This time of year is slightly problematic for chilli growers that ski; two things that aren't exactly compatible, unless you have a heated greenhouse and live near a ski resort.
Each spring, every inch of space under the grow lamps is jam packed with beautiful, flourishing green, albeit very small, chilli plants. Plants that I haven't left alone for more than a few hours (an advantage of working from home).
How then am I supposed to just up and leave for a week? Completely forget about them as I whizz about on the ski slopes, laze around in the spring sunshine with a yummy glass of wine and lounge around by the fire with a good book?
Actually it was quite easy once I got there. :D
But the week before I left was filled with anxiety. I was going to have to leave all of my teeny tiny hopefuls in their teeny tiny pots for a WHOLE WEEK! :O With no-one to water them, feed them, re-pot them, talk to them or squish any little nasties that might take a fancy to them. :'(
I have an extra grow lamp this year, so they weren't quite as squashed up, i.e. light wasn't a problem. But watering was worrying me.
I eventually decided on the re-pot and drown-them tactic. And it worked! :) Yay.
I have juggled them about, so it is difficult to compare plant by plant, and the first photo was taken 6 days before we left, i.e. there is a 15 day time difference, but still....
I was expecting half of them to be exceedingly unhappy. They were thirsty, sure. And I did have to spend an hour or so squishing little green nasties. Which, of course, I did before I'd even taken my coat off, ruthlessly leaving the hubby to unpack the car, etc. :D
But look at the size of them! :) The healthy chap in the middle is a Purple Serrano and the lanky one is an Aji Colorado. Two favourites in our kitchen.
Right. Off now to buy some quality compost for them...
Each spring, every inch of space under the grow lamps is jam packed with beautiful, flourishing green, albeit very small, chilli plants. Plants that I haven't left alone for more than a few hours (an advantage of working from home).
How then am I supposed to just up and leave for a week? Completely forget about them as I whizz about on the ski slopes, laze around in the spring sunshine with a yummy glass of wine and lounge around by the fire with a good book?
Actually it was quite easy once I got there. :D
But the week before I left was filled with anxiety. I was going to have to leave all of my teeny tiny hopefuls in their teeny tiny pots for a WHOLE WEEK! :O With no-one to water them, feed them, re-pot them, talk to them or squish any little nasties that might take a fancy to them. :'(
I have an extra grow lamp this year, so they weren't quite as squashed up, i.e. light wasn't a problem. But watering was worrying me.
I eventually decided on the re-pot and drown-them tactic. And it worked! :) Yay.
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| 2 March |
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| 17 March |
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| 2 March |
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| 17 March |
I was expecting half of them to be exceedingly unhappy. They were thirsty, sure. And I did have to spend an hour or so squishing little green nasties. Which, of course, I did before I'd even taken my coat off, ruthlessly leaving the hubby to unpack the car, etc. :D
But look at the size of them! :) The healthy chap in the middle is a Purple Serrano and the lanky one is an Aji Colorado. Two favourites in our kitchen.
Right. Off now to buy some quality compost for them...
I love your passion that you left the unpacking of the car to your husband so you could tend to your neglected Chilli plants.None of mine have germinated yet :(
ReplyDeleteIm amazed how well grown your plants are.I have sown Jalapeno seeds,and Scotch Bonnett. Im trying to germinate them in the warmth of the conservatory but so far nothing.I must be patient..
What will you do with all your Chilli's once they fruit for you?
Hi! Thank you for reading my blog! And for leaving a comment! :) Yes, gardening really is an addiction rather than a hobby... Chillies are a bit precious at the germination stage, a lot of mine didn't germinate this year. They want heat (25oc), light (16 hours) & moisture (try sowing in wet kitchen paper in a plastic bag) to begin with, then they're usually quite obedient... :) We eat a lot of hot food in this house, so a lot will be eaten fresh, but those that are over go in the freezer or are threaded for drying, for grinding/powdering. I have a lot of plants over this year if you want one? I have a few plastic posting packets for small plants, so if you pay for the postage I'm sure it would survive the journey...
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