Firsts on Matron's Patch

Back in the Spring most of my home grown tomato plants were badly frostbitten when I left them outside overnight. Many of them have recovered to grow happy, healthy plants. I did purchase a few plants from local shops just to ensure a good crop just in case they didn't recover. This lovely, large tomato is called Dombito, an F1 hybrid I wouldn't otherwise have thought of trying. Loads of lovely, clean beefsteak tomatoes. Grew well for me in the greenhouse.

Safely tucked away in the greenhouse, and still with the aid of a heated propagator are a few more tender veggies. I planted the seeds from a hot Scotch Bonnet chilli I bought from a West Indian shop. These will ripen through various colours, orange, yellow and red. If kept in the greenhouse they should survive without frost till Christmas!

Matron has never grown Brussels Sprouts before! Very proud indeed to see these little baby sprouts emerging from the armpits! This is a new F1 hybrid variety called Bosworth. I hope to be picking and eating these with my dinner on Christmas Day!

Also tucked away in the shelter of the greenhouse is this tropical hibiscus which is grown in warmer climates as Sorrell. I planted some seeds from some fresh sorrell I bought in a Caribbean shop. The plant is now about 4 foot hight and growing! This red fleshy outer covering to the seed pod develops after the pink hibiscus flower has faded. It is used to make sorrell drink, syrups and jams. The vivid red colour contains many beneficial antioxidants and is known to have many health benefits.

Continuing on the tropical theme, I planted some lemongrass seeds in the Spring. They have grown well and I have potted up the 3 main seedlings which survived.

Now in an 8" pot in the greenhouse it is also going great guns. The stalks can be used in Thai cooking and the leaves can be used to make a lemongrass drink. I look forward to trying these in the near future! Perhaps in a dish with my Scotch Bonnet peppers!