Posh Farming

…. with a girl in the city


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Poshly expanding

This week I expanded my posh farm further. My refrigerator continues to incubate my vegetables and now I’ve added two new items to my posh farm. Before I talk about them though, let me give you an update on the Irish potato, escallion, and sweet potato. I am soooo excited!

The Irish and the escallion continue to grow like a teenage boy experiencing a growth sprout; it’s amazing. In hindsight, I should have been measuring the height of the trees for the Irish at the first week, but I didn’t. It is something I’ll do next time to see how fast they grow at this stage; it is quite possible that the growth rate will change throughout the process of propagation.

Escallion in water

Escallion in water

Escallion in soil

Escallion in soil

Growing potatoes

Growing potatoes

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Sweet potato with 2 roots

It’s been 1 week for the escallion and 5 weeks since the Irish was planted. The escallion has grown 2-4 inches while the trees for the Irish stand between 8-10 inches……

The sweet potato is now showing tiny leaves and two roots….The beauty of nature. It’s exciting to see it unfold.

So, now unto my new adventures.

The Carrot Top 🙂

Don’t laugh. This is a forgotten carrot which was in the drawer of the refrigerator for about 5 months. I noticed it growing shoots and I’ve decided to plant it as well.

Carrot with base in water (just taken from refrigerator)

Carrot with base in water (just taken from refrigerator)

Like for most other farming things, I consulted farmer Google. Most sites suggested that I place the carrot in water so I did just that (after cutting off the edible bit). There are some sites that say you can grow a carrot from a cutting and some which say you can’t. I’m not sure which is correct so I’m going to try and see what happens. I don’t think I’ll leave it in the water indefinitely though. The sites say that this should lead to root development so I’ll leave it in water for two weeks and then plant it in soil.

A Head of Lettuce

Romaine lettuce was my next item (from the refrigerator en route from the supermarket). It seems far-fetched but I have nothing to lose except the base of the lettuce, so I’m giving it a try. The farmer in me can’t wait to see what happens.

Freshly cut lettuce base

Freshly cut lettuce base

Lettuce moved to soil

Lettuce moved to soil

Like the escallion, I cut off the top of the lettuce and planted the base. I first placed the base in water and left it on the window sill. But, after a few days of having to change the water repeatedly, I figured it would either rot while breeding mosquitoes, or die of water shortage during periods of abandonment. So, I’ve put it in soil, in the same pot that once housed the Irish potatoes; maybe the magic of the Irish potatoes will lead to something here. It too is under the eave of the house where the roof forms droplets from the dew.

In the meantime, you have ringside seats to the happenings on the posh farm, and the possibilities in your kitchen. Happy Posh Farming!


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Tiered Lettuce and Herb Garden

lettuce garden10Can you imagine, I am now offering suggestions?…That’s because I’ve been doing my research. I may still be feeling my way through the backyard Posh Farm but there are many low hanging fruits which I am intent on enjoying.

I’ll continue with this idea (and corresponding photos) that I found on Vintage Wren. The site is quickly becoming one of my favourites – thevintagewren.blogspot.com. The idea is very similar to the one-pot herb garden. This however allows for more variety in your ‘produce’ if there are variations in soil type and treatment. It also gives dimensions to your ‘farm’. I’ve outlined some steps below which should help you create your own Posh Farm!

lettuce garden3

Sweet basil, Artemesia “Satiny” wormwood & Lavender

Start off with three different size tubs. In Carrie’s garden she used 16.75 gallon tub at the bottom,  4.5 gallon tub in the middle and a 10 quart bucket at the top (remember to bore holes in the bottom of the containers).

lettuce garden4

Lettuce

She started with lettuce (romaine and curly leaf) in the bottom tub.

Romaine lettuce, Sweet basil & Artemesia "Satiny" wormwood

Romaine lettuce, Sweet basil & Artemesia “Satiny” wormwood

She added basil to the second tub and lavender in the top bucket.

Cilantro & Lemon Balm

Cilantro & Lemon Balm

She also added other herbs for colour in-between the basil and lavender.

Oregano, Cilantro, Parsley & Thyme

Oregano, Cilantro, Parsley & Thyme

It’s up to you to decide what herbs and vegetables you want to plant; but whatever you do,

ENJOY BEING A POSH FARMER!

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