So You Wanna Be a Spud Stud in Perth? A Hilarious Guide to Growing Sweet Potatoes
Perth's sunshine is legendary, but did you know your backyard could be a haven for another sun-worshipping delight - the mighty sweet potato? That's right, folks, ditch the disappointment of limp, store-bought tubers and cultivate your own stash of deliciousness. Think sweet potato fries with aioli sunsets, or creamy mash that'll have your taste buds singing "Waltzing Matilda." But hold your swags (that's Aussie for hats, not questionable dance moves), growing sweet potatoes isn't just about chucking an orange blob in the dirt and hoping for the best. Fear not, spud wannabes, this guide will have you harvesting a bumper crop faster than you can say "fair dinkum!" (That's Aussie for "absolutely!")
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| How To Grow Sweet Potatoes In Perth |
Step 1: The Great Spud Awakening
Forget those sad, wrinkly sweet potatoes at the supermarket. You'll need a plump, firm spud as your champion. Look for an organic sweet potato – they'll be free of unwanted chemicals and raring to grow.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to get a little smoochy with your sweet potato. Give it a gentle squeeze – it shouldn't feel soft or mushy.
Step 2: Sprouting Central - The Rise of the Spudlings
Now comes the fun part! We're going to coax your sweet potato into producing little green shoots called slips. These will be your future spud superstars. There are two ways to achieve this sprouting glory:
Method 1: The Toothpick Throne
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- Grab three toothpicks and stab them evenly around the middle of your sweet potato like a tiny spud crown.
- Pop the spud emperor, pointy end down, into a jar or glass filled with water. The bottom third of the potato should be submerged.
- Patience is a virtue! It can take a few weeks for those precious slips to emerge. Just keep that water clean and fresh, and relocate your potato palace to a warm, sunny spot.
Method 2: The Direct Approach
- Fill a pot with good quality potting mix. Don't be shy – sweet potatoes are hungry little devils.
- Lay your sweet potato gently on top of the mix, half-buried.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. Just like with the toothpick method, those spudlings will appear in a few weeks.
Step 3: Planting Paradise - From Slip to Spud Stud
Once your slips reach a height of about 15cm and have a few sets of leaves, it's time to give them a permanent home in your garden. Perth's warm weather usually allows planting from August to September.
Here's the lowdown on creating a spudtastic environment:
- Sunshine, glorious sunshine! Pick a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Sweet potatoes are solar-powered flavor factories.
- Soil that drains well is key! Heavy clay soil will suffocate your sweet potato dreams. If your soil is a bit dodgy, add some compost or sand to lighten it up.
- Space for the spuds to sprawl! Plant your slips about 30cm apart and give them plenty of room to grow. These vines love to wander!
Step 4: Sweet Potato TLC - The Road to Deliciousness
Now comes the easy bit (well, kinda). Watering is important, especially during the hot Perth summers. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. A good soak every few days should do the trick.
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Here are some bonus tips for spud superstardom:
- Feed the beasts! A light feeding of a liquid fertilizer every few weeks will keep your sweet potatoes happy and growing strong.
- Weed patrol! Keep those pesky weeds at bay to avoid competition for nutrients and water.
- Mulch it up! Adding a layer of mulch around your plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Happiness - Reaping the Rewards
After about 4-5 months, those sweet potatoes should be ready to harvest! The easiest way to check is to carefully dig around the base of the plant and feel for some good-sized tubers.
Here are some signs your sweet potatoes are ready to boogie to your kitchen:
- The leaves are starting to yellow and die back.
- The stems feel woody and dry.
Now get digging and enjoy the sweet, sweet satisfaction of homegrown goodness!
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Spud FAQs:
Calling All Canucks! Craving Crumpets and a Career in London?
So you're a Canadian with wanderlust itching for a double-decker bus and a pint in a proper pub, eh? And you wouldn't mind a smashing job while you're at it? Well, my friend, you've landed on the right blog post, because today we're tackling the question: can a Canadian snag a work visa for the land of Big Ben and badgers (turns out there are actually quite a few badgers in the UK).
Short Answer: Heck Yes, You Can! (With a But...)
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The good news, my fellow maple syrup enthusiast, is that Canadians are prime candidates for snagging a UK work visa. There's a whole history of Commonwealth chumminess between our nations, which means less paperwork and more tea time for you. But (and there's always a but), you'll still need to jump through a few hoops, which is where things get interesting.
Visa Options: From Backpacker to Boss
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There are a couple of different visas you can chase after, depending on your career ambitions and age. Here's a quick rundown:
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The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Backpacker Bonanza! This one's for the young and restless (aged 18-35) who want to work and explore. You can snag a visa for up to two years (three years with the new scheme starting in 2024!), so polish your resume and get ready to experience London like a local (minus the outrageous flat rent, but that's a story for another day).
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The Skilled Worker Visa: For the Masters of their Craft This visa is all about bringing your top-notch skills to the UK workforce. You'll need a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet some points-based criteria (think qualifications, salary, and the ever-important "can you do the job" factor).
There's More! But We Won't Bog You Down
There are a few other visa options out there, but for most Canadians, these two will be the most common. Remember, this blog post is just a fun intro, not a substitute for official advice. For the nitty-gritty details, head over to the UK government's website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadians/international-experience-canada/work-travel-united-kingdom.html).
FAQ: Your Burning Canadian Questions Answered
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How to Apply for a UK Work Visa? Head to the UK government's website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadians/international-experience-canada/work-travel-united-kingdom.html) They have a fancy online application system these days, so no need to break out the quill and parchment.
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How Much Does a UK Work Visa Cost? The cost depends on the type of visa, but expect to shell out somewhere between £250 and £1,400 (phew, that's a lot of loonies!).
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How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Work Visa? Processing times can vary, but generally, you're looking at a few weeks to a few months. Patience is a virtue, as they say.
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Do I Need a Job Offer Before Applying? It depends on the visa type. For the Youth Mobility Scheme, you can apply without one, but for the Skilled Worker Visa, you'll definitely need a sponsor lined up first.
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How Long Can I Stay in London with a Work Visa? Again, it depends on the visa. The Youth Mobility Scheme allows you to stay for up to two or three years (depending on the new scheme), while the Skilled Worker Visa can be valid for up to five years (with the possibility of extensions).
So there you have it, eh! With a little planning and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you could be sipping tea and working your way up the London career ladder in no time. Now get out there and make that Canadian dream in the UK a reality!
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