Just a hint on why other than the rain that many of the those plants are not doing anything..
The soil is probably a lower temperature than optimal for all these plants due to the rain. Also, all that rain spurs them into root production so a lot is probably going on underground.
That is so right. I read several years back, that it has to be 50+F overnight for the soil to warm up. That just happened here a little over a week ago and seems you can almost see stuff getting bigger.
This is wierd, here in the rain forest (165" a year average) it has not rained in over a week, I actually had to water stuff yesterday!
Wow figs!!!!!!! Yummers.
Nan
Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy
May 31 # 12 of 20
Hi Nan,
So you're experiencing some dry weather in the rain forest! I guess we are just being blessed with the water for now. I am wondering what type crop veggies you are growing, or are you speaking of house plants? And are bugs a big problem in the rain forest?
Cathy
Posted By: shipscook
May 31 # 13 of 20
no veggies for me at this time. People here grow cukes, summer squash, peas and a few other things. a lot of people have green houses and grow tomatoes and peppers. I think some grow potatoes and lettuce.
I just have flowers, mostly peranniels, poppys, foxglove and a few others. Plant nasturtiums and buy enough panseys for one planter. Not too many bugs here, a few aphids. But we have trophy sized slugs!!! That is pretty much how I planned what to plant a few years back--came home after a job and took note of what not been gobbled up!
I live on a steep hillside, so just have one long bed and lots of containers.
Nan
Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy
May 31 # 14 of 20
Hi again,
I find it interesting that folks would use green houses in the rain forest! Have you ever used nasturtiums in any of your recipes? I have read recipes that incorporate flowers most notably nasturtiums into certain dishes. In the Moroccan ccokbook I am reading they even have some recipes that call for a few rose patals sprinkeled onto a dish for flavor.
I have roses in bloom right now but they do not smell very sweet so I don't think I would use them, but if they were fragrant I would go for it!
Enjoy your time home Nan! I think one day I would like to see a rain forest, it will more than likely be the one in Puerto Rico.
Cathy
Posted By: shipscook
May 31 # 15 of 20
it is too wet and chilly for a lot of things most years, so in the green house, they can keep their feet dry and be warmer. Mostly tomatoes, peppers and some flowers. Also some herbs including basil. BTW I think basil is the slugs favorite herb. Had a pot full sitting up on a table and two mowed it down in like a half hour!!
I have used nasturtiums before in salad and as garnish, sort of peppery. I have also seen mid eastern recipes calling for rose water?
Jafo232 wrote: