Garlic growing in a pot
This season, I have decided to grow garlic in a large pot, as I am keen to see whether this approach will help reduce the rust that consistently affects my plants when grown in the main garden.
I have followed a wide range of advice and experimented with various growing methods and garlic varieties, yet I continue to encounter rust and small bulbs.
It is often suggested that heavy clay soil with poor drainage increases the likelihood of rust infections.
While my soil is well-drained, friable and rich in nutrients, the problem persists.
As a result, I will trial growing garlic in a container this year.
The general guideline is to plant in June and harvest in December.
In previous seasons, I attempted earlier planting to avoid rust, but without success.
A container should be at least 6-8 inches (15-20cm) deep and provide adequate drainage.
It should be filled with a high-quality potting mix, ideally combined with some homemade compost.
Individual cloves should be planted 3-4 inches apart and 2-3 inches deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.
The container should be placed in a north-facing, sunny position that receives a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily.
The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and plants can be fed occasionally with liquid seaweed.
Harvesting typically occurs in summer, around December, or when the leaves have turned yellow.
It is important to select a variety suited to the local climate.
I have trialled several varieties, and this season I intend to test a few new ones in the hope of improved results.
Garlic tolerates winter conditions well, although applying a layer of pea straw over the soil may be beneficial in colder southern regions.
Passionfruit
I was recently given several yellow passionfruit (Passiflora edulis v. flavicarpa), not the banana passionfruit variety, which is considered invasive, but a round type with yellow skin tinged slightly green.
The flavour was exceptional, both sweet and tangy, with a remarkable intensity.
From what I understand, it is not a commercially grown variety.
I have begun germinating seeds from this fruit and plan to assess whether this variety will thrive in my local conditions, which are largely frost-free throughout the year.
Passionfruit can sometimes be challenging to grow.
Vines may appear healthy and produce abundant foliage, but yield little fruit, or the fruit may drop prematurely.
My most successful experience was with a vine grown over the roof of a chicken house, which produced an abundance of fruit that could be collected in large quantities.
Unfortunately, I sold the property before the vine began producing, and the subsequent owner did not favour passionfruit.
Aside from this instance, my results have been limited.
Passionfruit thrives when planted in a north-facing, sunny, sheltered and frost-free location in spring, with well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.
As vigorous climbers, the vines require a strong and durable support structure.
They should be watered regularly, particularly during flowering, and benefit from the application of liquid fertiliser two to three times throughout the growing season.
Nothing is nicer than eating fresh passionfruit straight from the vine. It makes you feel like you are in the tropics!
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