vegetable gardening courses and workshops, edible gardening tips and seasonal recipes for home-grown produce..
I sow my garlic in Wellington mid to late May rather than the traditional 'shortest day' (mid to late June). I've put together some tips for growing your own garlic. Or you can read my article about garlic that appeared in FishHead magazine. … [Read more...]
On the warm days it seems as if I'll never be ready for spring and on the cold days it seems as if spring will never be here. I started sowing some seeds outside in August but they'll germinate more quickly now. Here are some tips for sowing seeds outside. Or you can sow seeds indoors in pots. You'll get plenty more help with seed sowing from … [Read more...]
Peas need temperatures of at least 10 degrees C to germinate. There are lots of different varieties to try - tall and dwarf, snow peas and sugar snaps (round like a shelling-pea but with tender, edible pods). Here are some tips for success with peas. If you want more help and advice with vegetable garden, come on the fresh food garden course. … [Read more...]
I picked the first baby leaves of mesclun sown a month ago for a green salad this week. Dog inspected for freshness of course. I usually prefer choosing a single variety of salad but this experiment has worked well and I'll be picking the leaves for many weeks to come. You can grow mesclun for baby leaves in a pot or polystyrene crate for a 'back … [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...]
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...]
Get your winter fix of Kitchen Garden workshops at HANDMADE 2013
Plan your summer edible garden
Totally Totes
Spring workshops will start in October 2013 and will all be held at The Kitchen Garden in Ohariu Valley Wellington from 6-7.30pm. $29 per person. Get a group of six together and I'll tailor a workshop on a date and topic to suit you.
Planning your summer edible garden develop a plan to make the most of your garden time, space and energy.
Herbalicious growing and enjoying edible herbs for flavour and freshness from your garden to your plate.
Sow your winter edible garden to get your edible garden seeds sown for winter.
Composting for beginners
or for you if your composting isn't working well.
Soil Magic learn techniques to improve your soil and make your gardening easier - mulching, green manure, compost, aeration, double digging, soil testing and much, much more.
