Not so Experimental?

Hopefully you may have been following the exploits of project 63 which is now in its third year. Following some successful alternatives to your everyday vegetables grown last year, and some fledgling disasters (Peruvian Stuffing Cucumbers) we are again looking to grow some different crops on the site.

However, I am not too sure many of these could be considered experimental, some of which have been given ample coverage in James Wong's book, Homegrown revolution, and one being grown by a plot holder last year who kindly gave me some seeds to try on plot 63.



So, what are the plans. We have already planted a few Alpine Strawberries to see how they fare (and they are looking in good shape) and hardening off in and out of the family greenhouse (also used at other times as a conservatory) are Asparagus Peas, New Zealand Yams (OCA), various varieties of Chillis together with a couple of Padron Pepper plants, Cucamelons and Sharks Fin Melon (grown by Annie and Lloyd).



We haven't been very successful in getting some West Indian Gherkins to germinate, and we are also planning to have a bash at growing Edamane Beans (Soy).

The New Zealand Yams have produced a rush of green leaves which are also edible, and as soon as we view all hint of frost has passed will be planting up and hopefully enjoying the fruits of production later in the year. The Yams chit in similar fashion to potatoes, and potted up in compost pending planting out. They stay in the ground until the winter frosts which stimulates the tubers, and can be harvested two weeks after.



The Sharks Fin Melons are suggested to be prolific growers needing rich soil and very little in terms of looking after, producing as many as 5 large rugby ball fruits by Autumn, and Wong suggests the leaves can also be eaten.

The Asparagus Pea plant has trailing branches which radiates from a central point, with nitrogen fixing roots. The peas require picking young to promote further cropping and to prevent stringiness.

Please check in for further updates to see how these varieties have developed and grown and some information on Cucamelons, Edamane beans and the progress of the Padron Peppers which I am particularly keen to get to harvest.