The Veggie Plot Update

With summer well underway here in the UK and temperatures soaring, I thought it was time to give you a little update on our new veggie plot.

(It's not quite tropical for us up here, in the North East of Scotland...but still it's very nice, thank you) 

The plot is coming along nicely, especially when I look back at the first photo's that I took in back in February.

We're not quite self-sufficient in fresh produce yet, but we're getting there.

The raised beds are doing well...housing onions, garlic, fennel, carrots, and brassicas (cabbage, sprouts, broccoli) .

The only failure so far has been our cauliflower...or lack of.

The seedlings didn't stand a chance with the early temperatures. 

We've made a note that we shouldn't sew them so early next year.

The tatties (or potatoes) are doing really well with six different varieties. 

They are flowering now so we won't have long to wait to lift them and see just what we have.

The fennel has also been a huge success. 

We have far too many and will have to be inventive in how to use them all.

I'm happy to report that our cabbage, sprouts and broccoli are another success.

Here's the parsnips still in their toilet roll holders... hopefully they aren't being restricted and we have prime specimens underneath the soil.

The peas and runner beans are also starting to flower. 

I can't wait for the snap of the pea pod being opened and the juicy sweet jewels held within.

Once these flowers die off we can start to lift our potatoes...well hopefully we'll have a reasonable crop. We have staggered the planting, so that we have a steady supply to harvest.
I sound so confident that there's something lying there, don't I?

We have quite a few beetroots so if you have any tips on how to use them I'd appreciate it.
I'm not sure other than to slice into a salad or to pickle them.
I was rather delighted to find that the broccoli are sprouting too and there's a couple of sprouts appeared within the cabbages!
Obviously, someone's organisational skills at the seedling stage went slightly awry.

We also have herbs, lettuce, artichoke, blueberries and strawberries.
Growing blueberries is completely new to us and we're hoping that they actually can survive up here with these temperatures. We have three small bushes that are located in the Tardis (small plastic greenhouse) and one has flowered, so I'm hoping the berries will follow.
Here's our first strawberries.
I feel we should have a strawberry ceremony...perhaps including ice-cream, meringue or maybe I'll just pop one straight in my mouth!

We should be well set ready for the start of Wimbledon if these beauties are anything to go by.
How do you prefer to eat your strawberries?
Have a great week...if you're in the middle of these record temperatures then stay cool and know that it will pass... plus there are some that would love a few more degrees up on the thermometer.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Veggie update....

I haven't much get up and go today....I think it just got up and left {yep, still suffering from this cold} so I've just had a wonder around in the sunshine to check whats happening with my veggies.
I have to report there's good and bad, or as my school report often said "there's a lot of potential, we just need to bring it out"!!!

As you can see the broccoli is coming on fine....we may even be able to pick some to accompany our Sunday Roast Dinner tomorrow. How special is that....no carbon footprint here ; )

I became impatient wondering about the carrots too. {When did I get to be this impatient I wonder?}

So I picked one out to have a peek.....

Hmm....curly carrots!

I may have to space them out to prevent this, so we may have carrots tomorrow too....

Now then...on to the beans. Now here lies a sorry tale. I really thought these were doomed but on closer inspection look what I found....

They're having a real fight on their hands, what with slugs, snails and ants

I'm also not sure that they are in the best position...steep learning curve with this new garden.

Am I right in thinking that this is a baby ladybird and that's a good thing to have lurking amongst the leaves. There were quite a few of them.....

I am puzzled over my potatoes too. I never used to be, because I knew that you wait until they flower then you should have tatties beneath. Simple...

But I've used the plastic containers this time and I'm not sure if they are doing a good job yet. The first two containers I planted haven't really flowered but the foliage has grown so much they are hanging down touching the ground.

Maybe someone out there can answer my question...."do they need to flower first"?

The third container planted a few weeks later has a few flowers as you can see....so I'm hopeful of at least maybe one meal ;{

And lastly my tomtarters....I got very nervous and picked these first two babies because I was a little nervous that the possums or birds would be in there before me.

I've blown up the photo in the hope to impress because let me tell you they're titchy.

Oops I shouldn't have told you that....Dah!

Well that's all the walking I'm capable of today...I'm off to sit on a comfy lounger in the sun with my book

 ~ to recuperate.

Enjoy your day : D

Prahran Market....

Prahran Market has always been one of my favourite markets here in Melbourne. It stems from the early days after our arrival. It was within walking distance of our first apartment, and as soon as I wondered around and drank in the atmosphere, saw the plentiful seasonal produce that was available, I knew I'd found somewhere I'd be happy to frequent regularly.
Prahran Market is known as "the food lovers market" because of the quality and range of their food.
There are also so many other aspects to the market ranging from the children's amusements, pets corner, the cookery school, a wide range of activities, live music and events that are a regular feature, to name but a few.

I never realised there were so many varieties of tatties, but if you state what dish you are about to create then you'll be advised which potato will be most suitable for the job in hand.

I once saw the largest mushroom I've ever seen in my life on this stall.

It was larger than a serving platter.

I think you can get virtually anything and everything at this market.

This little hardware store is a treasure.

Even Ostrich eggs?......imagine dipping your toast into that chucky egg for breakfast!

Always a favourite with the children...Pets Corner where they can feed the animals - getting up close and personal.

The Fish Stall is amazing and well worth a visit ....

It's a shame I haven't featured all the stalls but then you'd be here for hours, so this is just a snippet to give you a flavour of the place. For all the stalls that didn't get a mention I apologise - its not for any particular reason just time, space and possibly I didn't get a good enough photo! So blame me....

The aroma as you pass this stall is incredible (not that you'll likely pass without stopping) 
It's a pity this screen doesn't have a scratch and sniff button....

This chalk board was so impressive with the full explanation of all the different types of coffee. It was well worth stopping for another cuppa, just to take in all the information.

There are even happy chappies always willing to carry out your wares to the car.

Now that is a service I really appreciate, but unfortunately has long disappeared from many parts.

There was a little rivalry between these two guys, so I had to take the two chaps photo.
But he was so happy it was a pleasure.....I left them deciding who was the most photogenic...

And then there's 'The Essential Ingredient'....wow... I hyperventilate when I visit this shop. Yes, I know for some its shoe shops, fashion boutiques, or handbags but for me its kitchen equipment and books!
I was very honoured to be allowed to take these photo's in the store - so thank you for your permission and hopefully I've done a good job!

Cookery books galore.....

Learn more about Prahran Market from their website....I especially like all the history behind the market.

http://www.prahranmarket.com.au/www/html/7-home-page.asp

Queen Vic Market

After being without my car for two whole weeks - which is another blog sometime - you can imagine the cupboards were bare and cabin fever had truely set in, so what better than to get out and about whilst restocking.

I've always been in awe of the fresh produce available here in Melbourne and the markets are incredible. Its a pity that these pictures don't come with sound...it was buzzing.

The noise level increases dramatically as the afternoon sell off approaches.

Bargain's, bargain's bargain's...all 'one dolla'...

These photo's are from the Queen Vic Market. There is so much happening there that its maybe a good idea to give you the website link for you to have a look http://www.qvm.com.au/

So armed with my little wheely trolley (you don't even have to carry your load back to the car - how cool is that) off I went to see what I could find....

It certainly inspires you to want to cook up a storm when you see the variety of seasonal fruit and veggies available.

I just loved this display....not only good enough to eat but to paint too
I loved the baskets, crates and barrels

Such characters not only manning the stalls but wandering around trying to find that elusive fruit or long awaited seasonal old friend back to provide a mouthwatering treat....
Every nationality mixing together in the name of good quality fresh food







Once the fruit and veggies are in the bag....its indoors to the Deli, Meat and Fish stalls...what a treat. You name it they've got it....

I've just noticed that this display is mainly of Greek produce but there were so many more to choose from....

I'm now a regular visitor to all the markets around Melbourne. I don't think you can beat it.

They've certainly changed my shopping habits when it comes to buying fruit and vegetables.

Happy Shopping...