The rainy season has come to an end and the root veg seeds are starting to go in the ground.  Carrots, kohl rabi, radish and beetroot are showing - no sign yet of Florence fennel.  I've never tried it before so not sure what to expect in volcanic soil and tropical temperatures..  One thing I have learned is not to take all professional gardening advice as gospel.  It's incredibly useful; but sometimes over-cautious.  Dill won't transplant ??  Oh yes it will!  Carrots don't like manured soil?  mine do!

Meanwhile, the toms, cukes, peppers and aubergines are starting - cautiously - to flower.  The basil's running amok and most other herbs are fit and well.  New tries okra and loofah seem happy

Responsible plant packaging is a must - there's far too much plastic in my organic garden and I have a vague idea involving corrugated cardboard tied with raffia around recycled egg/juice/wine cartons.  I hope the idea will develop into something substantial soon.

Meanwhile, the local evangelical church has set up for its once-monthly service in my place (the live-in maid is a worshiper)  Love em to bits but the guitar is never really tuned, the amps are distorted and they only know one song - which they sing between demands to  "repent of your siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiins....halleLUjah!!" for 2 hours.  Time to help the garden along with another box of clos (wine).

The  ‘roots’ bed  (used to be part of the paddock)   Carrots, radishes, beetroot and kohl rabi are germinating – no sign of the Florence fennel yet though.