If you don’t count the use of Thyme from the garden, then the first edible food this season was Bok Choi. It is famous for going from seedling to ready-to-eat in 45 days, and it grew very nicely.

In another experiment, watermelon from seeds is planted both outside the greenhouse, and in one of the beds. The ones in the greenhouse will be a challenge to manage as they can rapidly take over the world. I am hoping that the tomato plant in the picture will quickly rise above them. So far the greenhouse cohort is doing better than those recently transplanted outside from the seedling tray. One to watch….

These tomato starters have graduated from the seed trays to the bed. Of the six, three did not make it. I am guessing they needed a bit more time, or the shock was overwhelming. Hopefully the remainder will develop nicely.

From seedlings to 6 foot tall vines in just weeks, these cucumber plants were a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, about half were plagued by a disease and did not make it. We are looking for natural ways to combat this going forward.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YZ8nRPsRrrYR4gg38

One essential herb for cooking is Thyme, and there are many varieties, but two of them are common here. They are referred to as Thyme, and Big Thyme. Common thyme is the most widely used culinary thyme. It is narrow leaf and also known as english thyme. What is referred to here as big thyme is Oregano, which is of the same family.

We planted some of both in one of the beds and they are doing well.

We planted both Scallion (Spring Onions to some) and common onions. The thinking was that while the scallions would thrive, the regular onions would be something of a gamble in this climate. However, the opposite has happened. None of the row of scallions has sprouted, and the regular onions are healthy and thriving. We will see what the harvest looks like, but this is a surprising early outcome.

With plenty of watermelon seeds, a row of them was planted between the columns. It was a chore to till the soil as it was very rocky, and full of roots from the Guava trees close by.

The peas I had planted in the seedling tray quickly outgrew that stage and sent roots through the bottom. I transplanted them to the ground after clearing more of the area next to the watermelons. Sporadic rain is helping out so far.

A few packets of seeds were acquired in order to try out some varieties of vegetables. With the greenhouse sheltered, they went into a tray to get started.

There are a few citrus trees on the property, but 2 of the mature ones had to be cutdown due to termite infestations. Four more were purchased to replace them and add to the count. Two lime trees, 1 grapefruit, and 1 tangerine (we think, according to the seller).