organic vegetable gardening courses, growing tips and homegrown recipes.
Root vegetables are transformed by roasting (50 minutes at 180 degrees C) in a slosh of olive oil and with a sprinkle of salt. They are delicious, versatile and attractive. This was our Saturday night combo - beetroot, turnip, carrots, potatoes (strictly a tuber, not a root), garlic and corn. All fresh from the garden. I could have substituted … [Read more...]
Some days in the garden in Wellington, there is nowhere better. Today was one of those days. Sun, but not too hot. Wind, but not too strong. So many tuis, blackbirds and sparrows it was almost deafening. Even the California quails were chatting to me, or perhaps I was overhearing them chatting to each other. It's perfect weather for the start of … [Read more...]
It's a busy time of year picking beans, cucumbers and zucchinis. The trick is to pick them before they get too big - that's why I like yellow zucchinis as they're much easier to spot. These recipes will help out on the zucchini front. Zucchini fritters can be lunch-box fillers, pass-arounds or barbecue fare. Zucchini and corn self-crusting … [Read more...]
Just over three weeks to Christmas so if you sow some lettuce seeds now you can keep them watered (either in pots or in the soil) so they'll be established enough to survive without watering if you go away. Or you'll have some lettuce to eat from your garden in the New Year. They grow quickly at this time of year and prefer some shade, particularly … [Read more...]
My tomato plants are outside now, tucked into bottomless-pots to keep off the worst of the wind and to stop the birds scratching out the plants. I'll take the pots off when I put up strings to support them once the plants are established. I've put up bamboo canes onto which I'll tie the strings. Here are some more ideas on how to get the best from … [Read more...]
Some plants prefer to start life directly in the soil. Others are happy to be moved from being sown in pots. There are benefits and risks for both approaches. I start some beans and corn in pots over heat in September or October. When I transplant them into the garden, I plant them in a grid at about 30cm spacing in both directions. I sow some bean … [Read more...]
Cabbages, cauliflowers, kale, broccoli and other brassicas can be demolished in Summer by cabbage white butterfly caterpillars. You can opt to grow them only in the cooler months to avoid this problem. Or you can use a Dipel spray which is suitable for Certified Organic produce. This spray is effective if you are diligent in applying it but you … [Read more...]
Even if you think you can sow seeds successfully, coming to a workshop makes sure you actually get it done. I provide all the equipment and give you a whole range of seeds to choose from that you otherwise wouldn't try. You also get an easy system that sets you up for a full edible garden the whole summer. $29 per person for a 90 minute practical … [Read more...]
There's still plenty of time to plant potatoes in Wellington. If you're transforming a patch of lawn into vegetable garden, potatoes are an ideal way to start. Even if you've only got a bed 1.2 meters square, it's still worth growing your own potaotes. Here's my article on potato growing from Wellington's FishHead magazine. I'll demonstrate potato … [Read more...]
Salad leaves can be colourful, spiky or bitter. Their taste, texture, shape, size and appearance are all important. There's much more to salad than lettuce and the best way to experience them all is to grow your own. Combined with some herbs and a great dressing you'd have the basis of a delicious lunch. Here's a selection of leaves you could grow … [Read more...]
