The heat is on...

Well we've finally seen some sunshine and the chilli house is working well, keeping the plants warm even on the overcast days.  Problem is it's working almost too well with the temperatures rocketing up to the high 30s .  This has resulted in some scorching on the delicate seedlings which are placed nearer the top of the house. 

Scorched Scotch Bonnet

I'll have to keep a closer eye on the weather but with all of the weather forecasts being so inaccurate, it's easy to get caught out when a day starts dull and then perks up by midday.

The garden is thriving, with the mass of ferns loving the rain showers and humid days. The veggies are slowly progressing but without prolonged sunshine I've got my doubts as to how many tomatoes we'll see this year.

Paper Lantern Habanero

However, the chillies are looking impressive, a Paper Lantern Hab managed to outgrow its new pot in only a fortnight, I've now transplanted it into one of the two Chilligrows to see how it fares there.

One other aspect of the garden is also thriving - the aphids.  It's become a daily routine checking for these little blighters, squashing them and hosing them off.  I've tried another method as well, a vicious concoction of crushed chillies, garlic and soap, left to steep in warm water and then diluted for use. This is sprayed onto the affected leaves and should (in theory) deter the pests.  I'm not sure about the aphids bit it's certainly deters me - the smell is quite vile and the chilli fumes catch the back of the throat. I'll keep you posted as to the success of this pungent potion.