Articles
The Rocoto Tree Chilli is different to the normal varieties of chilli that are commonly sold, which are Capsicum annuum. The Rocoto chilli is Capsicum pubescens, , so named for the fine hairs on the leaves (pubescens = hairy) They come from Peru and Bolivia, and will...
Free organic fertilizer for your garden The idea of growing your own organic food at home has really taken root in recent years. If you are one of those who has sprouted a green thumb (or if you would like to give it a try) then why not complete the environmental loop...
How do I grow tomatoes? Spring is a great time to think about planting tomatoes. The amazing taste and texture of tucking into a fully vine-ripened tomato, straight from the bush, is one of life's joys. If you have kids or grandkids, not only can they also share in...
Onions and their relatives belong to a group of vegetables that have evolved a rather specialised growth habit, which results in the formation of bulbs at the end of their growing season. A bulb is a swollen storage organ that allows a plant to survive climatic...
How do I grow cherry tomatoes? Spring is a great time to think about planting tomatoes. Many of us have memories of abundant tomato bushes sprawling around wooden stakes in our grandparent's garden. The wonderful smell as the leaves of a tomato plant are brushed...
How do I grow passionfruit? If you have a bare fence or trellis, why not grow a plant that not only provides delicious fruit but also has one of the most interesting and beautiful flowers in the plant world. Passion fruit...
What is causing lines on my Citrus leaves? Citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella) is a pest whose larvae burrow under the leaf surface. This causes the new growth to distort and have characteristic 'squiggles' all over the leaf surface. A very low toxicity...
How do I grow a bay tree? The bay tree (Laurus nobilis) is also known as sweet bay and has a long history in cultivation stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome where it was known as the laurel tree and provided decorative headpieces for the celebrities of the day....
How do I grow chives? This tough perennial is related to garlic and onions and the bright green colour of the foliage makes it an attractive as well as tangy and attractive garnish for soups and salads. Like its close...
How do I grow Coriander? Coriander is an annual herb that must be raised from seed. Throughout spring is the best time to either buy seedlings or plant seeds in their final position, either in a pot or herb bed in the garden. Coriander grows very quickly and it is...
How do I grow dill? This annual herb has been used since biblical times, no doubt because it is so easy to grow and has a number of uses, both medicinal and culinary. It is most commonly used to add aromatic qualities when cooking fish by adding the chopped leaves. It...
How do I grow garlic? Easy to grow with the right conditions, garlic is a delight for the kitchen as well as providing a source of fresh cloves that can also be used for medicinal purposes as a preventative treatment for colds and influenza. Each clove of garlic in a...
How do I get started with growing herbs? Herbs have been grown and used for a multitude of purposes since history began, including in culinary roles, as cosmetics, perfumes, preservatives, insect repellants, and of course for all kinds of medicinal applications. In...
How do I start a herb pot? A fantastic way to provide fresh herbs for the kitchen is by growing them in pots. Perfect for this purpose are special herb pots that are tall enough to accommodate holes along the side of the pot, allowing a number of types of herbs to be...
How do I grow Lemon Grass? Lemon grass has long been a part of Asian cooking and the rise in popularity of this cuisine in Australia makes it a useful idea to grow your own. It is a tall grassy-leafed plant that does actually belong to the grass family. It not only...
How do I grow Oregano? This easy to grow perennial herb is also known as marjoram and has a long history of culinary and medical use. The three species of oregano commonly grown in cultivation are oregano or wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), sweet marjoram (Origanum...
How do I grow Parsley? This is one of the easiest of all herbs to propagate and grow. A punnet of seedlings or seed itself can be grown in the final position in the garden or in a container. Seed may take a few weeks...
How do I grow Rocket (Eruca sativa)? This fast growing herb goes by a variety of names such as true rocket, roquette, arugula, tira or white pepper. Its spicy flavour is reminiscent of horseradish and derives from the fact that it is a member of the mustard family. It...
How do I grow Rosemary? Now is a fantastic time to establish this versatile Mediterranean plant which doubles as a culinary delight as well as being very decorative especially when in flower. Perhaps the most common form is upright with blue flowers with the variety...
How do I grow Sage? Salvia officinalis is a drought tolerant small shrub that has been used in as a culinary herb in its native Mediterranean region for hundreds of years. It has a rather strong flavour that is used to add spice to various meat dishes and also for...