Are there any backyard veggie gardeners here?

[obbie]

Gosh. we live so far apart. I am 1 hour from Cairns. wonder if kale would grow here.

[Aussie Brenda]

Astarra, just caught up on this thread,,,   WHERE DID YOU GET THAT SUNSHINE FROM.... I know you got Robyn to send you some from her place...

[astarra]

It just came... ....for better or worse!!!!

[obbie]

Its about 33-34 here today..

[Aussie Brenda]

Robyn, not sure how you would go growing the kale up there, it is a winter vegie and from what I have experienced the insects really love it in the warm weather, if you want to give it a try, I will post you some seeds tomorrow, pm me your address if you want the challenge.

[EmeraldSue]

I hung out a load of washing, pulled out a weed, and another, and before I knew it an hour had passed. At that point, I got changed and decided to keep going. It is a lovely sunny day after heavy rain, so the weeds were easy to pull out.
My winter veggies were a mixed success. I have to say that I haven't spent as much time as I should have. My cauliflower never set any heads, and the broccoli went to seed very early. I think I can see some seed pods on it know, and wonder if I should let them mature and keep them for next year.

Does anyone have any tips?
My potatoes in a garbage bag are doing well, and I've added more compost.

I have half a dozen garlic plants still alive, but I think my cats sat on the snow peas and the caterpillars feasted on them too. We only got about half a dozen peas from 3 plants.
I did have some tomato seedlings growing before we went on holidays, but I think a lack of water killed them off.
My rainbow chard, on the other hand has bolted and is going to seed. It's at least 1 m tall in places. Any tips on what to do? Should I cut it back and hope it regrows, or should I just write it off and pull it out. I planted it in Sept last year.

[obbie]

I would cut it back ES. we planted heaps more veges and herbs yesterday. I remembered to bring homes seeds..

[achookwoman]

Yes ,  cut them off ES.  They will come again.
 Had a terrific day in the garden.  First nice day for weeks.  I am tempting fate and have planted out lettuce and some herbs.  The giant pea seeds that GD helped me plant in toilet roll centers have put up little green shoots.  I have them under plastic domes but gave them a bit of fresh air.  Weeded another patch in veggie garden,  10 to go.!!!! The chooks get all the green weeds.  Will do another one tomorrow. 
Took the worm farm to pieces and put the worm compost around lots of pots. 
The Wombat has been into the Veggie patch again.  Stupid animal,  makes one hole to get in and another to get out.   Think I will try and stop it tomorrow.

[Nay-nay]

Haven't got to read all this thread but it is very motivational! Here is a new patch we hoed up and planting some tomatoes.    

[astarra]

Looking good so far nay-nay...

[obbie]

Thanks Brenda for the Kale seeds.

Robyn

[CreamPuff63]

That soil looks lovely and rich

[EmeraldSue]

Lovely photo Nay Nay.
That veggie patch puts mine to shame!

[obbie]

we have red dirt here

[djinni373]

Picture perfect Nay Nay. Almost makes me homesick for country Qld. (Spent some time round Nnnnnnanango many years ago when it only had one taxi )