The kind of day I had in the garden called for slices of Lime Loaf cake and LimeAde. I had my 9yr old son as my handy garden helper. Even if he helped more with eating cake.

I’ve bought a ton of seeds this year. A lot more than I have in previous years. I started planting most of them in March in anticipation of the rainy season.

One of the downsides of having a large and clustered garden here in the tropics is that you inadvertently also get mosquitoes. So when I spend long periods in the garden I use mosquito repellents to ward off mosquitoes. Sometimes I apply repellant on my body or burn incense sticks particularly Citronella, or I burn a mix of mosquito-repelling herbs or leaves like lemongrass, citrus leaves, marigold leaves etc.
Spot the sunscreen in the picture too, I wear sunscreen all the time, I can never predict how much time I would spend in the sun when I’m gardening. Protect your skin folks

Few tips for planting seeds

• Read the instructions on the seed packet and follow them. If it doesn’t come in a seed packet, look up information online. For instance, planting Ewedu (Jute or Molokai) seeds requires that the seeds be blanched first for at least 5 minutes before the seeds are dispersed, Ugu (Flute pumpkin) Seeds ought to be planted with the pointy side facing up etc.
• Knowing the requirements for planting will also help you know whether you will be planting directly in a seedbed or starting in a seedling tray. Some plants don’t handle transplant well e.g carrot so if you start in a tray, chances are you will lose the plant at transplant
• When starting your seeds it is important to start them with good potting soil. Like rich dark humus soil, compost or cocopeat. If you have sandy or clay soil, you have to adjust them with organic material like compost, coco peat, cow manure, dried grass or leaves etc. In Lagos for instance in some areas where the land was reclaimed from water, the soil can be terrible, and it has to be considerably adjusted to allow plants to thrive. You can make your compost at home.
• Label your seedlings so you won’t forget what seeds you have planted in each pot or tray. You can write on wooden or PVC label sticks sold in gardening stores, or use plastic ice cream spoons or forks
• Water the soil properly and leave the plants where they can get sunlight and air.

Remember to store your leftover seeds properly so they can last long for when next you need them

TIPS FOR SEEDS STORAGE by LGC

• Store your seeds (still in their paper packets) in a well-sealed container. Any container that will keep air and moisture away from the seeds will be most ideal
• Keep your seed packet container in a COOL, DARK and DRY place.
• NB: Use silica gel packs. Those little ‘do not eat’ white sachets you find in shoe boxes or new handbags etc. No need to tear open the sachet. A couple of these in your seed pack container will help keep moisture away.

Final tip; Reward yourself for the hard work😉😁