Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 October will see the Kapps Farm Spring Plant sale– And you can expect to find plants there.
Yes, I have managed to cobble together a few pots of Soutbos, and prepared packets of Marigold seeds.
Today’s blog contains the “how to”, because believe it or not, I had consigned some seeds to the farm stall before and was asked whether you used it as spice in food….
Well, I guess you could, but I am certainly not going to try.
First, the “Soutbos”.
Old Man Saltbush
The English name just does not ring as melodic as Afrikaans, so hereby you are allowed to use either.
Fast facts:
- Drought resistant
- The animals love it!
Animals LOVE Soutbos!
So, protect it until it has some robustness. When I say the animals love it, I have sheep (specifically Caramella and her twins, Butter & Scotch), all the Goats (the infamous Ziggy (second born goat of Kruispad Cecil and Ewe X)), and not to mention the gentle DeMille and her offspring, cattle, and even the chickens peck at the fallen seeds and leaves.
And of course they (being the broody hens) feel very protected in the “out of arm’s length reach” hidey-holes.
It is a favourite hide out of the Crimson Breasted Shrike.
- It grows fast and works ideal as a windbreak or privacy screen.
- Works like reeds, in desalinating and rejuvenating problem/wet areas. But mind, while it tolerates occasional flooding, it will eventually die back with inadequate drainage of salty water.
- Both the hedge at the side of the house, and at the kitchen sink outlet, do quite well.
Then there are the marigold seeds.
Also, quite a hardy and very cheerful flower.
Sprinkle the seeds where you want to brighten up a corner, with a light covering of soil. Water daily, and you will have the cheer surprise you in shades of orange and yellow.
Co-incidentally, it is especially useful to plant next to your veggies, as it attracts the bugs to the flowers (ergo, away from your veggies).
This is a flash blog, and my aim is to use half my usual number of words.
But I am compelled to exceed my self-imposed limit, to tell you that transplanting a grown parsley plant is as successful as transplanting a grown wild rocket plant. Better planning next year!
Have fun and share pictures of the game nibbling on your purchase of Soutbos!