Re: Steves first SFG

**sanderson** 2/1/2022, 1:13 pm

It's great that the fan helped lower the temperature.

Simso 3/12/2022, 3:33 am

Almost got next two grow beds ready, all framed up, just got to line them with some weed matt and then fill them just in time for our winter planting of snow peas, potatoes, garlic etc

Lost all my corn to the heat, last two months we had 43 days of 40 degrees c weather.

Added meshing under all the grow beds, allows my chickens to come and visit and keep the spiders under control.

**sanderson** 3/12/2022, 4:55 am

Having 43 days at 40*C/104*F is brutal. I can't believe you are getting ready for winter crops! It seems you just got going on summer crops.

Simso 3/12/2022, 7:04 am

Yep, prepping, we are just into autumn now, not that you would guess with current temperatures still at 30c

Simso 3/13/2022, 1:33 am

Next 2 beds are a go

**sanderson** 3/13/2022, 4:03 am

What are you growing for winter?

Simso 3/13/2022, 4:12 am

Well its my autumn planting not winter planting, more winter harvesting

but have started with cabbages, cauliflowers, snow peas, beetroots, carrots, silverbeet, all the leafy vegetables

I did not get a spring plant out last year, as i got my first beds built right on summer.

I transplanted a couple of my potted malabar spinachs into the corner of each new bed, chooks like it a lot

**sanderson** 3/13/2022, 4:25 am

Sounds good. Will you be taking the sun shade down soon?

Simso 3/13/2022, 4:26 am

Have just left the sun shade up whilst I have all my newest seedlings that i planted direct to the beds get large enough to draw it back safely

Bean plants started off well, but then they got stunted with the heat, i planted all 5 at the same time, only got a dozen or so beans from 2 of the plants, the other 3 plants never got taller than 6 inches

Simso 3/19/2022, 11:41 pm

And last grow bed installed, sono more building hopefully just harvesting from now on

The last bed is down the back by the water tank, got to make a mix and fill it and done

All up I have 80 grow squares (ft by ft), managed to pack it tight and maximise my lighting

**sanderson** 3/20/2022, 3:36 am

You managed to fit a lot into that area. Next summer should be better because you will get a running start on the season. You will be able to plant early and the fruit will set and mature before the first heat wave.

Simso 3/20/2022, 3:52 am

Pretty much, my first plant out was end of the first week of summer. Time everything was of size heat wave was on us.

We are now finishing 3rd week of autumn and it was 29celcius still here

Hoping to get leeks and onions planted out next week

Simso 12/17/2022, 7:45 pm

So an interesting observation I have had this season, my plant growth is way less than last year

I think it has a lot to do with the clear plastic sheets i fitted to the top of my grow area.

As it is, the location is right on the borderline of a good 6hrs of full sun, add the clear plastic sheets on top which apparently have a 10-15 percent reduction on sun strength and I think it all adds up to just being under the sweet zone for optimum growth

Going to next week remove a section of the roofing and just put burd netting back in place in that area and see what difference it makes

Simso 2/12/2023, 12:53 am

3 yrs ago, before sfg

Simso 2/12/2023, 12:55 am

Constantly evolving garden area
This morning, two seasons in now with sfg

Everything grown from seed.

**sanderson** 2/12/2023, 4:10 pm

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