Experimental Produce Update - Project 63

Earlier posts have made reference to some different crops we have been experimenting with on plot 63. We have already broadcast the success of the Padron Peppers, and various plot holders have now tried these (and hopefully well received).

The New Zealand Yams seem to be in good shape with lots of foliage and have been well watered, and we are just waiting for the point where the leaves turn. At this point the instructions suggest to bury the foliage just under the surface to stimulate a bigger harvest. We'll keep you posted in regards progress.



Our Asparagus Peas have gone mad, and the 12 plants which form an attractive ground cover with red flowers, have been producing like mad, to the point where it's been a bit of a struggle to keep up. The secret it seems is to keep picking and the plants themselves then keep producing.



Having been warned about the voracity of the Shark Fin Melon, we are now finding out just how far these plants will spread. They have ow produced quite a few 'melons' which are sizing up well, but have cut back various runners from the plant otherwise we would simply be over run. These fruits grow to the size of rugby balls, and can be used as a soup, or there is a mexican desert or jam which can be produced. (various recipes can be found by googling 'Sharks Fin Melon'.



The crystal lemon cucumbers have fared well in the poly tunnel and in fact some have already been donated to Sanctus. Once again these plants seem to be highly productive.

The three other experiments are still coming to fruition. Cucamelons were tried a couple of years ago, and we failed to grow anything meaningful. I think this was more due to another crop which had been grown which rather over ran the poly tunnel and smothered everything else. We are cultivating 3-4 plants in the polytunnel and the same outside as they are suggested to be resistant to the normal array of pests. These grape or olive sized fruits taste similar to cucumber with a tinge of lime.



We have planted out 8 Edamane Bean plants which seem to be growing well but too early at the moment to determine how productive and the one disappointment is our experiment with Okra. Whilst one of the plants seems to have taken, it's rather miserable in size, although it now does have a fruit on it. Watch this space for further information.

Well, this is probably about it for now, and a further update will be posted once we have harvested. If anyone is interested in trying or testing any of these 'experimental' vegetables, please get in touch with Karen, and subject to ripening, will be happy to oblige.

We would also be interested in some further feedback on the Padron Peppers. Early viewpoints is a significant thumbs up.