

Sweet Sapphire Grapes, a New Variety
Last year I had the pleasure of trying out this sweet and crisp new variety of grape, the Sweet Sapphire grape, developed in California and now grown here in Australia and around the world. They were just so sweet and delicious. The Sweet Sapphire grape is a new variety, naturally crossbred and GMO free, and grown in farms around Mildura in Victoria and in the … Continue reading Sweet Sapphire Grapes, a New Variety

Enjoying and Growing Pulses
The year 2016 was nominated as the International Year of Pulses. We joined the activities by listing recipes on this page along with links to information pages for growing various pulses in the home garden. Check out the recipes and growing information below. Last year we grew Chickpeas with success and you can see the plant in the banner of this post and photographed below. … Continue reading Enjoying and Growing Pulses

Happy New Year 2021!
As the sun rises on a new day of a new year we look forward with hope for better times and new beginnings. A Happy New Year to all followers, gardeners and visitors to The Grantham Gardener. I wish you good health, prosperity, and peace.May your garden bloom and be bountiful with seasonal produce to fill your table with good food. My wish for you … Continue reading Happy New Year 2021!

Merry Christmas from the Grantham Gardener
Christmas in this Covid19 year is like no other before it. In spite of the restrictions that limit numbers people in the home, we gather as best we can in Sydney. We are thankful for the blessing of family and friends, the technology that keeps us connected and the bounty of food on the table to share with those we love. No matter where you … Continue reading Merry Christmas from the Grantham Gardener

Support Our Farmers
This year, 2020, has been a long and difficult one for everyone. Throughout the dark days of lock downs and all manner of restrictions, our farmers have been supporting us with their produce and it is now so important for all the community to support them by sourcing our fruit and vegetables from our local farmers. Over the years I have written much about Rod … Continue reading Support Our Farmers

What to Plant in December
Today is the first day of summer and this is the first planting guide of the season. The following is a list of vegetables and herbs you can plant in December in Sydney, a temperate zone. Just click on the name for the growing guide for each vegetable or herb: Basil Beans (dwarf and climbing) Beetroot Cape Gooseberry Capsicum seedlings Carrot Celery seedlings Chilli Choko … Continue reading What to Plant in December

Pickled Red Onion Rings
Pickled onions have always been a favourite but these homemade pickled sweet red onion rings are so easy to make that there is no excuse for not having them on hand. They will enhance your salads and sandwiches or meats with their spicy, sweet and vinegary flavour. With their vibrant pink colour, pickled red onion rings are both attractive and delicious. Pickled Red Onion Rings … Continue reading Pickled Red Onion Rings

What to Plant in November
The following is a list of vegetables and herbs you can plant in November in Sydney, a temperate zone. Just click on the name for the growing guide for each vegetable or herb: Artichokes Asparagus crowns Basil seedlings Beans (bush and climbing) Beetroot Borage Broccoli Cabbage Cape Gooseberry Capsicum Carrot Celery Chives Coriander Cucumber Eggplant Jerusalem Artichoke Lemon Balm Lettuce Luffa Marrow Okra Parsley Peanut … Continue reading What to Plant in November

What to Plant in October
The following is a list of vegetables and herbs you can plant in October in Sydney, a temperate zone. Just click on the name for the growing guide for each vegetable or herb: Amaranth Artichokes Asparagus Basil Beans – climbing and bush beans Beetroot Borage Broccoli Cabbage Cape Gooseberry Capsicum Carrot Celeriac Celery – in seed trays Chicory Chives Chillies Cucumber Daikon Dill Eggplant Jerusalem … Continue reading What to Plant in October

Delicious Swede Brovada
The humble swede is an often overlooked vegetable that, when cooked is surprisingly soft, delicate and sweet. In Britain it is often mashed and roasted, in Europe it is made into sauerruben, a cousin of sauerkraut. This recipe is a variation of ‘brovada’ a fermented dish that is popular in north-east Italy using white turnips fermented in grape pomace. It is like sauerkraut but more … Continue reading Delicious Swede Brovada

What to Plant in September
Today is the first day of spring and this is the first planting guide of the season. The following is a list of vegetables you can plant in September in Sydney, a temperate zone. Just click on the link for the growing guide for each vegetable or herb: Amaranth Artichokes Asparagus Basil Beans – climbing and bush Beetroot Broccoli Cabbage Cape Gooseberry Capsicum Carrot Celery … Continue reading What to Plant in September

Parsley Salad
Parsley is not just a garnish to food. It has been consumed both medicinally and used in cuisine around the world. Parsley is very nutritious and has many health benefits. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K and Vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin A, folate and iron. Parsley’s volatile oil components include myristicin, limonene, eugenol and alpha-thujene. Its flavonoids … Continue reading Parsley Salad