English Conversations Between Two Neighbours
English Conversations Practice
Conversations between two Neighbours
Emily: Good morning, Sarah! I see you’re already out and about in your garden. It’s looking lovely as usual!
Sarah: Morning, Emily! Thank you! I was just about to start pruning these rose bushes. They’ve really taken off this year. How’s your garden coming along?
Emily: It’s doing well, thanks! I just planted some new perennials last week, and they’re already starting to settle in. I’ve been experimenting with companion planting this season.
Sarah: That sounds interesting! I’ve heard a lot about companion planting but haven’t tried it myself yet. How’s it working out for you?
Emily: So far, so good! I paired my tomatoes with basil, and the basil seems to be keeping pests away. Plus, the tomatoes are tasting sweeter than ever. I also planted marigolds around my vegetables, and they seem to be doing a great job at deterring bugs.
Sarah: That’s such a smart idea. I usually stick to more traditional methods, but I might give that a try next season. Do you have any other companion planting tips?
Emily: Sure! I’ve found that carrots and onions grow really well together. The onions help keep carrot flies at bay, and the carrots don’t seem to mind sharing the space. Also, I’ve been growing beans and corn together—they complement each other nicely, with the beans climbing up the corn stalks.
Sarah: That’s such a clever way to use space efficiently! I’ve always struggled with finding enough room for all the vegetables I want to grow. I might have to rethink my layout next year.
Emily: It’s definitely worth experimenting with. Gardening is such a learning process, isn’t it? I’m constantly discovering new things. What’s been your biggest success this year?
Sarah: I’d have to say my hydrangeas. They’re blooming like never before! I’ve been giving them a bit of extra care, making sure the soil pH is just right to get that deep blue color. It’s so rewarding to see them flourish.
Emily: Your hydrangeas are stunning! I remember reading that the color can change depending on the soil’s acidity. Have you tried using coffee grounds to keep the soil acidic?
Sarah: I have! I’ve been mixing coffee grounds into the soil every couple of weeks, and it’s definitely helped maintain that beautiful blue hue. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle kitchen waste.
Emily: That’s a great tip. I’ve been using coffee grounds around my roses too; they seem to love it. Speaking of kitchen waste, do you compost?
Sarah: Yes, I do! I have a small compost bin in the corner of the garden. It’s amazing how much it reduces waste and creates such rich soil. I just turn it every few weeks, and it’s ready to use in no time.
Emily: I’ve been thinking about starting a compost pile myself. I’ve read that it’s important to balance green and brown materials. Do you have any advice on that?
Sarah: Absolutely! It’s all about the right mix. I try to add a variety of green materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings. Then, I balance it out with brown materials like dried leaves, straw, and shredded newspaper. The key is to keep it moist, but not too wet, and turn it regularly to aerate it.
Emily: That sounds manageable. I’ll give it a try! I’ve also been looking into growing more native plants to attract pollinators. Have you added any to your garden?
Sarah: I have! I planted some coneflowers and black-eyed Susans this year, and the bees and butterflies love them. They’re low-maintenance and add such vibrant color to the garden.
Emily: I love coneflowers! They’re so hardy and really draw in the pollinators. I’ve noticed that since adding more native plants, my garden feels more alive. The birds, bees, and butterflies all seem to enjoy the space.
Sarah: It’s amazing how just a few changes can make such a difference. Gardening really does connect you to nature. There’s something so satisfying about seeing your garden buzzing with life.
Emily: Absolutely. It’s like creating your own little ecosystem. I’ve been trying to do my part by avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers. I’m experimenting with natural alternatives instead.
Sarah: That’s wonderful! I’ve been using neem oil as an organic pesticide, and it works really well without harming the beneficial insects. And for fertilizers, I rely on compost and a bit of fish emulsion. It’s great to know that you’re not introducing anything harmful into the environment.
Emily: I’ve heard good things about neem oil. I’ll have to give it a try. Gardening really teaches you patience and mindfulness, doesn’t it? There’s always something new to learn.
Sarah: It truly does. Every season brings its own challenges and rewards. But that’s what makes it so fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of picking a fresh vegetable or seeing a new bloom after weeks of care.
Emily: I couldn’t agree more. And sharing tips and ideas with you always inspires me to try new things. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our gardens evolve over the years.
Sarah: Same here, Emily. It’s always such a joy to talk gardening with you. Let’s keep inspiring each other and our gardens will just keep getting better!
Emily: Definitely! Maybe next time, we can swap some seeds or cuttings and try growing something new. It’s always exciting to experiment and see what works.
Sarah: I’d love that! Gardening is all about sharing and learning together. Here’s to many more seasons of growth and discovery!
Emily: Cheers to that, Sarah!
More conversations:
English Conversations Practice
Conversations between two Neighbours
Jake: Hey Mia! I see you’re planting some new veggies today. What did you decide to go with?
Mia: Hi Jake! Yeah, I’m putting in some kale and Swiss chard. I’ve been reading about how nutritious they are, and I figured I’d give them a shot. What about you? What’s new in your plot?
Jake: That sounds great! I’m actually trying something different this year—growing strawberries. I’ve never grown them before, so it’s a bit of an experiment.
Mia: Strawberries! That’s exciting. I’ve heard they can be a bit tricky, especially with birds and slugs around. Are you doing anything special to protect them?
Jake: I’ve set up some netting to keep the birds out, and I’m using crushed eggshells around the base of the plants to deter slugs. We’ll see how it goes. I’m just hoping for a good harvest!
Mia: Sounds like you’re well-prepared. I’ve been thinking about adding a fruit plant to my garden too. Maybe raspberries. They seem to be pretty low maintenance.
Jake: Raspberries would be a great choice! I’ve heard they’re easier than strawberries, and they tend to spread, so you could end up with a nice little patch before long. Just be careful—they can take over if you’re not diligent.
Mia: Good to know! I’ll have to think about where to plant them, then. I’ve been focusing more on vegetables, but adding some fruit could be fun. How’s your vegetable garden doing?
Jake: Pretty well, actually. My tomatoes are thriving, and I’ve got some peppers coming in too. I’m trying to stay on top of the watering, especially with how hot it’s been lately.
Mia: The heat has been relentless! I’ve been watering every morning and evening to keep everything hydrated. I’ve also started mulching around my plants to help retain moisture. It seems to be helping.
Jake: Mulching is a great idea. I’ve been using straw around my tomatoes, and it’s really made a difference. It keeps the soil cool and moist, and I’ve noticed fewer weeds too.
Mia: That’s a good tip. I’ve been using shredded leaves, but I might try straw next time. It’s amazing how these little things can make such a big difference in the garden.
Jake: Definitely. Gardening is all about the details. Speaking of which, have you tried growing herbs? I just planted some basil, thyme, and oregano. They’re great for cooking, and they smell amazing.
Mia: I love herbs! I’ve got a small herb corner with rosemary, parsley, and mint. The mint has been spreading like crazy though, so I’m thinking about putting it in a pot to keep it contained.
Jake: Mint can be a bit of a bully in the garden! I did the same thing—potting it up really helps control it. Plus, it’s easier to move around if you want to bring it inside for the winter.
Mia: That’s a good point. I didn’t think about bringing it inside. I might do that with some of my herbs this year. It would be nice to have fresh herbs through the colder months.
Jake: For sure. I’ve also been trying to grow some flowers alongside my vegetables. I read that it helps attract pollinators and can even deter pests. Have you tried that?
Mia: Yes! I planted marigolds and nasturtiums around my garden, and they’ve been doing wonders. The marigolds seem to keep the aphids away, and the nasturtiums attract beneficial insects. Plus, they add some nice color!
Jake: That’s exactly what I’m going for. I love the idea of a garden that’s both productive and beautiful. It’s so satisfying to see everything working together in harmony.
Mia: It really is. Gardening has become such a peaceful hobby for me. It’s my way of unwinding after a long day. There’s something therapeutic about being out here with the plants.
Jake: I feel the same way. It’s like a little escape from the hustle and bustle. And the best part is that you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor—literally! There’s nothing like eating something you’ve grown yourself.
Mia: Exactly! It’s so rewarding to harvest fresh produce and know that you nurtured it from a tiny seed. Plus, it always tastes better when it’s homegrown.
Jake: Totally. I think the next thing I want to try is growing some root vegetables—maybe carrots or beets. They seem like they’d be a fun challenge.
Mia: Root vegetables are great! I grew carrots last year, and they were so sweet. The key is making sure the soil is loose enough for them to grow down easily. And beets are wonderful too—they’re so versatile in the kitchen.
Jake: That’s a good tip about the soil. I’ll make sure to prepare it well. Gardening really is an ongoing learning process, isn’t it? There’s always something new to discover.
Mia: Absolutely. Every season teaches you something different. And sharing ideas with other gardeners is one of the best parts. I’ve picked up so many tips just from chatting with you and others in the community garden.
Jake: Same here, Mia. It’s great to have a community where we can share our successes and troubleshoot problems together. It makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.
Mia: I couldn’t agree more. I’m looking forward to seeing how our gardens progress this season. And who knows? Maybe we can swap some of our harvests later on.
Jake: That sounds like a plan! Here’s to a bountiful gardening season, Mia.
Mia: Cheers to that, Jake! Happy gardening!
