Are there any backyard veggie gardeners here?

[cookie1]

Artichokes,  best used as a wind break in veggie garden.    Causes wind everywhere else.  LOL

Definitely ROFL.

The garden look all ready to go Chookie.

[Jamberie]

  Went to a talk about wicking on Saturday.  The next raised bed will be a wicking one.

Just love your garden Chookie!

So glad to hear someone else is starting a wicking system!

FYI ...Wicking gardners are as passionate about their wick beds as tmx owners are about their tms!!! I could talk about ours all day!

[Halex]

Jamberie, I dont know what wicking is, any chance of a photo?

[Jamberie]

I posted some much earlier in this thread...but cant link cuz im on my phone
Ill try later

[judydawn]

You started on page 47 of this thread Jamberie - http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=10868.690

[Jamberie]

Gosh Judy, you are amazing! Thank you!

[achookwoman]

Jam you inspired me.  Thanks.  I read all you posted and followed your links.  The only q I had was about the water going stale.  The lady I spoke to on Saturday said that can happen,  but the solution is to have an outlet at the bottom on the side.  This can be opened at will.  I am looking for large Apple crates to set up. Altogether  not cheap and fairly heavy work.  Might have to invest in  a couple more Wwoofers. !! 
For those interested,  we bought an Above ground coated tank like thing, .9 x 2.2 meter, $300 on special.  $200 for top grade compost and scoria delivered.  An Apple crate will cost about $50, soil and plumbing about $300.
The advantages,  fresh veggies, which can be planted closer together.  no spray and water saving.  Not having to bend over to garden. 
Hally,  I think this would suit you very well. 

[Jamberie]

Chookie, the outlet in the bottom of our tanks also adjusts the water level (it's an adjustable elbow joint) and we can tip it all the way so that the reservoir can be almost completely emptied. They are also (by chance) facing a nearby drain

I have many more photos of the set up if you are interested.

Yes very expensive set up ($800 so far but with lots of left over materials for future beds)...but we have had over 6kg tomatoes this year which is amazing for Canberra, particularly as we had extreme heat this summer.
From 4 zucchini plants we are picking at least 2 zucchini each day for the last month.
Notwithstanding the minimal upkeep (great for those who go away frequently) and less water consumption.
These beds will pay for themselves in 3 years at the most.

Sorry for the large post, but I did say earlier that 'wick' gardners are passionate like tmx owners!!!

[achookwoman]

Thanks Jam.  Must get the Apple crate first.  Will keep in touch. 

[Jamberie]

I'm looking forward to seeing how you go Chookie

[MrsG]

Hi guys. Why do zucchinis do that stupid mutant shape?
I've got a fair bit going on in my garden right now.
I'm picking zucchinis, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a random potato yesterday. My herbs are in overload (Yay for Tabbouli!)
I have planted capsicum and broccoli a few weeks ago, and yesterday I put in cauliflower and (Prob to late but who cares) pumpkin seeds.
Figured I have a gap so lets fill it... It rained all afternoon today woo hoo!

[achookwoman]

Mrs G, all sounds good.  I planted Diggers seeds that were well out of date and within 4 days they were starting to come up. 10 drops of rain here.  Warm and humid.  We aim to eat something from the garden every day. 

[Jamberie]

I think my figure of 6kg of tomatoes this year is a bit off the mark.  I decided to weigh just today's pickings and got over 5kg! I now estimate we've had over 20kg of tomatoes this season! Amazing and wholly due to the wicking system!

If you are thinking of starting/refreshing a veggie garden I highly recommend wicking beds!!!!

[astarra]

I've been getting 2 zucchini a day too, and I only put in 2 plants this year
lots of veg, all growing well. Love my veg garden.

[achookwoman]

From the Autumn garden.  Very simple.