FORAGING IN THE PATCH BEFORE SCHOOL

Mornings are usually a quick wander with my children in our garden (aka preserving patch) after I get home from the gym (but before school). I feed our quails and chickens whilst the kids forage for blueberries, mulberries and strawberries. Happy days! Blueberry plants were bought in a group buy on Facebook Group Jetto's Patch, the mulberry tree was a gift from my lovely friend Janet, and the strawberry plants were bought from Bunnings.
 

 

PERTH GROWING GUIDE: OCTOBER

Amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus)
Planting: sow seeds direct into garden
Location: warm, sunny position, soil not too heavy
Space plants: 50cm apart
Harvest: 7-8 weeks
Companion planting: corn, eggplant, onions, peppers, tomatoes
   
  
  
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Planting: sow seeds direct into garden
Location: semi-shade, moist, rich, slightly acidic soil
Space plants: 45cm apart
Harvest: 18 months
Companion planting: mint, lemon balm 
   
  
  
  
Artichokes, Globe (Cynara scolymus)
Planting: direct into garden
Location: sandy soil
Space plants: 160-200cm apart
Harvest: 42-57 weeks
Companion planting: none (needs lots of space)
   
  
  
  
Asparagus (Aspargus officianalis)
Planting: crowns
Location: cool, not too much moisture
Space plants: 20-40cm apart
Harvest: 2-3 years
Companion planting: basil, lettuce, nasturtiums, parsley (avoid garlic, onions, root vegetables)
   

  
    
Asparagus Pea (Lotus tetragonobolus)
Planting: sow seeds direct into garden
Location: moisture, full sun, normal soil
Space plants: 20-25cm apart
Companion planting: none
Maintenance: support with twigs to keep stems off the ground, protect from pests
Harvest: 8-11 weeks (pick early and often when pods are small)

     

Source: Planting in Australia - temperate regions