Innovative green ideas (Part 2)
Hard shells
Seeds with hard husks, such as peas, beans, silverbeet and beetroot, will benefit from being soaked in water overnight before sowing. This helps break down their protective coating and speeds up germination.
Chilli pest spray
An organic chilli spray can help protect your crops from pests and diseases and is particularly economical if you can’t eat your chilli harvest fast enough. Puree 20 chillies with 500mL of water. Strain the pureed pulp then add one teaspoon of liquid soap (to help the spray stick to the leaves and be most effective). Add another 500mL of water — and always check which way the bottle is pointing before you squeeze the trigger!
Label maker
A touch of blackboard paint is ideal for creating beautiful, practical plant labels and can be applied to just about anything, even a pot. You can buy chalk pens in various colours and sizes and they won’t fade or vanish when the garden is watered.
Best mates
Corn, pumpkin and beans make wonderful neighbours. Early-planted corn gives shelter while at the same time providing a structure for the beans to climb on. Pumpkin benefits from the shade provided by these tall-growing neighbours. There are many companion plants that produce a healthier, bigger, tastier crop through teamwork.
