Tips For Growing in the Sub-Tropical Summer
Dearest Farm-ily,
Well it has come the time for me to move on, from my farm site in Mullumbimby. I have a mix of feelings…I feel excited for the future, proud of what I have accomplished, and sad to leave the land that has nourished us, and taught me so much. Farming, and working with the plants has bought me into deep connection with the Earth, and the cycles of birth, growth, death and re-birth on many levels.
I have observed the plants throughout their cycles, drank and embibed their medicines, and listened to their voices. They have shown me, to see and deeply trust these cycles, in my life, my moon cycles, and guided by the larger seasonal, and planetary cycles.
So, now as we remove irrigation lines, and infrastructure, roll up shade cloths, weedmats, and move all manner of farm and nursery equipment…the plants are slowly dying, and the soil drying under the hot, dry, windy weather conditions. The bees, birds, and other pollinators, and critters that have foraged these gardens for these past years are going to need new homes, food and water sources.
Whilst the fires are burning, and the drought deepening, as we move into summer. I have decided to take a rest from production, before I begin my new farm enterprise next year. This gives me time to work on some of my other projects, and have a much needed holiday
This week, I felt to give you some tips for growing over the summer, as for the first time in 3 years, I will not be growing for you.
TIPS FOR GROWING IN THE SUB-TROPICAL SUMMER
1. Mulch – The heat from the sun in the summer is intense, one of the best ways to maintain soil moisture is to add a thick layer of mulch to cover your soils. My favourite options for home gardening are hay, weedmat, or compost.
2. Shade Cloth – Shade cloth is your friend in our hot summers!
Shades of 30-50% do well for growing greens for their whole lifecycle until autumn.
They can be used to cover newly transplanted seedlings to ensure better success…in this case I would leave the shade covering them for 2 weeks, and over any prolonged heat waves. You can create small growing tunnels using poly pipe, and bamboo, or larger structures over your gardens if required.
3. Watering – We are on water restrictions here, so you will be needing to water your seedlings and plants directly on the roots. Watering in the early morning or evening is best.
4. Plant Choice – As it looks likely that the drought will continue through to our next rainy season, it is important to choose your plants carefully. Some heat loving varieties to try: Okra, Eggplant, Capsicum, Chilli, Amaranth, Luffa, Moringa, Kangkong, Winged Bean, Snake Bean, Lagos Spinach, Rainbow Chard, Perilla, Basil, Bitter Melon, Kings salad (cosmos caudatus), Chinese Cabbage, Asian Greens, Mustard, Mizuna, Perilla, Mung beans, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Cowpea.
So, as I now let go, rest, and embrace a different flow for a few months, I wish you all a happy and successful growing season over summer, as I dream up my new farm, and a new beginning
From my heart to yours,
sheia x
P.S I am in urgent need of some storage for part of my farm infrastructure over the summer months, until I start up again…please contact me if you can help – Many Thanks!
