Twenty fifteen!!!

It would be apt to begin with...phew! haven't written since a year. 

But here we are...a new year...fresh starts...happy resolutions...some long lasting, some-- "did I ever say that??"

Was out on a vacation. And while being there was mesmerised with so much, including the largest natural hydroponic farm I've ever seen...that seemed to have no beginning or end. An ocean of plants, weed, coral...just about 5 metres under...well, the ocean. The view becomes all the more spectacular if the sun's out, the sky's blue, the sand's white, the underwater-visibility's unbelievable and the marine life so vivacious, you gasp. Do visit sometime in your life, this tropical archipelago of over 500 land masses called the Andaman/ Nicobar islands. 

And I must thank my own hydroponic warriors back home. For, in spite of the neglect, absence (Shankar himself had to take off for a few days because of an emergency at home), freak rains...thus lack of adequate sunlight these past few days...they've fared well and emerged strong. There are blemishes, but nothing that can't be taken care of. Here's proof. My collection on the very first day I joined back.

The bell peppers are as crisp as they come, meaty and with very little seed. And this little red thing is genuinely seductive.

As are these green ones.

The tomatoes are doing great too...well at least the larger Suhyana variety. But the first ever cherry tomato plant seems to be singing its swan song. Before I let it go though, I intend to set on a war-footed path at pruning and cleaning. I shall keep us posted.

The chillies are thriving. They are genuinely hot...very abundant (thankfully on all plants) and bring about a general liveliness to the entire greenhouse.

Coming to the plants in the rafts. First and foremost...congratulations to the DIY raft system with the pioneer 12 spinach plants. All of them are doing perfect. They are green, clean and seem quite happy to be nurtured in the much cheaper arrangement. So that's a success, I recommend for anyone to try.

Talking of spinach, the raft which had the previous crop seems to be infected with some pest. So the usually very lush thick leaves appear shriveled and not so healthy. I urgently need to find what's wrong with them. Thank God for Google. 

I am very happy also to report, that the very reluctant and fragile parsley has finally shed its initial inhibition. It's now strong and growing and looks lovely.

The oregano then also grows on and its fragrance, even when you very lightly rub it between your fingers haunts you for a long time.

And then there is the ASPARAGUS!!! I think, this time it's for real. These I think are genuine spears that have emerged. I'd wait a bit longer and then report in ecstasy. (I love asparagus and I just can't wait!!!)

And then there's the old old radish. I'm pretty sure, that the root as such would be way beyond its ripe consumable state...it's the leaves that leave me spell-bound. They are vibrant, always there and above all, they taste so good. Let me see, how long more can I enjoy the greens atop the white.

And last, but not the least...the basil plants continue to enthrall in the fields of smell, taste and sight.