I know it is already October but I am a bit behind.

So here is what has been happening with me in September.

Been earning a little money which is always useful working in the agricultural/gardening sector for a handful of people. It has been going okay.

Oh no, I failed my bike test again on another technicality. I have my own bike but I cannot insure it myself as only have a learner license and nobody in Portugal will insure you with this. So I am looking for a solution to this particular problem.

On the home front it's been going so so but I need to do more.  Bonji and Pipoca look after the place while I am away 🙂 The olive trees I planted along the borders are growing well. The avacado and fig trees are suffering due to infrequent irrigation. This with the exception of one avacado tree which looks marvelous. I really need to run a pipe.

When life doesn't give you lemons – use limes. 🙂 . The lime tree is doing well this year.

The mango tree has managed to survive and is growing slowly in a pot.

Picked my almonds! No easy to do for me. I sold three quarters of the crop.

Lettuce in pots under the alfarobeira (carob) grew very well in August and September. The shade really helps.

Physallis Peruviana (cape gooseberry) were a disappointment. The berries were few and mostly shriveled. I think it was due to it been extremely hot and not having sufficient water made available.

Diospero (Persimon) One of them is now three years old and has filled out and has two fruits! All of them have some of infection of the leaf. The leaves have a black dusty coating I think it is a fungus or a microscopic mite I will try soapy water.

 

I have 5 young pomegranate trees. Three of them have fruit this year. I have been irrigating them a couple of this a week which helped them during the heat of summer.

I have a few grape vines but only one gave me grapes this year. My fault as I neglected them. Dona Maria variety. They are sweet when the ripen properly.

 

I have apples this year! Not many but still - Yay! This is their second year in the ground, I am pleasantly surprised as they are not supposed to do well in hotter climates and the heat during summer was intense.

This about wraps it up.