

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

What to Plant in February
The following is a list of vegetables and herbs that you can plant in February in Sydney, a temperate zone. Just click on the name for the growing guide for each vegetable or herb: Amaranth Beans (dwarf) Beetroot Broccoli Brussel sprouts Carrot Cauliflower Chives Cucumber Endive Fennel Kohlrabi Leeks Lettuce Mustard greens Onion Parsley Radish Silverbeet Swedes Turnip Zucchini Plant of the Month – the … Continue reading What to Plant in February

Banana and Brandied Cranberry Scones
Scones are always easy to make and loved by all. This recipe includes over-ripe bananas and brandied dried cranberries. Earlier in the year I made batch of the brandied cranberries and they are so delicious on ice cream and with other desserts. They are also nice to use in cake making and in this case they balance the sweetness of the bananas. I have included … Continue reading Banana and Brandied Cranberry Scones

What to plant in January
The following is a list of vegetables and herbs that you can plant in January in Sydney, a temperate zone. Just click on the name for the growing guide for each vegetable or herb: Amaranth Beans (dwarf and climbing) Beetroot Carrot Chives Cucumber Eggplant seedlings Kohlrabi Lettuce Marrow Mustard Greens Okra seedlings Parsley Radish Rosella Silverbeet Sunflower Sweet corn Turnip Zucchini Plant of the Month … Continue reading What to plant in January

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!

Giant Conchiglioni Pasta with Meat and Tomato
This incredibly simple dish is based on using pre-prepared meatballs that have been cooked in a rich tomato sauce. When ready to make this dish, simply use the sauce and meatballs you have previously lovingly prepared and stored in your the fridge or freezer and the rest is easy. Even the pasta can be cooked ahead. Just assemble and bake and let the flavours penetrate … Continue reading Giant Conchiglioni Pasta with Meat and Tomato

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

Joe’s Almond Biscuits
As we move into the Christmas season it is time to get baking and Joe has shared his recipe for these delicious and easy to make almond biscuits. The recipe will make 40 biscuits, however you can divide the mixture to make as many biscuits as you need. 100g of almond meal will make 10 biscuits, so adjust the other ingredients using 1/2 tsp of … Continue reading Joe’s Almond Biscuits

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