Hey Beckoes

We have been growing veggies for a few years now, but we just sort of muddle our way through it all, try a few new things each year, and learn as we go. In previous years I've bought seedlings and planted straight into the patch but this season I've decided to raise my own seedlings from seed, primarily to save money, but also because we've had cold weather persist here in SA for longer than normal. Usually I have my summer crop in the ground by the October long weekend, but it was just too cold so I have my seeds germinating in seed raising trays at the moment. They'll go into the ground this week hopefully as most of them have popped up and are looking strong enough. Plus, DP has finished revamping the raised beds we have for planting. Instead of one big bed that became hard to manage, we've got 5 smaller ones that will allow me to move around them easily to maintain things, and also will help to stop plants growing into each other.

I will be planting 2 variety of tomatos, 2 variety of cucumber, baby carrots, spring onions, leeks, broccoli, zucchini & beans. I'm sure there are more but can't think right now.

We use seasol & powerfeed to feed & fertilise for for good healthy plants and to increase yields from the plants. We usually use pea-straw or compost for mulch to help retain moisture and add organic matter to the beds.

Trust me, wait until you harvest your first crop and eat it, it is so rewarding.

Good luck. I'll keep popping back in to see how you're going!