Author Archives: Kelly Gardiner

About Kelly Gardiner

Writer. Editor. Educator.

What to plant or sow in May

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

As the days grow shorter and chillier, it’s time to get those winter and autumn vegetables into the ground. Asparagus Beetroot Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbages Carrots Cauliflowers Celery Endives Garlic Kale Leeks Lettuce Onions (red and brown) Parsley Parsnips Silverbeet … Continue reading →

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What to plant or sow in April

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

Autumn harvest – a busy time of year. We’re all making pumpkin soup from the remnants of our giant pumpkins and pesto from the last of the basil, digging up the final few spuds, curing olives, stirring chutney and pickles and … Continue reading →

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March update

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

The Community Gardens participated in last weekend’s Warrandyte Festival, selling home-made jams, chutneys, pickles, marmalades and even mustard: we’re happy to report we raised over $500, too. The next members’ working bee is on this weekend: Sunday 1 April, at … Continue reading →

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Harvest time is festival time

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

It’s harvest time for many of our summer crops, with the beans and tomatoes coming to an end, corn and zucchini going gangbusters, and our giant pumpkins coming along nicely. Plot holders are madly filling jars and stirring great vats … Continue reading →

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How to freeze basil

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

Yes, you can freeze fresh basil leaves. It’s simple. Here’s how: Pick individual leaves, wash and pat dry. Toss them in a decent olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Bag them up into manageable portions in air-tight containers, … Continue reading →

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What to sow or plant in March

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

Autumn. How gorgeous. But it’s a busy time in the garden, with fruit harvest, leaf fall, clean out of summer plants and mulch, and soil preparation for the coming winter. Enjoy the crisp mornings and warm afternoons, and the evenings … Continue reading →

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Gardening together

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

Doncaster’s Kevin Heinze Garden Centre is pioneering a program that aims to pair able volunteers with aged residents in gardening partnerships that will help keep residents in their homes. Read more here.

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Tomato relish

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

Tomatoes ripening up nicely? If you’ve got plenty, here’s a relish recipe – tried and true. What you need 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes 500g onions 2 cups white wine vinegar 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons salt 500g sugar … Continue reading →

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What to sow and plant in February

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

February can be a tricky month for gardening, can’t it? This month offers up some sizzling summer heat that makes seed-raising hair-raising and gardening a chore. On the other hand, the soil is lovely and warm, and as the nights … Continue reading →

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Working bee: February

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Kelly Gardiner

The next community garden working bee for members is on Sunday 5 February at around 10.30am. We’re also on the lookout for contributions of jams, chutneys and preserves to sell at our stall at the Warrandyte Festival which is coming … Continue reading →

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