

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    1. Thank you Kev, yes the peppers do love the heat so long as it is not too hot...

      xTania

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  18. Hi Tania, I've just discovered your blog and have enjoyed reading it. I too had a break from blogging but hopefully back on track! Love all your veggies, an amazing effort in all those containers.

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Your comments really make my day. Thank you for taking the time and for being so kind.