Sweet peppers, melongene perfect for Corpus Christi planting

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi is a celebration associated with the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with His apostles before His crucifixion and the celebration of the real presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus.

There is a Mass that takes place in which communion is taken with holy bread and holy wine. The Eucharist is carried in procession through the streets in some countries and this is the true significance of the day. This important feast is observed as a public holiday not only in Trinidad and Tobago but also Austria, Brazil, Colombia, among many others.

This day is to remember the oneness that Christ desires to have with His people, that we abide in Him, and He lives in us so we can look, talk and act more like Jesus.

As we reflect on these things, we recall the words of Jesus, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (Jn 17:22-23).

As you enjoy this special feast, consider connecting with God’s creation through gardening. It is not only therapeutic but also encourages you and your family in sustainable living.

We suggest starting with a few crops such as sweet peppers and melongene (eggplant).

Sweet peppers

Step 1:

Purchase seeds from a garden shop or collect seeds from sweet peppers you may have in your kitchen.

Step 2:

Prepare garden beds in a space where there is sunshine, by mixing the soil in the ground and good quality Pro-Mix (available at any garden shop). Ensure the garden beds have good drainage for excess water to run off.

Step 3:

Make a small, shallow hole with your finger and place 2 or 3 seeds in the hole.

Step 4:

Sprinkle Pro-Mix over the hole, not too much because the seed must be able to come through easily. Plant them 18–24 inches apart.

Step 5: Water them immediately after planting them. Plant will bear in 60–90 days.

Tips:

1. In absence of rain, water them every day.
2. Check for pests and insects.
3. Use a strong stake to tie the plant as it grows so that the fruit would not break the stem.

Melongene

Steps 1–3 are the same as for sweet peppers.

Step 4: Sprinkle Pro-Mix over the hole but not too much because the seed must be able to come through easily. Plant them 33–35 inches apart.

Step 5: Water them immediately after planting them. Plant will bear in 60–90 days.

Tips:

1. In absence of rain, water them every day.
2. Check for pests and insects.
3. Use a strong stake to tie the plant as it grows so that the fruit would not break the stem.
4. Do not plant in shady areas.

Send questions to rayannaboodram@hotmail.com.

For answers to submitted questions and other Green Thumb articles visit catholicnewstt.com.