Bitter gourd

 

 My bitter gourd vine is quite a prolific grower, it creeps all over my yellow trumpet plant. They both produce yellow flowers, so it makes an interesting sight. I took a closer look this morning and spotted a tiny bitter gourd fruit hanging on the vine. The last one that grew was hidden under the foliage. By the time I discovered, it was too late as the fruit has ripened and burst open. This time, I'll keep my eyes peeled on this new fruit.

Growing tomatoes

I didn't think it was possible to grow tomatoes in our tropical heat until I saw these growing in someone's backyard. These were attacked by pests but somehow they were still laden with tomatoes.

I have tried growing tomatoes in my patio several times but they had never given me any fruits. Some had grown well enough to produce flowers only to die a sudden death. Others succumbed to white flies and aphid infestations. My parents, on the other hand, had grown cherry tomatoes successfully.

 

Maybe if I grow mine in large pots and give them enough fertilisers, they will do well. I am inspired to try again.

Plants need brollies too

I came home to see my seedlings battered and drowning in rainwater (again), and had to find a solution quickly. Why not use my brolly to protect the delicate plants from heavy rainfall? If I had thought of this earlier, I would have saved lots of seedlings!

This is now a permanent fixture in my garden, well until the plants are stronger and rainy season is over.

Growing pea shoots

Since it is so hard for small seeds to germinate during this rainy season, I have chosen to grow pea shoots instead. The big green peas do not rot in the rain and they grow up strong and healthy. I can't wait to eat sweet peas!

Rainy

The rainy season is upon us again. While this is good for established plants, most of the seeds failed to germinate. I wasted two batches of precious rocket salad seeds and some of the edamame beans also turned to mush before they could even sprout. I've not given up yet. I've just sowed some tomato seeds and cherry radish. Hope to see some action soon. Otherwise I really have to consider growing plants that thrive in bogs and wetlands.

A very small harvest

I harvested the edamame from my few plants today. There wasn't even enough to fill a small bowl but I was determined to eat them instead of leaving them on the plant like the last time. They were lightly boiled in salt water and MY GOSH, I had never tasted such sweet edamame before!

The beans were sweet and slightly crunchy, nothing like the ones served in Japanese restaurants. I think they are best eaten straight after harvest because like sweetpea and sweetcorn, they turn starchy quickly once they leave the plants.

Now I am even more convinced that I should grow more in the garden. After eating these few beans, I doubt I will ever fully enjoy store bought ones.

Edamame (soy beans)

 I love eating boiled edamame in Japanese restaurants but did you know that you can grow your own at home too? I used dried soy beans from Japan and they sprout very quickly and are easy growers. In less than a month or so, little pinkish flowers will bloom and pea pods will start to appear all over the vine. Mine should be ready for harvest anytime soon.