RAMBLING POTAGER GARDEN – SEASONAL UPDATE – SUMMER 2025-26

Report from the RAMBLING POTAGER garden, February 2026

Successes

Our trial method of growing zucchini plants vertically up tripods was very successful . Not only does it save space but the plants also seem to have fewer issues with mildew.

The echinaceas have thrived, bursting back into growth after division and enabling some plants to be shared with the kitchen garden.

The citrus trees seem to be growing better this year, with regular small applications of citrus fertilizer each month. Two trees had become infested with pests and ants, probably due to being older specimens – perhaps pot bound as well. But after pruning they are bursting back to fresh healthy growth.

The pomegranate trees have more fruit than previous years and netting them appears to have dissuaded people from picking the fruit prematurely. The citrus have also benefited from this strategy.

The banana trees have produced four bunches of fruit, so we are hopefully headed for a bountiful harvest in the next few months.

Some delicious recipes for Madagascar beans were shared.

Challenges

The tomatoes and cucumbers were very disappointing this season. Initial strong growth quickly turned to pest infestation and shrivelling leaves. We suspect this may be due to a change in the pH level of our soil. After several years of our only source of compost being kitchen scraps with loads of citrus, the soil has become more acidic. We tested in several places, and the results showed a pH of 5. This may mean the plants are unable to take advantage of any available nutrients making them weak and vulnerable to pests and diseases. We have applied some areas with garden lime to try to bring the soil back into balance.