Gidday We have just moved to a place above a cliff that drops into the sea at Hampden. I know it's a bit late in the season to start a vege garden but I just must have my own veges when ever I can. We do get quite a bit of sea spray so can anyone sugggest what veges I can start with this late in the year. I don't mind trying things that don't work cos I would rather of tried it than wonder if.

Hello Old Jack-have you got shelter where you want to grow your veges? Very important. Flaxes/toi-toi etc. It can be a challenge coastal growing with the salt-laden air. Look around other people's gardens and talk to them (great way to get to know your neighbours) and find out what they have learned. Personally, I'd just go for it-cabbage(savoy or one of the space-saver types), silver beet, carrots, winter lettuce, broad beans, turnips. Experience is a great teacher. Enjoy your time in Hampden-it's a great little place. Best fish'n'chips shop there.

I wouldn't think salt laden air should bother you too much. There is a great market gardening area at Kakanui and that is by the sea. Just think, all your veges ready salted too.



Just make sure you keep your car well polished to keep the salt out of it as the sea air will rust the hell out of it in no time. If you haven't got a garage, buy a big cover for it. Had a friend who lived at Hampden for years.

Gidday

Thanks you jokers. Yes we have got some shelter but not quite enough yet though. The good thing is because we are on the top of a cliff the wiorst wind off the sea must bounce over us cos there are no bend trees or shrubs like they are cut with the wind. But we do get a hellava lot of spray.

I am just planting anything I would have normally to suck it and sea. I reckon, bugger it a few plants don't cost too much and without trying it I will never really know.

Haven't met many of the locals yet. Our direct neighbours are very quiet and keep to themselves most of the time. That could have something to do with the place being a cemetry.

We have a million dollar view as it is unobstructed right down to moeraki. The only draw back is we have to face the south, but what the hell it's just too good to be true for us.

You may need to worry, Jack, if your neighbours come visiting.

Hey Old Jack, just reading in the latest Gardener about an old chap (87) who has gardened by the sea at Paekakariki since 1947. In the picture of him, the sea is right at his back door. The garden is pure sand and he enriches it with seaweed he drags up his steep path. He's got a handful of useful looking tomatoes so I would say you shouldn't have any trouble at Hampden. Go for it.

G'day ole Jack.

If sea spray is a problem, maybe a few good dollops of lime to neutralise the situation in very early spring will over-come the problem....anyway, it certainly wont do any harm.

Cheers mate.

Gidday

Haven't thought of that. But I am wondering about the sea spray on the leaves, and it don't just happen in spring.