## Growth at last...


Last update we had some failures and a few successes (described [here](https://staging.busy.org/@vibeof100monkeys/having-a-crack-at-growing-oh-natural)) which were definitely something to build on. I have not posted an update for a while so this one is from a week ago. Thing appear to be growing in my conservatory much helped but the fact we are getting some sun, I think we had more sun this year already than the last three put together and that's not and exaggeration.

## Firstly the the pots


I didn't want to buy any pots as I said in my previous post, as I want to be sustainable reusing where I can and definitely not use plastic. Well this plan went to pot literally as my mother kindly bought me some large plastic pots as a gift. Of course I had expressed my aversion to plastic (I'll explain my reasons in a future post). My decision was to keep them and not be too disrespectful by send them back.

![IMG_20180601_195732.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmSSn7xh3rYWe68eswUgEFYxFi2duXQPFuZe8VzBv1ZBTi)

They needed something doing to them though, luckily for me my landlord has left a few pots of outdoor shed paint bonus. So I slapped some paint on the pot and voilà! A hundred times better i'd say!

![IMG_20180602_160204.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmPyoAuQNZdZQrvcgNW2QFvMJpuireynCggqw1hwdTc19s)

## Something to grow in them...

The survivors form the last update are the tomatoes (Golden Yellow, I think). I thought I better add some drainage although i'm alway in two minds about the necessity of doing this. Maybe those pro's out there could shed some light on this, as I have read conflicting views? But I quite enjoyed smashing a few bottles so turned out to be worth it in the end anyway.

![IMG_20180602_194824.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmRNCob7KBn1ZCXifx1eTgSe7XugzB88dPQFVwfPb7FCxZ)

Then I used some stick i'd found and a few spare canes and we were rolling in went the Tomatoes with a few marigolds. I used the marigold to keep aways the pests a touch of companion planting which I am only just getting to grips with. But I do know those marigolds smell bad to the Tomato bugs so hopefully this will work. Also it saves on the nasty pesticides and keeps things all organic, which is a bonus for everyone. Plus I try not to eat anything that isn't organic a very difficult task these days hence the need to grow it myself.

![IMG_20180602_201439.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmbsRYDHpHBn6H8hyss137FofYB9UJ5GdmHQNCgTe6f7K2)
 
So now there is the sunniest spot in the garden lets hope we get a lot of tomatoes. Moving on to the Chilies after the disaster of the last bunch the two survivors are ready to be replanted. So again I got to smash up some bottles and had a nice green pot to put them in. To follow suite with the companionship planting I used basil, chives and oregano to keep the Chilli bugs aways. Now these guys I decided to keep inside for now Until there a touch bigger but I might move them out when it's sunny to allow them to catch more of these good rays we are having.

![IMG_20180616_144554.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmVPjYeRjU4D6QVXemPbd8p51hkeeb6EGzGz7d8ENBPvCs)

![IMG_20180616_145448.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qme2rumvgtnPJMt5ZN9Les3X6LFRLM1bkcNKNxsRqtNh72)

![IMG_20180616_145821.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmNmsqmizi72hpELcgkWRHntMhaeZY33Vxtg2qaVYjT4mF)

The Chives and Oregano seeds are yet to grow but hopefully when they do the Chilli's will be well protected for those pesky aphids and red spider things.

## Then I had a crazy creative moment...

I have some old trainers and am looking to reuse them in some capacity so though why not a little cactus shoe. I set to work turning a worn trainer into its new life as a mini cactus garden. First I ripped out the tongue and sole with my bare hands, very rustic hey! Then some holes and a few shards of broken glass (walking on broken glass, haha sorry it getting late). Then I placed it in a sunny spot in the window, lets hope it grows well.

![IMG_20180616_135455.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmcpgfwEb3XXaUAMNod4rTiKKEQ3VLaCU8EZnECGBenFUB)

![IMG_20180616_142155.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmVQfS6kjSVeqiuS8ERGFNu7n3qR2aT2WgQUSi2AM8FfXW)

![IMG_20180616_151324.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmS1EmVRAQwNZUWjfVKWNRjf1TRmBarxyGs8kL58njCnK3)

## Just to update then...

So that how it currently grows in the conservatory homestead. Not a lot but all growing in knowledge. Lastly as quick update on last times seeds.

First the courgette (zucchini for those not in UK) or at least I think it is. I really need to start labelling my seeds, but I say this every time and never do, makes it more exciting though hey!

![IMG_20180616_151116.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmYFgGuEyACSepdvqgQEjvRa4yrEpzi18cRw5ZpoZssjDp)

And we finally we have growth from the tins! Although I cant remember what again. I'm possible think a Coriander or Oregano. I know its a herb but showing good growth anyways.

![IMG_20180616_151126.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmTGWHDiyL4xdU785MwkpCWseKrLfKusE4VaiN2nXeKPGL)

This one I know is Chilli or Pepper or both but again growing well. This comes after the failed crop last time;  take two! Lets hope these ones grow to be big and strong.

![IMG_20180616_151121.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmS3LFnhnWxcMp5JPAtpFkmjXDpXANu81gcasCgbATb5LG)

Just to finish off I have planted some Borage too. Borage is a good companion for tomatoes and squashes as it deters hornworm and apparently improves the flavour. I am growing two one the the tomatoes and one for the courgettes.

![IMG_20180616_150849.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmQuRMXgG6XCFLFqiacDZGnvuB6GoDhfvx5BU5vCfpqeM9)

As you can see it's all coming along nicely and hopefully next time I will have some fruits of my labours to share with you. Until then keep it organic 🌱👍🏽

![@vibeof100monkeys banner.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmNQg4P3wZD3LpLNFbQKP5HoFhWYV68hYjdvWGYXW31vds)