It's out with the old and in with the new - climbing crops that is! We've removed the dried stalks of our snow peas (above) and stored the seeds for planting in late autumn. Next crop will be cucumbers. More specifically, crystal apple cucumbers. What I like about this particular variety is they're more resistant to powdery mildew, which we seem to get a lot of.
We grew these ourselves from heirloom seeds, and they were pretty easy to germinate in the small greenhouse. They've already had a few days outdoors to climatise, and they're just about the right size to go out.
All six plants are now in the ground, complete with homemade compost! You can still see some of the cardboard. These guys should be ready for cropping in about 65 days.
I'm still debating where to put the Star Jasmine though. I have a place next to the chicken coop which would be perfect, but I'm wondering if it's poisonous? The research I've conducted so far, doesn't seem to mention this particular variety (Trachelospermum jasminoidesas) which is part of the Apocynaceae family, as either toxic to animals or a noxious weeds. But a very similar looking lot, from the Oleaceae family, are known to be hazardous and with weed potential.
I think I need to do more research to be sure where to plant it. My instinct says it wouldn't be detrimental to the chooks, as we've had other suburban animals live with it before, but it pays to be sure.
Having once been a star jasmine owner, I would never have another again. They grow like wildfire, like feet in days!
ReplyDeleteUnless you have somewhere you wont need to constantly prune it Chris, my thoughts would be you consider something less aggressive.
Aggressive growth is what I've been contemplating also. So I've ruled out beside the chicken coop.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you should mention planting it somewhere remote, as this is what I've been considering also. Like on a fence line, or beside the garden shed where it needs some shading.
Thanks for your feedback. :)