Spring onion

New shoots have been sighted after a brutal trim last week.

How to harvest chilli.

Sunny weather has returned after weeks of rain. This brings me to harvest time.

Start harvesting the chilli once they have turned red. Wear a glove to protect your hand. The oil from the chilli fruit could sting.

Balcony view after plant trimming

Before trim

After trim

Birds ate my chilli!

Aphids!!!!

Australia is entering into Autumn and this year I have a bad case of aphids on my chilli pots. These insects have been aggressive in attacking my chilli. Since plant growth will slow significantly as we head towards cooler temperature in the coming months, I don't plan on insect killer solution on the pots. Instead, I will trim all pots bare once I have harvested the remaining of the Chilli.

I have tried all sorts of methods battling aphids and they have not been too effective. Methods used include spraying on the plants and under the leaves diluted detergent, diluted honey, milk, coffee and so on. These methods only repelled aphids for a short time and then very soon the pots are covered with insect again.

Lifeless plant