Spring is here and this is how I plan to celebrate it!

Spring is here and it’s time to make the most of the milder days. Not too cold and not too hot. This is the time to plant some rocket (arugula) seeds and spring onions if in the northern regions, or if like me it is blossom time (southern regions) harvest the kale, feed the lemon trees, pick the pods of broad beans and plant the tomato seeds in a plot of soil, or a terra-cotta pot, and enjoy the magic of the longer, brighter days….

8th September, 2021

Harvest the Kale:

This bucket of Cavolo Nero, also known as Tuscan Kale I grew from seed a few autumns ago, yet this clever paint has kept up an appearance for a few winters now. An easy seed to grow from scratch! I keep old plastic tubs and sprinkle a bunch of seeds over the soil, cover with a little more soil and water regularly.

The Cavolo Nero has made its way into plenty of soups, curries, side dishes and sautéd quickly alongside a fried egg with some rustic bread for lunch. I love it and recommend it no matter what size your space.

I keep it in my greenhouse at the back of our property because it is full of sunshine and light and that makes for a happy bunch of kale. I also use it to lure the chickens in at night if I am not in the mood to walk back to the pen in the dark. It works a treat and helps keep their eggs to stay a golden yellow.

Plant Seeds:

Around the time of the equinox, whether it be spring or autumn, planting seeds is a wonderful way to get a head start since the soil is at a good temperature.

I am off to the green house to get going on the this years tomatoes. I am trying out Rouge De Marmande, Santorini, Principe Borghese and Amish Paste.

There is nothing better than harvesting warm tomatoes on singing hot days at the height of summer. Or preserving them later for another day. Home made tomato sauce is better than anything I have found on the shelf at the shop, dare I say.

Stay tuned for a recipe down the track….

Photo:  From the South of France...                        Inspiration for this years potager down in the paddock.

Kitchen Gardens:

Since the first day we moved into this house we delighted in a home that has a quirky and wonderful layout. It is a two bedroom historic cottage with a considerate renovation that borders on French Farmhouse and Australian Country Style with warm bricks inside and high peaked ceilings. We have been enamoured to say the least.

In between the two parts, the old and the new, is a glass and brick walkway. Beyond is an area that was calling to be a kitchen garden. In the summer it has the right amount of sun and shades in time so the basil doesn’t lose its cool. In the winter I always do a great scattering of rocket seeds that I barely have to give any attention to. They just do their own thing and within a week little shoots appear.

My Kitchen Garden that I love!

I am always amazed how easy an organic arugula/rocket seed will harvest. Not much else gets going in the winter since it is cool climate here, I just wait until October then get the basilica gets going.

Last year the kitchen garden was utterly overgrown with marjoram. After a good tilling the soil was ready to start again. Now is a great time to plant seeds no matter where you are, northern or southern hemispheres….

Once it gets too hot they will go to seed, but that’s okay since they scatter everywhere and you find them all over the garden ready for the picking.

Soon the punnets of basil will go in, can’t wait!