Conquering Coriander: A Melbourne Misadventure (and How to Win!)
Ah, coriander. The leafy green that divides nations (well, maybe not nations, but definitely dinner tables). You either love its citrusy punch or recoil at its, ahem, "soapy" flavour. But one thing's for sure, coriander adds a certain je ne sais quoi to countless dishes.
Problem is, coriander can be a bit of a diva in the garden, especially in our glorious, yet sometimes unpredictable, Melbourne weather. Fear not, fellow herbivores! With a little know-how and a sprinkle of sunshine (Melbourne willing), you can be the coriander king (or queen) of your kitchen.
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| How To Grow Coriander In Melbourne |
Sunshine Makes the Coriander Go Round (But Not Too Much!)
Coriander is a sunshine fanatic, at least in the cooler months. Aim for a spot that gets at least 3-4 hours of direct sun a day during autumn, winter, and early spring. Come summer's scorch, however, afternoon shade becomes your friend. Remember, coriander is a bit like us Melbournians - loves a bit of warmth, but wilts under constant pressure.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
Dirt Paradise: Creating the Perfect Coriander Condo
Coriander isn't fussy about soil, but well-drained is the key word here. Soggy roots are a surefire way to coriander catastrophe. If your garden resembles a mud bath after a downpour, consider adding some compost or potting mix to lighten things up. Think of it as creating a drainage disco for your coriander to boogie in.
Seeds or Seedlings? The Great Coriander Caper
This is where things get exciting (or terrifying, depending on your gardening experience). You can either:
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
- Sow seeds directly into the garden bed. Just scatter them lightly, press them gently into the soil, and give them a good watering. Seedlings should appear in about 1-2 weeks, but watch out for sneaky snails and slugs who might fancy a coriander snack!
- Buy seedlings from your local nursery. This is the easier option, but be super gentle when transplanting them to avoid disturbing the roots. Remember, a happy root means a happy coriander plant!
Top Tip: No matter which method you choose, don't overcrowd your coriander. Space your seeds or seedlings about 10-15cm apart. They like a bit of breathing room, just like you do when crammed onto a Melbourne tram in peak hour.
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Watering Wisdom: Keeping Your Coriander Cool
Coriander likes to keep things moist, but not swimming. Water regularly, especially during hot weather, but avoid waterlogging. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger in the soil - if the top inch is dry, it's watering time.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Bonus Tip: If you're going away for a weekend, mulch around your coriander plants with something like straw or pea straw. This helps retain moisture and keeps those pesky weeds at bay.
The Harvest Hustle: Reap What You Sow (and Keep Sowing!)
You can start harvesting your coriander leaves once they're about 4-6 inches tall. Just snip what you need, and don't be shy! Regularly harvesting actually encourages the plant to grow bushier, giving you more delicious coriander goodness.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Here's the kicker: Coriander is a bit of a one-hit wonder. Once the weather warms up, it tends to "bolt" (flower) and the leaves lose their flavour. But fear not! Because of Melbourne's amazing four seasons, you can actually succession sow coriander. Just keep planting new seeds every few weeks, and you'll have a fresh supply all year round.
FAQ: Your Coriander Conundrums Conquered!
- How to stop my coriander from bolting? Keep it cool! Plant in cooler months, provide afternoon shade in summer, and harvest regularly.
- My coriander leaves are turning yellow! What's wrong? This could be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or lack of nutrients. Check your watering habits and consider giving your coriander a little feed with some liquid fertiliser.
- What are those little green bugs munching on my coriander? Those are most likely aphids. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or try an organic pesticide like neem oil.
- Can I grow coriander indoors? Absolutely! Just make sure it gets enough light (think sunny windowsill) and good ventilation.
- Help! My coriander only flowers and doesn't grow leaves! This usually happens when the weather gets too hot. Don't despair! Harvest the coriander seeds, dry them out, and use them for future coriander conquests!
So there you have it! With a little sunshine, some
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