Testing Gusts

Today is one windy day in Melbourne. I don't know who ate all the baked beans but I wish they would stop. It has caused more than a few headaches for the balcony garden, and seeing as today is a working from home day (and preparation for the big balcony garden Sunday Roast day) I have been here to witness and troubleshoot along the way.

Firstly it had dried out all the pots and while we had about .2mm of rain this is nowhere near enough to sustain potted plants. So while passers by scowled at me I loaded up each pot with my saved water (I save my shower warm up water, veggie washing water, etc). I could see what they were thinking, what's wrong with you girl, we have water restrictions and it is currently sort of raining!?! Well they can play judge all they like, all's fair with recycled water and most folks don't know just how much wind can dry a pot out. Some of them have dried out again already (it's sunny too for periods as well, crazy!!!)

Secondly one of my trellising jobs came unstuck and the poor snow peas were set adrift. Luckily I caught this early and put the stake back in the ground (yes the wind is THAT strong it blew them out of the ground!!!). It still looks really lopsided and each new gusts leads is closer and closer to collapsing again. Finger crossed it holds, this is what it used to look like in better times.

Thirdly one giant gust just blew two potplants off the table! That's two plants, pots, soil and all!!!! These aren't overly heavy but they were by no means the lightest things around. One was damaged beyond repair (the beognia) and the red gazania is not looking too crash hot (excuse the pun.) It should die down soon but in the meantime I'm keeping a close eye on the balcony, whilest cooking meringue cups and soups and more for the balcony fiesta!

A Small Post on How NOT to Trellis

Over the past few days and weeks I have read some really insightful ways to create an affordable, durable trellis. Dan over at Urban Veggie Garden suggests a set up with very tall Bamboo and compostable string. The Cheap Vegetable Gardener similarly makes frugal use of Bamboo, twine and an old, dead bush. Erin at The 6 x 8 Garden uses scraps and her existing balcony to create what looks to be a very good set up for her climbers. I, on the other hand, given I am the totally inept balcony gardener, have decided to use my 'experience' to give a few tips on how NOT to create a trellis for climbing veggies which are, in my case, snow peas. I do use the same few ingredients here, bamboo (or in my case plastic poles) and twine, but boy oh boy are the results different. Thanks to my follies here are a few trellising no nos.

Trellis no no Number 1 - Always make sure you build it to an appropriate height


The peas may keep growing, but the trellis certainly will not!

Trellis no no Number 2 - While it is good to get a bit creative and candles may look pretty as inpromptu stakes, once the plant reaches them and you want some outdoor tea light action they are a bit of a silly idea, unless you like your snow peas freshly scorched from the vine!


Trellis no no Number 3 - Always consider the needs of the other vegetables in the garden, a broccoli does not flourish when caged in like a zoo animal. Allow enough width of trellis to have a 'free range' broccoli rather than the caged kind.


Trellis no no Number 4 - Make sure if you are using twine it is wound tightly, otherwise the pea vines are more sturdy than their intended support!


There you have it. With the good guides listed above and my few silly trellising accidents I am sure you will have all the knowledge you need to create good supports for your peas, beans and other climbers.