Hi Duncan. I’ve noticed a marked decrease in the dreaded Harlequin bugs this season in Sunbury. Barely a bug around. Has it been the same up your way? Merri
Not many here either. I notice that populations spike during humid weather and decrease during extended dry. I'd expect numbers to increase again as humidity rises into autumn.
Verica, see my comment below about humidity. Melbourne tends to be more humid in summer than Central Vic. So I'm not surprised you still have plenty about.
If I could keep up with all your informed posts (from lived experience!), I would be the gardener I always wish to be! Productive, realistic, rewarded by flourishing plants and healthy harvests, and doing it all in tune with nature. Thanks so much for sharing all that you are learning yourself.
Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words. They mean a lot. I’m glad you find the posts useful (albeit perhaps a little to frequent for your inbox to cope)
I grated four larger zucchinis and dehydrated them across two shelves in my oven to make flour with
Once ground, I only have about a tablespoon and a half of flour to show for all of my efforts! It does smell divine though. For now, I think I'll stick to baking and freezing what I can't use.
Next year I think I'll salvage what I can from the tip shop and upscale with a solar dehydrator. Wish me luck!
Every year I tell myself that I'm going to build the ultimate solar dehydrator. Every year I'm too busy harvesting and preserving produce to actually get around to it. Next year!
Zucchini flour sounds like a lot of work for not much reward, I'll skip that one. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.
Every year I run a tomato taste test and invite participants to sample an array of tomatoes. I ask them to give each variety a score out of ten. I also use a refractometer to measure the Brix (total suspended solids). In last year’s taste test Wapsipinicon Peach won first place and Jaune Flamme scored third place. I’ve never tried Lucid Gem, but based on your other two recommendations, I’d best give it a try next summer.
Hi Duncan, have you tried German Pickling Cucumbers? I used to grow Lebanese and heirloom cucs until I came across this pickling variety. They are absolutely delicious - crunchy and sweet with tender seeds. They’re great for pickling or eating. As for seeds, I’ve found Seeds of Plenty sell the best Lucid Gem tomato and German Pickling cucumbers.
My zucchini have done well this year too. I like to grate them and freeze. In winter when I'm making any type of soup I'll add a container of zucchini. This doesn't change the flavour but adds more vitamins etc to the soup.
Sometimes do the same with a casserole or stew.
Pickled zucchini and cheese on toast to eat with the soup. Makes a great healthy meal.
Hi Duncan. I’ve noticed a marked decrease in the dreaded Harlequin bugs this season in Sunbury. Barely a bug around. Has it been the same up your way? Merri
Not many here either. I notice that populations spike during humid weather and decrease during extended dry. I'd expect numbers to increase again as humidity rises into autumn.
We’ve still got plenty of them at our community garden in Ascot Vale.
Verica, see my comment below about humidity. Melbourne tends to be more humid in summer than Central Vic. So I'm not surprised you still have plenty about.
Thank you for the reply.
If I could keep up with all your informed posts (from lived experience!), I would be the gardener I always wish to be! Productive, realistic, rewarded by flourishing plants and healthy harvests, and doing it all in tune with nature. Thanks so much for sharing all that you are learning yourself.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words. They mean a lot. I’m glad you find the posts useful (albeit perhaps a little to frequent for your inbox to cope)
Happy gardening
Duncan
I grated four larger zucchinis and dehydrated them across two shelves in my oven to make flour with
Once ground, I only have about a tablespoon and a half of flour to show for all of my efforts! It does smell divine though. For now, I think I'll stick to baking and freezing what I can't use.
Next year I think I'll salvage what I can from the tip shop and upscale with a solar dehydrator. Wish me luck!
Every year I tell myself that I'm going to build the ultimate solar dehydrator. Every year I'm too busy harvesting and preserving produce to actually get around to it. Next year!
Zucchini flour sounds like a lot of work for not much reward, I'll skip that one. Thanks for sharing your experience with me.
My favourite tomatoes are Juane Flamme, Wapsipinicon Peach and Lucid Gem. I’ll be keen to hear your feedback if you give those a try.
Hi Verica,
Every year I run a tomato taste test and invite participants to sample an array of tomatoes. I ask them to give each variety a score out of ten. I also use a refractometer to measure the Brix (total suspended solids). In last year’s taste test Wapsipinicon Peach won first place and Jaune Flamme scored third place. I’ve never tried Lucid Gem, but based on your other two recommendations, I’d best give it a try next summer.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Duncan
Hi Duncan, have you tried German Pickling Cucumbers? I used to grow Lebanese and heirloom cucs until I came across this pickling variety. They are absolutely delicious - crunchy and sweet with tender seeds. They’re great for pickling or eating. As for seeds, I’ve found Seeds of Plenty sell the best Lucid Gem tomato and German Pickling cucumbers.
No, I've never tried the German Pickling Cucumbers. I'll track down some seeds. Thanks the the tips.
My zucchini have done well this year too. I like to grate them and freeze. In winter when I'm making any type of soup I'll add a container of zucchini. This doesn't change the flavour but adds more vitamins etc to the soup.
Sometimes do the same with a casserole or stew.
Pickled zucchini and cheese on toast to eat with the soup. Makes a great healthy meal.
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for the “grate” tips. Some fantastic suggestions for using up excess zucchini.
Happy gardening
Duncan