Peas + Corn Summer Gardening Updates

While we've all been fasting in Ramadan I've snuck into my favourite shoes to check in the growth of fruits and herbs in the eco-Muslim garden. See what went on.


The majority of last year's corn was eaten by the squirrels so I wanted to invest in a pest-control net without harming the little monsters. Somehow, even eating a half-nibbled corn cob felt like we all shared in God's provision. Alhamdulillah.

Peas are very sensitive plants. They respond to touch and will coil around the nearest object as though they have sensory perception. As they grow quite tall (the pea variety I grew were similar to marrow) they need support. We make-shifted "wig-wams" using old bamboo sticks for the tendrils to wrap around. Last year the longest pea pod that grew was 18cm long, ma-sha-Allah!

Tomatoes however, are quite robust once they're ready for outdoor planting and grow almost independently, only needing bamboo support once they begin to fruit. Regular water, a natural plant feed and maintenance will keep them strong and upright.

Ideally the soil should be soft but firm and nutritious. I was worried that the clay soil in the vegetable patch would dry up the peas and tomatoes but so far so good.

Over at the far-back of my garden are two compost areas; one is short-term in which I only layer fruit peel, leaf mulch and organic material while the other area is a longer-composting mix.

I'm not an expert at all in biodegradables but I know that the fruit/veg compost makes a wicked (that's good) food source while the paper/card/leaves compost is ready in about 2 years. We just toss it every now and then to keep the composting process consistent.

Frogs and bugs love this area because it's damp and dark. The neighbouring stream at the bottom of the garden slope has also proven to be an opening for creatures. A great eco-system.

Herbs are dead easy to grow. If you don't have a garden just use plant pots, an old vase on your windowsill or even a bucket. Cluster your herbs by type and chop off any that begin to brown; stuff the base with newspaper and water regularly.

Whenever I'm in the greenhouse or garden I am equipped with a few essentials. My notebook, watering tools, weed puller, string, insect-picker-upper, and camera. Weeds are your friends but not when you're trying to grow your own food. Dig out the larger weeds from their roots using a claw shovel and pick out every small weed and bin. Do not throw weeds into your compost unless you're wanting to invite Tarzan and his entourage over for chai.

Until next time!

Peace + eco-jihad.
Zaufishan, The Eco Muslim