Hi Hivers!

I just had to do a spot of research into strawberry growing as some of my latest strawbs tasted a bit sour although ripe. I am pretty sure I got to the bottom of it.
Although the possibilities ranged from bad drainage, plants too close together, wrong type of soil, the one I went for was that my plants are just too immature. I planted new baby plants just recently.

Although new baby strawberry plants from the garden centre will quickly put out a few flowers and fruit on planting, it is far more beneficial to the plant to pick off the flowers for the first season to allow the plants more time to establish a strong root system and increased plant size. Then the next season we can enjoy bigger and sweeter fruits!

You can't hurry nature but we can do what is necessary to enjoy abundance in the future!

Apart from that everything is coming along well in the garden. After a slight aphid attack on my sweet peppers which I seem to have under control now - I sprayed with a light dilution of liquid soap and they seem to all be gone after a few days of spraying at sunset.

A sea of basil is a must as it tastes amazing in so many dishes.

I have been drinking my way through a big mint patch , making mint and lemon tea everyday and keeping a jug on hand in the fridge at all times.

The simplest recipe ever too - in cold water just tear a handful of mint leaves , add a few chunks of lemons and a spoon of honey.

Top the jar and shake until the honey has dissolved , just takes a minute and pop in the fridge. It tastes great after just an hour. SO REFRESHING and HEALTHY on a hot day - or any day!!