If you haven't heard about my second garden, I'll give you a brief overview. This second garden is located in a housing complex that was previously unused land.
The housing complex refused to use this land because it was close to an irrigation source. Therefore, it couldn't be developed for construction. Instead of creating a garden, they cleared the area. So, since I rented a house in this housing complex, my husband and I have asked for permission to use this land for gardening. Thankfully, they allowed me to use it for free.
I felt compelled to turn this land into a garden. There were compelling reasons in my heart and mind. Of course, the water flow is excellent next to this plot. So, I don't have to worry about watering my plants. Even during the dry season, I still have access to abundant water.
Besides the important issue of water, there's another important aspect: the view. This plot is in a prime location. It offers a view of three mountains at once. On a clear day, all three mountains are visible. So, it would be a shame to leave this land empty.
I started planning to cultivate this land around May of this year. Then, I hired two workers to clear the area.
At first, it looked like a jungle filled with piles of material from previously built houses. Then, in June, I started to see a good spot in this area.
In the June post, the land looked a little better. But it needed more work. I also started making compost from the trunks of wild banana trees that had been cut down on the land, as those banana trees were no longer productive.
In September, I was able to harvest my first harvest on this second garden plot. You can see it in post updated last September.
Last September, the plants in the raised beds still looked small. I planted eggplants and chilies. The flowers I used as borders also looked small and hadn't yet grown thickly.
before
after
Then at the end of October, you can see the latest update on my second garden. I wrote about this second garden update as a record of my struggles with this garden. I'm very proud of what I've done because this is a learning process for myself, before I later cultivate a larger plot of land for commercial purposes.
So, before I have a larger plot of land, I have to learn to cultivate a smaller plot. I know nothing is impossible, and I'm working towards my dream.
And before I think about the commercial things that can be produced from this land, I have more to learn, especially about adapting to the weather.
The reason why my second garden update seems slow is because I'm still I was surprised by the weather in this area, which is very different from where I used to live. It's because we're on different islands.
So far, I've planted chilies, eggplants, shallots, basil, and papaya. The chilies and eggplants don't do well in full sun all day, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the basil is growing luxuriantly, and I've harvested it several times.
The zinnias I planted have flourished and bloomed beautifully in the hot weather.
But the challenges don't stop there. Besides the heat, it also rains heavily in the afternoons. So I'm still learning what plants are suitable for my second garden.
I'm still considering shallots, watermelons, pumpkins, and bitter melon. They seem to be quite capable of surviving extreme weather. Do you have any recommendations for plants that can tolerate both heat and rain?
So far, I'm grateful for the results. More updates next month. I hope you enjoy the views from my second garden!
Best Regards,
Anggrek Lestari
Anggrek Lestari is an Indonesian fiction writer who has published two major books. Now She is a full-time content creator. She has a goal to share life, poem, and food content that makes others happy and can get inspiration.
Contact Person: [email protected]
Discord: anggreklestari#3009
That is so amazing, they all look so healthy despite the challenges. All the skills you acquired all these years really helped you do all these and be able to adapt quickly :D
Every day I watch YouTube to learn about plants 🤣 but it's really fun. 😊
I remember when you first posted about this piece of land, it was in such a mess and it would surely put many people off. It looks so different now, you done a great job.
I hope you can find some suitable plants to grow, ideally some high value ones 🤑
It was a long journey, but I'm happy to see the land is now clean and pleasant to look at. People around the housing complex walk there every morning and evening, bringing their children. At least the land can now be used for the local people to have a green space to look at.
Your garden progress is truly inspiring, good job. I love how you’re learning to adapt and make the most of nature’s challenges such dedication and passion
Thank you very much. I'm trying my best. It would be a shame if a plot of land with a great view was left unused.
your second garden looks beautiful, @anggreklestari i admire how you turned that land into something so alive maybe try okra or long beans they grow well in sun and rain.
I never plant okra but I am thinking about it.
For long beans, yes I also plant them in my first garden 😊
👍👍must try the okra 😊
You're doing pretty great on that, @anggreklestari.
A new adventure starts now, haha!
What a wonderful difference you have made and such good use of unused land. Obviously you are up to the challenge of learning what it will best produce.
I'm sure it helps that you love doing it.
good for the environment, good for the presentation of the place, good for the body, for your family and hip pocket too
I really admire your patience and dedication! Transforming that space into a productive garden is such a beautiful journey. Keep it up!
You even grow the flowers, that’s place looks like piece of heaven by your hand.
I truly admire how you turned an unused piece of land into something so full of life and purpose. The view of the three mountains sounds absolutely breathtaking. What a peaceful place to nurture both plants and dreams! Your progress is amazing, and I’m sure your second garden will continue to flourish beautifully.