Before planting, I mixed lots of composted cow manure in the soil. I also applied liquid fertilizer including comfrey tea (how to grow comfrey) during the growing period.
Capsicums (Bell Peppers)
To add colours to my garden, I grew green, purple and orange capsicums (grow chilli peppers from seeds) in containers and a wheelbarrow starting from seeds. I collected the seeds from the capsicums that I had bought earlier from the market and used those seeds to grow plant seedlings. Some of the plants are still producing capsicums. |  |
| Orange and Red Bell Peppers Growing in Pots | |
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| Capsicums Growing in a Wheelbarrow |
Eggplants
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| Purple Eggplants, pollinated by hand |
Taro (Hindi name Arbi)
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| Taro Roots |
I had planted 3 taro roots about 5 years ago. Every year the plant gives about 3 kg of edible taro roots. The taro plant leaves are used in making vegetable curries and a snack called as "Patod or Patra" in India. This plant is perennial and requires little care.
Once the taro roots are sprouted and form plants, then they require little care. The plants need lots of water, actually standing water.
We do not eat taro leaves so we give them to our friends.
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| Curry Leaf Plant Fruits |
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| Curry Leaf Plant seedlings |
I have a 10 year old curry patta plant in a 12 inch pot, grown from seed. Last year I collected the seeds of this plant, some of which I sowed in early summer. Three seeds sprouted and produced seedlings which I put in separate pots. Growing Curry Leaf Plant
I usually propagate curry leaf plants after every 2-3 years and give it to my friends, specially Indian ones who use them in a variety of dishes.
I did had some beet roots (growing beets) to enjoy, but most of the beets were eaten by an animal, I do not know which animal? May be possum, bats or rates?
Details of summer activities in growing cucumbers, tomatoes and bitter gourd; and spices and herbs have been reported at growing cucumbers, tomatoes, bitter gourd and growing activities in spices and herbs respectively.