Lifting & Dividing Plants
Dividing clumping plants is one of the easiest ways to propogate and get free plants to fill gaps around the garden. I have used Black Mondo grass here, but the principals apply to many other plants.
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Courgette Fritters
The courgettes are nearly ready for picking. Here is one of my favourite recipes for Courgette Fritters In a large bowl, mix 3 grated courgettes (about 300gms) 2 chopped spring onions, 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (I use parsley, dill & mint) 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/4 cup flour, 3 tablespoons Basil pesto, 1 teaspoon[…]
Spring Veges From Seed
A big part, among many, of growing your own veges is to save money. The cheapest way to do this is to start them from seed. Unfortunately this can be easier said than done as seed growing can be a little bit temperamental. But once you get the hang of it and start with easy[…]
Using Wood Ash in the Garden
With winter now starting to bite the fire is getting put through it’s paces. This in turn creates lots of wood ash which can be put to very good use in the garden and compost – but you should know where to use as not all plants are a fan. Wood ash is an excellent source[…]
The good, the bad & the ugly – Insects in the garden
When an infestation of aphids, mealy bugs or other common garden pest appears in our gardens it is tempting to look for a quick fix such as a chemical spray. But a better solution is to work towards a balance where nature is doing most of the work for us. Attracting beneficial insects is a major part of creating a balanced[…]
Common Vegetable Gardening Mistakes
Are You Making These Vegetable Gardening Mistakes? If you’ve just started gardening but can’t seem to get your thumb “green enough,” make sure you’re not guilty of these popular gardening mistakes. If so, don’t fret: we’ll tell you how to fix these common mistakes so that you can be on your way to a[…]
Growing Family Fruit Trees
I found this interesting article from Waimea Nursery and thought it worth sharing. Interesting theory and I think I may give it a go as room is becoming very short in the garden Family ties What do you get when you plant a number of different fruit trees in the same hole? A ‘Family Tree’[…]
Planting Garlic
Garlic is one of the easiest veges to grow and does you and the garden lots of good. Home grown garlic has such better flavour and because it’s fresh will contain the maximum amount of goodies. It’s also said to deter some insects because of it’s aroma so plant around roses etc to keep pesky[…]
Spicy tomato and apple relish
Excess crops of tomatoes and the apples from the new Baby Blush tree have inspired me to have a go at making tomato relish. Found a great recipe for spicy apple & tomato relish on All Recipes.com and it has turned out really yum. Especially good if you are partial to a bit of warmth[…]
Beetroot – Growing & Preserving
Beetroot are a really easy vegetable to grow and a staple part of the Kiwi salad. You can sow directly from seed or buy punnets ready to plant. There are a few varieties to choose from: Cylindra (which I have grown) Detroit Dark Red, Bullsblood, Derwent Globe being some of the main ones. GETTING STARTED[…]