In Western Australia, it’s just been announced that we are heading back into a lockdown. If you’ve finished all the projects you had on the go and are in desperate need of some ideas and excuses for fresh air, here are six simple ideas that you can try with things you are likely to have on hand.
Turn Kitchen Scraps into Plants
If you look at your last 5 shops, you will likely find you buy the same fruit and vegetables repeatedly. After all, it’s what you like and what you know will be eaten in your household. But have you ever tried to grow it yourself? It is a great way to save on your grocery bill and you may even be able to grow it from what you last bought.
You can save seeds from pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, passionfruit and melons for example. Scrape the seeds out and set them on paper towel to dry up to a week. A warm area, such as near a sunny window is ideal. Once dried, pop them in a sealed plastic bag with some fresh paper towel. This will help keep them safe from any moisture. Store in a dark cupboard until the right season to plant them in.
You can also resprout plants from celery, potato, sweet potato, pineapple and any onion for its greens. Sweet potato should be started semi submerged in water until it has sprouted, but the others can be planted straight into the ground. Plant them in a shady spot to start and make sure you give them lots of water.
Catch Up on Gardening Maintenance
There is always plenty happening in the garden, and often we don’t find the time just to keep up with everything that needs doing. If you look in your garden right now, some things that may need doing are summer pruning fruit trees, weeding, edging, clean up any rubbish, clean and test your sprinkler system, sort out your shed.
Autumn Preparation
Autumn isn’t far away, so if you haven’t made your garden plan for autumn, make it. Find out what seeds you have and what you will need to order. Check the condition of your seed trays and clean them. Go through your garden beds and check the soil condition, make note of which beds will need amending before your autumn planting.
Find a new use for your produce
Most vegetables can be made into chutneys and fruits can also be made into jam or cordial. You can also dehydrate herbs and vegetables in the oven if you don’t have a dehydrator. You can also put them on a rack or tray near a warm, sunny window.
Pest management
Sometimes it’s hard to get on top of pests like snails, slugs and caterpillars. You have 5 days of lockdown, so go out daily to inspect your plants and remove pests. Check in those rock crevices, nooks and crannies for snail and slug hideouts.
Learn Something New
One of the beauties of our times is there is a world of information at our fingertips. Use your lockdown time to learn something new. Whether it is a new recipe or an alternative gardening method you’ve never tried before, take this as an opportunity to experiment and educate yourself.
So while you are in lockdown, stay positive by keeping yourself active. Stay Covid-Safe and remember to wear a mask if you need to leave your residence.