Monday, April 11, 2011

Seeds

I bought my seeds! From the Garden Needs store on Rd. #233 in Maadi. Spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, aubergine, okra, carrots, radishes, beetroot, green beans, lettuce, and dwarf mallow (خبيزة), to plant in Alex.


I got a packet each for LE3/packet at a total of LE36, but was sad to find that unlike seed packets from the UK, they aren't labelled with local planting times and basic info. In fact, they don't even have the date stamped on, as I'm sure they're supposed to. But I was assured by the shopkeeper (from whom I buy many things) that they're fine. Next time, however, I'm going to get my seeds in Ataba, where the best are to be found according to my dad.

I'm going to go ahead and plant everything. For most of the veg April is ideal, it might be a bit late for the aubergine but what the hell. We've always had good luck before! Elsewhere in the world people might have to wait a while to plant the tomatoes and cukes, but it's already pretty warm out - plus I'm going to put them on the plantwall, so they're going to get plenty of sun.

The beets and carrots I'll resow in June and July, because you can't really get enough of that stuff, and I'll also try to get my hands on some peas, which you can sow every two weeks starting now (plus it's such a pretty plant). Yalla beena.

2 comments:

  1. Hi! I just found your blog and am wondering why you have not blogged since April? Have you started a new one or did you have problems with the garden?

    I'm Irish and have a big roof garden in Luxor with lots of potted plants but am wondering about growing food there and getting my neighbours in on the act. However, previous attempts at growning seeds (lots of seeds!!) brought from home was a disaster.

    Can you get me the name of the shop in Ataba your dad speaks of? I am just down the road from Ataba.

    Hope to hear from you.

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  2. Hi, I'm currently in Heliopolis, Cairo. Would you point me to a reputable planting material store here?

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