1. Amaranth
amaranth by jill goodell
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from June
Author: Tatyana
Exciting news! Sydney’s local Sprout Magazine ran our planting guide feature in its Summer 2010 issue. Click on the images below to get the full scoop!
Thanks to Kirsten Bradley of Milkwood Permaculture for getting us in touch and Diane Jardine of Sprout for publishing it.
I barely have to water the garden this summer, since it’s been raining so much. These are unusual weather conditions, so the best we can do is keep planting and seeing what does well. This season my approach to planting had not been a very planned one. I just basically went nature-style on it and planted a whole heap of different things. After three weeks the plants suited to this summer were thriving, and the others…well, that is life. I suppose it would be safe to say that they contributed to the organic matter in the soil.
The outcome: beans and tomatoes rule the patch, followed by potatoes, cucumbers and radishes. Here are some things you can try for yourself!
1. Sunflower
Sunflowers by marcmo
Where: sow directly into the soil
Harvest: from May
March’s balancing act by lululemon athletica
Making New Year’s resolutions is a great way to plan for success in the new year. Some people may decide to travel to at least 3 countries or pick up gardening as a hobby ;-), while others will wish to play an instrument or try wind surfing. These are fantastic ideas, but my question is this: if you don’t have the energy and motivation to do any of them, what is the point? This is why I am writing these New Year’s resolutions with strength and radian health in mind. It’s actually really simple to have healthy body and clear mind, but it might require changing a few rusty habits.
In fact, healthy people and healthy Earth are not separate, they are part of the same goal. One cannot exist without the other. With Permaculture we strive to create systems that are efficient, sustainable and beneficial to humans, while nurturing the landscapes. I would extend this definition to aiming to create the healthiest and most lucid people on Earth. When we focus our minds on treating ourselves with love and care, it is inevitable that we will want to be surrounded by an environment of health and balance. The opposite is also true. It’s hard to feel low in a vibrant garden of beauty and absolute abundance.
I know it’s been raining, cold and unusual for Sydney, but garden beds do not wait! It’s time to bravely plunge into the summer planting season and experiment. Who knows, some of the plants might even like this weather :).
1. Basil
Basil by amandabhslater
Where: grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks
Harvest: from April