Darling Range Community Newsletter

Gazza's gardening tips

Gary Richards is a certified apiarist (beekeeper) and treasurer at the Byford Glades Community Garden, where he is developing the Urban Agricultural Education Program. 

 

He lives in Cardup with his wife Julie and together they run Down2Earth Gardening, a seed and seedling business using organic, Australian seeds.

 

 

Cucumbers (Summer Squash) family – great for vertical growing

Now the days are consistently warm and overnight temperatures stay above 10°C, it’s a good time to get those cucumbers growing. Gourds, melons, squash and pumpkins are included in the cucumber family - AKA cucurbits - and can all be grown up a trellis or left to sprawl on the ground.  

 

Like the tomato, cucumber peak production corresponds with the summer heat, and it's worth protecting the vines using either natural tree canopy or shade cloth, to reduce the risk of heat stress. 

 

Zucchini and cucuzza are also members of the cucumber family, and Julie and I find the zucchini and cucuzza cope a little better with the Perth heat. Unfortunately, they do suffer from a few pests and diseases, so here are my tips on getting the best results and helping the plant to produces lots of fruit.

  1. Cucumbers are demanding feeders and need plenty of water. Feed once a fortnight during the growth period with a good quality organic fertiliser and at give them a deep water every few days with a watering can. If it gets hot, water more - on days over 30°C water them daily with a can.
  2. Support the plant using stakes or as I do, grow them up strings. 
  3. Yes, and that includes zucchini and some of the squashes and smaller pumpkins, up strings or a trellis. We use old t shirts to support bigger pumpkins.
  4. From the soil level to the first truss (fruit/flower) you can remove all the leaves to improve ventilation and prevent disease.
  5. Don’t water the leaves on cucurbits as they suffer from mildew. 
  6. Pick cucumber fruits just as the flower drop off, zucchini’s young before they go bitter.

For more gardening news, info and tips, check out the Down2Earth Gardeningwebsite and Facebook page, and follow their Instagram at @down2earthlife.

Urban Agriculture Month Open Day

Saturday, 18th November 2023 9:00am - 12:00pm

Byford Community Garden, Mead Street, Byford, WA 6122