Plantings (7)
Progress Journal (4)
Wish List (0)
I know nothing about gardening except that I love it.
Been watching lots of BBC food so that encouraged me to start my little window sill garden.
I bought lots of seeds and emptied the packs into the pot (will post pictures tomorrow). I’m eager to learn the jargon and start planting properly.
I aspire to have a herb, fruit and veggie, flower garden. Although I am not sure anything would grow in the Saudi weather.
Would appreciate beginner advice and help/encouragement! Thank you
Photos
Plantings
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Olive
Olea europaea
Sown on 21 Apr 08 I am experimenting with germination. I saved s...
- 1 journals
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- 0 comments
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Tomato 'Roma'
Solanum lycopersicum
Sown on 19 Apr 08 I love tomatoes, and I'm growing them for the v...
- 3 journals
- 0 faves
- 0 comments
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Flat-Leaf Parsley 'Italian'
Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
Sown on 16 Apr 08 This is my very first time to grow anything, I ...
- 1 journals
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- 0 comments
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Peppermint
Mentha x piperita
Sown on 16 Apr 08 This is my very first time to grow anything, I ...
- 1 journals
- 0 faves
- 0 comments
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Green Onion 'White Lisbon Bunching'
Allium fistulosum
Sown on 02 Apr 08 This is my very first time to grow anything, I ...
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Summer Squash 'Black Beauty'
Cucurbita pepo
Sown on 02 Apr 08 This is my very first time to grow anything, I ...
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Common Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
- 1 journals
- 0 faves
- 0 comments
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Listen in on the Grapevine
Comments
Annet wrote:
Hi Jiji,
Welcome to Myfolia! I think you’re our first Saudi gardener, welcome :) It will be very interesting to see how your plants fare under that hot sun!
I’ve been on myfolia for a few months now and am a complete addict ;) I could use some of that sunshine of yours, here in northern Europe we’re desperate for a bit of warm weather. I’m really looking forward to getting my tomatoes out.
Maybe you could think about planting a few ‘hot weather’ plants, like aubergines or peppers or maybe some tropical fruits. Are you going to grow everything in pots?
It looks like your plants (like the onion) could do with a bit of shelter from the sun. That summer squash looks good, you will probably need to repot it, because it’s going to get big!
Enjoy your garden!
Posted on 18 Apr 08 (about 1 years ago)
newbee wrote:
Annet thank you so much for the good tips! i never knew aubergines were hot weather plants!
Yes! looks like i am the first saudi gardener :) i am getting addicted to myfolia already! Can’t wait to get back from work and start gardening and logging! Today i planted a few tomato seeds along with parsley (Same pot)i am guessing i should start sheltering my plants cause the sun is wilting them dry!
So how do i repot without destroying the roots?
Posted on 20 Apr 08 (about 1 years ago)
Annet wrote:
Hi Jiji,
About repotting the courgette, I would think the best way is to gently dig underneath with your fingers, don’t pull on the plant, but just push it up from underneath. That way the plant should come out nicely.
I’m also trying some parsley, but haven’t had much luck with sowing it. It’s supposed to be a difficult plant to raise from seed, so I just cheated and bought a few plants. Parsley does like shade though, especially where you are!
Have fun!
Posted on 20 Apr 08 (about 1 years ago)
newbee wrote:
Hi Annet!
Yeah I’ve noticed that a lot of people on myfolia buy plants and grow them rather than sowing – why what happens? why is it difficult :)
I had a basil plant but it died 3 weeks after i bought it. i think my pot was small for it, or maybe this was its lifespan? how long are herb plants supposed to live?
mint for example can last a year and cater for a family of six if taken care of properly (don’t know how, but that’s what they said on TV!) apparently the leaf has to be picked at least once a week, and a small mist spray needs to be used for watering (as apposed to a hose or a jug)
Posted on 21 Apr 08 (about 1 years ago)
Annet wrote:
Hi Jiji,
Some plants are difficult to raise from seed, but don’t ask me why ;) I think it will also depend on the weather & soil conditions. I would guess that basil should be relatively easy to grow from seed in your climate, provided you give it plenty of water.
Some herbs, like parsley or basil, are annuals, but others can last for years, like mint, sage, rosemary or thyme. I haven’t had much luck keeping store-bought basil alive. I just use it and through away the plant after a few weeks. I have however had some luck with ‘bush basil’, a small-leaf variety, which is growing really well from seed. I’ll try some large-leaf basil in the garden as soon as it warms up around here :)
As for mint, I’ve had mine for a few years now, it dies down in winter and comes back again in spring. It’s pretty agressive stuff, it can easily take over a whole plot (that’s what I’ve been told at least…)
Posted on 21 Apr 08 (about 1 years ago)
Gaidig wrote:
Basil can last all season, but it will die eventually. Also, after a while it will “bolt” and turn bitter, and you don’t want to use it after that.
I live in a hotter climate than Annet, and we’ve had a drought for the last few years. Not as hot and dry as your area, but I do have a few recommendations. If you are growing in pots, you usually have to water more often than if you are growing in the ground. Bigger pots stay damp longer. So do plastic pots, because the clay itself dries out. Covering the exposed dirt with mulch, straw, pebbles, or newspaper will also help it stay damp longer. Adding pearlite or vermiculite to your soil can help it hold moisture as well, if they are available in your area.
Also, you may want to try rosemanry and lavender, which both like hotter, drier weather than many other herbs.
Posted on 18 Jul 08 (about 1 years ago)