Perhaps judging from the time of the last post it may seem like we have had nothing to report or that we were struck by the malaise of “no news is good news”; however, much has been happening and this post will certainly update you.

Home Gardening

We started our home garden in late 2015 (about a year and a half ago). Our first crops were lettuce of different colours and an attempt at kale. Basil was added: a purple and large green leafed type and they exploded in huge plants and our next big hit was born. Everyone was buying fresh basil and it ignited market bags with a sense of adventure and infused one with the urge to cook. Simple meals like breakfast eggs were transformed into gourmet wonders of tantalizing flavor: not overpowering but distinctly pleasant.

This run would last until the summer of 2016 when vacation time led to the eventual demise of our basil. It lodged and in my attempt to cover its roots again, it died. Technically both died because their roots were too intertwined. I tried with the seeds but none succeeded. Meanwhile, the rest of the space still bore kale and they were taking time to grow out. Just when they got to produce sizeable leaves I noticed large tears and bits and pieces were being removed. Our consternation would turn to dismay when it was discovered that birds were eating the kale. Our objections, floating CD’s etc. did not work and they out-reaped us. Birds continue to cause problems.

Thereafter the garden went into disrepair for two months or so and I kick-started it again in Oct/Nov of 2016. This time I was determined to revive the basil. However, after failing 3 times, I cashed in on a two-for- one deal at the plant shop and copped four (3 different types: lemon basil, Sweet Basil and the Purple leafed Basil). This time around they grew well and were establishing excellently. I even posted a picture in the weekly chat group to inform Fresco Lifers of the return of basil in the upcoming quarter. Then came a short trip to Jamaica for Christmas.

It was only 10 days.

Our 10-day Surprise

We got back late in the afternoon and walking in I felt that something looked out of place. Nevertheless, the dogs were happy to greet us and we unpacked cheerfully. Then I went to check the backyard. It was a disaster, Sparkle had somehow burrowed herself under the gate and made a statement about being left to spend Christmas in Trinidad.

Basil plants were uprooted, Melongene (Eggplants) were uprooted and strewn around and the soil was displaced to make huge holes in which I figure she slept from her labor. But in the dying embers, while I propped up and replanted the basil, I found a tiny volunteer growing up from the ground only 12 inches from where our original Big Sweet was planted. I covered it with a concrete block to prevent it being cut or killed by the bush-whacker. A few feet beyond there I discovered a large pumpkin on the vine. These were two miracles and certainly wonderful surprises to get at such a deflating time. The pumpkin vine has been a revelation. It was a volunteer seed growing out of a potted plant that didn’t make it. I had seen it all bleached out by lack of nutrients and water but still fighting with 6 or so leaves, moved it to the shade of the wall near my forgotten palms dutifully growing.

When we left it had reached my latest completed compost experiment which I had decanted on the concrete surface. I guess something went well. We reaped a 20+ lb. pumpkin for the market service. Since then the pumpkin vine has traversed that back concrete and has formed a matted no-passing zone.

The basil has been punishing. Their leaves have been blotchy and scarred. But having spent so much money, time and effort I couldn’t abandon them, so in the last three (3) weeks I have embarked on a plan to revive them.

It all started when I was doing a delivery at one of our corporate customer offices and a customer told me how she was transformed into a chef when using our Sweet Basil from last year. I promised her we would get more soon. I have done extensive, painstaking leaf pruning, regular wettings and fortified with rabbit manure. They are doing much better. Still small but we are getting closer to sharing. My greatest pleasure is that Big Sweet’s offspring is doing well. Nowhere near the giant but its leaves are large.

Along the way, we have lots of little harvests to keep us going - this includes chive, ginger, sweet pepper, yam and much more to come!

We look forward to sharing the bounty with our Fresco Life community, and encouraging every family to start growing something! It's a journey for all of us, but we're in it together.

Home Gardening - It's a Journey!

Home Gardening

Our 10-day Surprise