TRNC. Gardening in North Cyprus- What are you growing?

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 20:16

Hello,



I thought i'd start a thread on Gardening as some people seem to be interested in the subject.



I was wondering what other people here are growing or attempting to grow??



This is my list:



Passionfruit



(Bought from The Gardens of Babel knee height) it has grown widely & so far produced 2 flowers and 1 fruit within the couple of months it has been planted



Kiwi Vine- self fertile 'Jenny'



(From the Wednesday Market knee height) it has also been planted for a couple of months and is growing well



Physalis (from shop bought fruit) quite a few flowers/fruit- none mature yet



Edamame/Soy Beans- Lots of beans growing none ready to harvest yet



Yard Long Beans- No beans yet



Thai Green Aubergine- (100 seeds planted, 1 Seedling grew!) Have had quite a fewfruit from the one plant



Ginger (from shop bought root) 30cm tall plant



Turmeric (from shop bought root) 5 inch plant (so far)



Lemongrass (from shop bought)- prolific



Tomatillo Verde-prolific



ctd

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 20:45

Chillies (all the plants are big with lots of chillies)



Ancho Poblano

Jalapeno (Early)

Habanero, Orange

Scotch Bonnet



Chillies (seedlings)



Habanero, Red

Habanero, Chocolate

Tabasco

Satans Kiss 'Ciliegia Piccante'

Pasilla Bajio

Twilight

Birds Eye

Padron

'Rocket' (green birdseye?)



Herbs



Siam Queen, Thai Basil

Red Basil

Genovese Basil

Cyprus (?) Basil

Borage

Flat Leaf Parsley

Mint

Rosemary

Thyme

Lavender



Dill, Sage, Coriander & Chervil (all dead currently)



Tarragon, Sorrel, Lemon Balm (never germinate for me)



Other Seedlings:

Thai Pumpkin

Spaghetti Squash



Currently Attempting to Germinate:



'Pink Velvet' Banana

Roselle (Hibiscus)

Pak Choi (Dwarf)

Kaffir Lime

Aji Limon (Chilli)

Banana Passionfruit

Dragon Fruit

Sweet Granadilla



Flower Seeds:



Ylang Ylang

White Butterfly Ginger



I also planted a Lime Tree, Guava, Peach & Nectarine a few months ago which are doing well



We have quite a few trees already here:



ctd

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 20:51

Trees I can't take credit for planting:



Olive

Lemon

Orange

Mandarin

Pink Grapefruit

Banana

Pink 'Peppercorn'

Bay Leaf

Almond



Have probably forgotten something its a bit like a jungle here



Will be interested to hear what other people are growing

yenibob


Joined: 13/10/2010
Posts: 1203

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 21:25

Couple of palm trees grown from seed are very pleasing, but my favourite has to be a pomegranate that produces loads of fruit.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 21:54

Pomegranate & Avocado are the next two I'd like to plant just have to wait till it cools down a bit!



How quickly do the palm trees grow from seed? I have seen a few I'd like on the internet but I'd like to still be alive when its as tall as I am ;-)

vikkicm


Joined: 17/05/2011
Posts: 158

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 22:53

Having just disposed of my gardener, who seemed to know nothing about gardening, at a cost of 150 tl per month, I am so interested to read this very helpful post



I have recently discovered the "Frangipani" tree, white flowers with yellow centre and has the loveliest perfume! Looks like a scarecrow in the winter but comes back stronger the next year

vikkicm


Joined: 17/05/2011
Posts: 158

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 22:55

Could I also ask, what sort of care, nourishment any plants posted on here need?

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 23:13

I don't know much about gardening but having spent a small fortune on plants and landscaping recently, I am keen to learn. I am responsible for everything-everything that goes wrong!!!



I discovered recently that a good spray of mist quite often for indoor plants during the day and at night for outside plants is very beneficial. At least I am putting to good use all the water I collect from the A/Cs.

ismet

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 23:15

Hi Vikkicm



We have a couple of Frangipani with white/yellow flowers.. I didn't even know what it was until I started researching Frangipani as I wanted one for the garden & then realised they were already here! I love the smell of them. We also have Honeysuckle & Stephanotis which both smell very nice. I have planted 2 kinds of Jasmine- 1 is yellow and 1 is white but they are small at the moment.



The reason I grow so many Chillies is because they are so easy to grow here- they love the sunshine and heat. I only water them when they dry out when it is cooler or at the moment every other day, they seem to be happy like that. In the past I over watered them and that seemed to make the flowers/fruit drop off. I also think they look quite decorative..



The Tomatillo are literally impossible to kill- even when I have not watered them for weeks and they look dead if water goes on them they start growing new leaves! They also drop everywhere- you would never have to replant seeds

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 23:20

Hi Elko2,



I also spray my outdoor plants- the Chillies, Passion Fruit, Kiwi, Tomatillo in particular every evening & before it became scorching I used to spray in the morning too. Just with a pump bottle full of water..



I assume the moisture on their leaves is beneficial as quite a few of them like humid conditions



When it cools down I am hoping to make some raised beds and grow some other things I rarely see here- like Parsnips! I don't grow many crops that are available easily here (such as Melons, Cucumber, Tomatoes) as I feel like they are a waste of ground space when I can buy all these things from the Wednesday market

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
27/07/2011 23:32

One good reason for growing Lemongrass it is reportedly a deterrent to Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas & Snakes!



It does die back at the coolest point in the year here (also so do the Insects & Snakes) but it soons starts popping up again when it warms up.. It's very easy to grow, is very drought tolerant and cannot be replaced if you enjoy Thai/Vietnamese cookery.



The Grass part which is not used in cookery also makes a nice tea & if you fill bags with it (in the same way you make Lavender bags) this is supposed to repel Moths

blade


Joined: 19/06/2010
Posts: 1286

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 11:12

Plumb tomatoes

Peppers

chilli's

chives

sage

rosemary

mint

figs

pomegranit

olives

apricots until the birds stole them!

kirton


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 11:49

My grapevine looks peaky the leaves are yellowish. This is year 3 and the first time I have had grapes but they are mouldy. Any tips? Also we have lots of ants climbing up the trunk does anyone know the name of the white paint to paint around the bottom of the trunk.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 13:57

Blade, I had one nectarine growing, that has disappeared!



I had ants on my Lime Tree I assume because of Aphids so I sprayed it with water and a tiny bit of washing up liquid (mixed) they seem to have gone for now!



Huge ants on my Passion Fruit vine but it doesnt seem to be bothered so leaving those ones for the moment



I'd like to plant Grapes so hopefully someone can help with that question

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 14:25

Any body growing weed?

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 14:29

Ismet I am not so sure you should be using AC water for Plants. May be for your car battary is more suitable. The water needs to have nutriens and salts from the earh, other wise it is tasteless. Or have I got this all wrong?

kirton


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 60

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 14:29

We also get lots of large cobwebs of spiders on our bushes Oleander/Lemon tree/orange tree I try to knock them down - hate killing things but any suggestions???????????



I would love Gardening club around Alsancak/Lapta

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
28/07/2011 23:32

Kirton are they 'proper' spiders or Spider Mite?



I had Spider Mite on some of my plants before but the water/washing up liquid spray got rid of them



I also would like a club in these areas!

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
29/07/2011 09:29

Re Message 13. It is a lime wash. You can buy a couple of kilos at some buiders merchants and you just mix with water to a suitable consistancy and brush onto the trunk. It is called KILITCHA (think that's how it is spelt) and it makes the feet of the insect hot so in theory, they don't go up the tree. However it did not seem that sucessful to me when I tried it.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
30/07/2011 01:10

Lime Wash- i always wondered what the white bands were! In some part of my brain it reminded me of anti climb paint..

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
30/07/2011 10:06

We need to grow good screening plants/bushes which need to be colourful and at a height of 6ft can any one suggest with the obvious of not needing much water. Cheers

Redwine


Joined: 15/01/2009
Posts: 565

Message Posted:
30/07/2011 11:39

Msg 1 where did you get lemon grass

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
30/07/2011 19:09

Pipie:



Oleander & Bourganvilla are colourful & nice for screening plus love this hot weather, however, the gardener AKA Edward Scissor Hands has cut them all back to the wood.. Very annoying! If you ever use Perova Gardening Centre the lady is VERY helpful



Redwine:



Someone brought me 2 sticks of it back from Tesco (!) last year there are now hundreds of sticks.. It is available on the Greek side (sometimes) in Carrefour. I can dig up a clump for you if you like it multiplies very easily!

pc4854


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 243

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 09:36

Pipie message 21. I planted POLYGALA four years ago. It is virtually evergreen and for nearly all the year it has pretty mauve/white flowers all over it. It is six feet high and six feet wide and easy to prune if necessary. I think if planted about 6 or 7 feet apart the would give you exactly what you require. They need little water after the first year but you do get a lot of dead blossom on the ground.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 10:37

Cheers for replies.



Lemon grass i am pretty sure you can also grow from seed.



Another question is what is the ground cover plant called that has shiny firm leaves and a pink flower it spreads quite quickly ? any drawbacks to growing this plant ?

Sparkyally


Joined: 07/08/2010
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 12:21

Hi can anyone tell me where I can buy an Advacardo p[lant we live in Zeytinlink

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 12:23

Pipie



I have attempted Lemongrass from seed and for some reason I cannot get it to germinate! Its really strange I have a few things which I just cannot get to grow.. Last year I was attempting Borage and none ever grew, then i spotted one of the road to our house so I assume the birds took the seeds! I finally have one growing this year



I think you mean 'Iceplant' (Aptenia Cordifolia).. I saw some growing and snapped a few pieces off, planted it in the flower bed and it rooted and started to grow. My only problem is that I have put it in the flower bed and it hard to not over water it when I am watering the actual flowers in the bed!



Also I like this plant for ground cover http://www.garden-centre.org/plants/Portulaca.htm



I bought quite a few from Green Garden garden centre- I really was unimpressed but the lady insisted they are very nice, now I am pleased as they have such lovely flowers, love the sun, don't need much water and also spread/trail

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 12:32

Avocado tree can be found at Gardens of Bable, you need to be careful in its positioning.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 12:42

Pugwash



Do they get very tall? Also do they need shade/full sun?



I live near the Gardens of Babel so I can get a tree from there when it cools down a bit but as you said I need to choose the right spot

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 12:46

Yes they will grow into a huge tree in the right conditions but you can keep them smaller by pruning. Full sun is fine but they like humidity and don't like drying windy positions.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
31/07/2011 14:59

So if i plant it amongst the shelter of some other tall trees it should be fine



I love Avocado but have only bought a few really nice ones here so it would be good to try growing my own! Is it a specific variety for growing in Cyprus?

Wireless


Joined: 10/08/2008
Posts: 157

Message Posted:
01/08/2011 03:44

Hi can I get someone or two to post what you can plant and when to plant for best results?



I'd like to plant pepper trees, lemon and orange trees, lavender and stuff like that!

Pandy


Joined: 27/08/2010
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
01/08/2011 13:05

I'd also be interested to hear about any advice on planting lemon trees

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
01/08/2011 23:10

Has one experience and advice on growing grave vines over shaded area or is it to hot in TRNC ? Cheers.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
01/08/2011 23:11

I believe all the planting here begins again in October... I am planning on planting a few types of trees then.



You can plant a tree bought from the garden centre in a pot at any time, but personally this July & August is so ridiculously hot why you you risk it.. Nice October weather gives it plenty of time to settle in (pluse the winter rains)



Location of the tree is important too..



Wireless by Pepper do you mean Black Peppercorn?



Lavender I have bought from the garden centre and planted all year round & it does well it is very hardy as far as I can tell! Perhaps growing from seed is different

Pandy


Joined: 27/08/2010
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
01/08/2011 23:25

What about location of planting lemon trees?

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 01:10

I have only lived in a couple of properties here but both had the lemon trees in full sun



Hopefully someone can post with more experience but I must say the ones I have now are not sheltered from sun or wind. They are all mature so perhaps with a new a tree you have to pay more attention..



Hopefully someone can enlighten us as most of my current growing projects are experimental and with trees I am always interested in the information

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 02:28

Oooops i meant grape vines !!

LooseBoots



Joined: 08/02/2009
Posts: 1258

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 10:24

The only thing I have managed to grow is spring onions.....and corguettes.



Not much luck with my plumb tomatoes . Seem to get burnt to a crisp no matter how much I water them.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 10:36

Ismet msg 8

"At least I am putting to good use all the water I collect from the A/Cs. "

Make sure you don't breath in any of this mist/spray as it could contain Legionella bacteria... given the prevailing conditions here it's worth taking precautions

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 11:00

Loose Boots



I think I always plant Tomatoes too late and also in this scorching sun I think maybe they need some sort of cover to stop the vines going all brown and crispy!



When you drive past the farms growing tomatoes they have that green mesh over the top I think- rather than being totally exposed

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 11:09

I have Okra/bamya growing in my garden and its doing very well, pick them when they are less than 5cm

Beautiful plants with very lovely flowers

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 11:12

Tomatoes need shade here you can buy the black mesh, thinner and more pourous than the weedstopper to cover them but it is the devils own job with the wind to hold it ion place unless you have a sheltered position

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 12:06

I was tempted to grow Okra as I enjoy eating it, just not too sure about cooking it! Saw a very disgusting looking gelatinous soup on a programme about Curacao the other day which has really put me off Okra!



Has anyone grown any berries here (other than Strawberries?) I have seeds for Raspberries, Blackberries & Blueberries just not sure when or where to plant them.. I was hoping there would be some period during the year when they could do well!

LooseBoots



Joined: 08/02/2009
Posts: 1258

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 14:50

I guessed that they needed shade.....................I am always willing to learn and this is our first proper year / summer after all the house improvements......



So where can you buy the green camouflage / netting? I need to get some to go on our chain link fence at the side.



Is it expensive??

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 15:07

No looseboots it is quite cheap, some yapis do it if not most, not all garden centers do, Mediterranean gardener on main road at Alsancak near Starling do for sure.

Pandy


Joined: 27/08/2010
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 17:43

Mess 37 thanks LittleQueenie for your advice

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 18:58

I've got 3 avacado saplings in my home in Glasgow, does that count?

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
02/08/2011 23:06

I have noticed the green netting along the road at all the hardware stores, will have to purchase some and re attempt growing tomatoes.



Perhaps the berries can survive under the netting also if they get lots of water.. In England I just remember Blackberries in particular to be a weed everywhere now I miss them- typical!

Wireless


Joined: 10/08/2008
Posts: 157

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 08:25

Little Queenie - I think I meant the hot peppers the green one - my neighbour has one - very hardy plant

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 09:29

Re Okra mess 44

The trick is to not let them get to big!! No more than 5cm. After that the slimeyness increases. You need to pick them every day!! When you picked them scrub them and top and tail, then leave them in the sun for half an hour to dry Put some olive oil in a frying pan, add some chopped onion and then add the okra, stir fry then add some cherry tomatoes (or any tomatoes, with the small ones it just looks nice), season. I like to add a little Garam Masala paste. makes a nice meze as well as a vegetable with dinner. Depends how many you have got. They are not as prolific as beans.

(In the West Indies they do use them as a thickening agent for soup)

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 09:34

Message 27

Portulaca is ridiculously easy to grow from seed. Also, when they die off at the end of the year, knock the plants about to release the seed and then in the spring just rake the area and water. They will regenerate - at least they did for me in England.



Message 34

Grapes are easy to grow here and will reproduce faithfully from cuttings. I have even grown some from cuttings I brought from Russia. But try to avoid the little green 'sultana' grapes because the sparrows will have them all and leave you only a floor covered with their droppings.



When planting anything here always dig a very big hole and put some peat/soil mix in the bottom and around the root ball. I have used this technique for orange, mandarin, avacado. fig. banana, apricot, peach, grapes, sharon fruit, grapefruit, bay, lemon and others and they are all doing great and fruiting heavily (well - not the bay).

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 09:36

Msg44: Okra produces the glutinous juice when it is over-cooked/recooked and/or cut and then cooked.

Do try it by choosing the smaller ones so that they are tender and trim off the stalk end without cutting into the body of the seed casing.

Try lightly frying them with tomatoes and onions.

My mum used to cook Okra ("Bamya") with meat and I hated it for the look as opposed to the taste because it used to be a little overcooked and therefore not nice to look at

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 11:05

Jovial John, thanks for reply. I will take your advice on not planting the sultana grape, I would really like to plant a seedless one any advice please ?





Re palm trees are growing really well and fast but I am concerned that they have been planted to near the buildings. Do i need to be concerned ?

Pandy


Joined: 27/08/2010
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 13:39

'Hopefully someone can enlighten us as most of my current growing projects are experimental and with trees I am always interested in the information'



LittleQueenie has done her best to help me but I think I speak for both of us when I say that we would like both to know if anyone can offer advice on planting lemon trees. Maybe you have the experience of growing them yourself....any info would be really helpful.

Pugwash


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 1797

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 13:51

Pipie palm trees are shallow ball rooted so no problem to be near buildings your only issue is the fronds and the spread of the palm, some palms have a very wide spread others not so much.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 14:26

Message 52



Jovial John- I have an area in the flower bed which is cement with a tiny layer of earth & gravel over the top (some parts a little deeper) I was hoping to find a ground cover (as this area is very ugly) that I can plant from seed and live year round-do you have any suggestions or do they all die back when it rains?



Message 51 & 53



I was offered 'Bamya' for dinner last night I declined as I can imagine not liking that 'overcooked' look you mention- i'm sure it would have tasted lovely



I will definately try growing some next year and using Dippersgirl method of picking them early and leaving them whole for frying.. I think I have also had them battered and deep fried at an indian restaurant?



Message 55



Pandy hopefully Jovial John can help you with your Lemon Tree query- I'm lucky we have them mature as already planted by the previous owner

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 14:51

Cheers Pugwash for reply. I feel a little more reassured that the palm tree roots will not affect the buildings being planted so near. Yes we do have to duck a little as the leaves are so big but they look so nice so the good points out ways the bad really !!

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 15:30

LittleQueenie - message 57



I have a succulent in my garden that grows anywhere and without any apparent watering. It is dark green foliage with lots of tiny red flowers at various times of the year. It spreads fairly quickly and would be perfect for you - but unfortunately I don't know its name.

If nobody can identify it for you from my description you are welcome to some cuttings. You can come to Karsiyaka (and have a look round my garden) or I can drop some off in Girne next time I come over.

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 15:49

Pandy - message 55



I bought a 1 metre high juvenile lemon tree from Tolga in Karsiyaka. I planted it as described in message 52 in November - in full sun and fairly exposed. It fruited 18 months later and last year, its 4th summer, I had about 300 fruits. My apricot and peach trees came from the same source a year later and are superb - I had over 100 apricots this year.

My oranges and mandarin were planted the same year as the lemon but, while they fruit every year, they are not as vigorous as the lemon. They came from a different source and I suspect it is to do with the root stock onto which they are grafted. I have asked at many places but no garden centre here seems to understand about root stock and cannot tell you with certainty what will be the eventual size of the tree.

All citrus here is prone to catch a disease called 'citrus leaf curl'. It will not kill the tree but it will severely inhibit growth. However, it is easily treated by spraying with the appropriate medicine

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 18:52

Jovial John I think my Lime Tree has that I noticed the leaves are 'curled' earlier- what do I have to spray on it?



Is the succulent a small root piece which then grows like a long piece of brown thread with small shaggy green bits hanging off?? I planted some of that but I think perhaps it is getting over watered it did have a few flowers when I bought it but none since!

Jovial_John


Joined: 31/01/2009
Posts: 1024

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 19:24

Go to the little garden shop near Girne hospital and ask for medicine for "citrus leaf curl". It is a powder that you mix with water and you must spray once every month.



Rather than describe this plant I have sent you a picture by email - but I've only just taken it so you can't see the flowers because they close up at night.

Pandy


Joined: 27/08/2010
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
03/08/2011 19:39

Many thanks to Jovial John and LittleQueenie for your replies.

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
04/08/2011 23:16

Jovial John thanks for your email and also I will go to that shop and get the leaf medicine- I am desperate for the Lime Tree to survive so need to get that sorted!



Also a Kaffir Lime seed I planted has sprouted- so we'll see how that goes!

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
08/08/2011 23:55

.....continued ..............



A couple of years back I had two concrete troughs constructed. Brilliant for my back, and protects from the dogs! I can also control the amount of water and liquid feed - though there are drain holes that let the excess run onto the garden. I have had great success with cherry tomatoes which, rather to my surprise, seem to stand up to unshaded sun and heat better than other kinds.



I dont know about new planting, but I understand that the rule for established lemons and oranges is to dig a large circle out round them and fill it with water about once a month during dry weather - regular light watering just brings the roots to the surface.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
08/08/2011 23:56

Hi all. I am a bit late getting into this discussion as I had problems getting on the Board. However, better late than never.



15 year ago I bought a house with a medium sized garden (for the benefit of my dogs) . It had an established Lemon Tree, two tarunç, one rose and a grapvine over the "terrace". Warninng to the person considering using a grapevine for shade - they drop juice and insects down your neck!



My main priority was walls and fences (again for the benefit of the dogs) and then to cover them with climbers to reduce the prison camp effect! I tried honeysuckle (too rampant), rambling roses (too prickly). Most successful as a variety and jasmine, including a lot of of yellow - which I used to call winter jasmine in the UK> It still gives colour when there is not much else in flower. They need tying back initially but eventually can be trained into a weeping shape. And the smell!

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
09/08/2011 00:20

Thanks for the feeback re grape vine not sure I wish to grow one now !!

LittleQueenie


Joined: 20/04/2011
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
09/08/2011 00:40

Hi Bizzi Lizzi



When the weather starts to cool down I am planning on making some raised troughs myself, ditto to stop my dogs trampling everything!



What size are your troughs? I'm not sure what dimensions to make them to be useful

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
10/08/2011 20:55

Pipi I dont want to put anyone off, but my feeling is that unless you are a more dedicated gardener than I, grapevines are a lot of trouble. They need expert pruning and spraying , shed leaves as well as juice etc, look untidy in autumn and bare in winter. And of course one only get one kind of grape per vine and one feels one has to eat them, regardless of he fact there are numerous varieties in the shops!



I think there are better plants if you are looking for shade, but for planting in sitting areas do check what is going to fall off them onto the ground or anyone sitting! A friend had a marvellous almond tree, but the mess it made was appalling.



I would suggest getting more expert advice for shade planting, but for myself I would certainly include jasmines, at least what falls off them smells nice! Honeysuckle as well as being very fast growing attracts wasps nests, so dont plant too near the house or sitting areas.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
10/08/2011 21:01

Plumbago is fast growing and a heavenly shade of blue, but it stick to everything - hair , clothes and particularly dogs!



Little Queeni



I will check the dimensions tomorrow (I am hopeless at carrying these things in my head) and get back to you.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
10/08/2011 23:15

By the way be very careful with Oleander. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and animals, particularly dangerous to grazing animals such as horses. And the smoke is dangerous if it is burnt. Dont use on barbecues or to skewer kebabs.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 17:24

Little Queenie

2

Re your enquiry about troughs, mine are 18 " high, 29" wide and 71" wide, divided into two. Height suitable for sitting down to garden! If you are tall or have big dogs who could get their paws on the edge and noses into the fertilizer you might want them a bit taller. And of course it depends on what you want to grow and how deep their roots are.



The rest of size depends on space available. My troughs hold (1) a rosemary bush (which is doing a lot better than its mate in the ground ) and a miniature rose, with crysanths planted at the back , interspersed with miniature pepper and violets (both self seeded). I have also put some bulbs in at the front, but dont know how they will do as they might get too much water for the hibernation season. (2) About l0 tomatoes - too many they are too squashed together.



I am also trying tomatoes in a dustbin in a shady part of the garden. They are not doing well, but may be other factors such as old seed. cont...

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
12/08/2011 17:36

cont..................



I have heard of people in UK growing veg in wheelie bins, so they can be moved for shade, sun etc.





Hope this helps. Let me know how you get one.





Has anyone succeeded in growing the small (English or French) type curly leaved parsley. ?

I get a few small plants from a packet of seed, but despite keeping in shade they dont thrive.



And does anyone know if it is possible to get it dried in the TRNC - the supermarkets seem to sell every herb (dried) but parsley.

spudlov


Joined: 15/02/2008
Posts: 100

Message Posted:
09/10/2011 13:39

Is anybody growing Sumac and if so, where can the plant be bought?