You might have already read that it is monsoon season here and we have plenty of water flowing, but the dry weather always returns and with it severe drought in parts of the island. While I can always turn on the tap to water the rooftop planters, others are not so lucky. My husband, a marketing manager for mosquito coils, once told … Read More
Our turmeric has done so well that we have already had to divide the plant and spread it around the lower garden. Excited about the success, I was researching more ways to make use of the plants and discovered that the gorgeous flowers are edible and the turmeric leaves are great for wrapping and baking fish. So I tried the latter and found it … Read More
One of my favorite additions to the rooftop garden this year has been turmeric. Here in Sri-Lanka, and most of the region, turmeric (locally kaha) is used to add a warm flavor and rich yellow color to curries. It is also very good for dying fabrics and can create shades from sunshine yellow to burnt orange. Other uses include skin care and medicinal … Read More
On a recent trip to Kandy I enjoyed an evening boat ride during which I was surprised by what at first appeared to be mostly jungle on the riverbanks. On closer inspection I discovered they were actually gardens deliberately planted and maintained along the muddy banks. The crops were mostly tarrow and banana for home use, but others included green and yellow … Read More
After struggling through the monsoon seasons last year, I set out to find a green(ish) veg crop for our rooftop garden that would not suffer from overwatering as our tomatoes and pumpkins did. Enter okra, which was until recently my least favorite vegetable. I don’t know why I did not consider okra sooner because we actually eat it somewhat regularly. Popular back home … Read More