clay pots<\/a> from the neighborhood hardware store.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI also got several good quality compost packets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I collected the old plastic pots that were left over from older plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also recruited a holey plastic bowl that I had for trash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I gathered soil from the garden and mixed it with the compost. In about a 50-50 ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also added perlite to hold water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I filled the pots and basin with the soil and compost mixture and planted the seedlings in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don’t think I’ve ever given seedlings better soil! I expect a lot from them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protection from the hot sun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The summer sun in Attica is really hot. It’s punishing and testing the strength of the vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Especially this year they won’t be big and strong enough when the heat starts and the sun beats them almost vertically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s why I had to protect them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I thought about using shade netting. Make a frame, cover it with shade netting and put the pots underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But that would cost in materials. I wanted to avoid the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solution was right in front of me and I didn’t see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The solution was the shade from the trees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So I put the pots under the trees. Under olive and almond trees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trees will act as big awnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They will let in the necessary sunlight, but will protect the vegetables in the pots from direct exposure to the intense summer sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time will tell if the experiment will succeed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At worst, we will be left with clay pots and soil!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n