Helen Simpson writes about how to grow coriander successfully

Helen’s article for the month of July is on how to grow coriander. As she says in her introduction “Coriander, also known as cilantro, is one of the easiest and most delicious herbs to grow in abundance. It is an extremely versatile plant with the leaves, stems, roots and mature seeds all being flavoursome and aromatic. It suits many different cooking styles, from garnishing pumpkin soup or to use in an Asian style dish. Coriander is an annual and, despite its delicate, feathery look, is best planted from mid to late Autumn through to early Spring.” She then goes on to discuss: seed or seedling; aspect and soil; harvesting; and storage. Read her full article.

Local producer news – Old Evropa have opened a shop!

Question: why did an Italian, a Bulgarian and a Briton meet in Australia to discuss the French?

Answer: to discuss the new Old Evropa Bakery, which opened in Eltham Village on 22nd June. Yes, that’s right, Mernda-based Old Evropa, who will be known to many of you from their presence at Eltham Farmers’, Hurstbridge Farmers’ and Warrandyte Community markets, have opened a shop. So, you can now buy their yummy bread 6 days a week. I met with Tatiana and Damiano Coluccio, aka Old Evropa, to discuss what they are doing and why.

In the discussion, it quickly became clear that they are on a mission, and that this mission is more than just providing us with yummy bread. Rather, for them, it is about us eating the right sorts of bread: bread that does not make you feel bloated or acid refluxed; bread that does not contain any ‘chemicals’; and bread that has been long-fermented, to make it more easily digested. In other words, bread like it used to be (as long as you are European). So, to quote Damiano, their bread contains only certified organic flour, yeast, filtered (and thus purified) water, salt and (of course) love.

The long fermentation is the key. It is this which conditions the wheat to make it easier to digest. And it is this which, in their opinion, makes the bread suitable in some cases for people with gluten sensitivity.

But the long fermentation is also a problem for the Coluccios. It is this which means that they have had to start baking around midnight. And, because their current small baking space at home is not a controlled environment, they then have had to stay up all night to control the sleeping and waking up of the yeast. Thankfully, the new bakery has a controlled environment so Damiano and Tatiana will be able to move from being nocturnal to diurnal!

I asked them about the scope of what they will be selling in the shop. They replied: a full range. Loaves as well as their current focaccias and baguettes. Croissant and pastries. Even filled baguettes. Tatiana will be full-time pastry chef, and Damiano full-time baker.

I asked them whether opening a shop had always been part of their plans. Tatiana replied that she had always wanted to open a European eatery where people would be able to savour products that bring back memories from Europe. Although they have a long history in both the food industry and baking for family gatherings, perhaps surprisingly, they have only been baking commercially for the past three and a half years. The new shop will allow them to substantially upscale their current operations whilst still continuing with their traditional methods. They would like to go down the route of Organic Certification and they are clearly in it for the long haul.

I ended the interview by wishing them best of luck but saying I would be sorry to see them stop being a stallholder at Eltham Farmers’ Market. “Oh, no“, they replied, “we will be carrying on at the market“. So, actually, you will be able to buy their yummy bread 7 days a week.

Bread, brioche, etc	Coffee and seating	Behind the scenes	Sandwiches

Used hessian/burlap coffee sacks for sale

Local food producer Hildebrand Grove have lots of used hessian/burlap coffee sacks (660mm x 930mm) to get rid of. $2 each or $1 each for 10 or more. Pickup only from 12 Kylta Road, Heidelberg West, Monday to Thursday 7am-3pm or Fridays 7am-2pm. Just turn up, go through the piles and choose the ones you want. Change will not be given so make sure you have correct amount. 100s available, with many different prints and types; all have been opened in random spots but generally close to the top or bottom of the bag. Perfect for pet beds, horse activities, carrying tools, workshops, arts & crafts, sack races for the kids, multiple uses in the garden, etc.

Another satisfied customer

Last week, Velyne asked if anyone had an unwanted tree that she could have. Here is the result: “I was offered a lovely tree and it has already been re-homed. It was to fill a gap in my mother’s garden to cover her window. Thank you for a brilliant result.”

When is it time to harvest?

Here is a plant-by-plant guide to help you decide when to harvest each fruit or vegetable. Thanks to Mernda Community Garden at Carome for the link.

New events

Love food, hate waste: using fresh vegetables from root to top

What:
Did you know Victorians waste 25% of the food they buy? Learn how how to minimise food waste and make delicious and nutritious meals. For example, using carrot tops, beet leaves and coriander roots. Local chef Duang Tengtrirat from Real Food Catering will share her experience and love of cooking in this demonstration. You will leave with fresh ideas and easy-to-use recipes. Supported by Sustainability Victoria. The first of two consecutive demonstrations. Bookings essential.
When: Friday, 8th July, 10am-midday.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Edendale by phone (9433 3711) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Love food, hate waste: how to use leftovers

What:
If you are looking for inspiration on using your leftovers, come and watch how to make delightful meals from what you find in your fridge. Local chef Duang Tengtrirat from Real Food Catering will share her experience and love of cooking in this demonstration. You will leave with fresh ideas and easy-to-use recipes. Supported by Sustainability Victoria. The second of two consecutive demonstrations. Bookings essential.
When: Friday, 8th July, 1,39-3.30pm.
Where: Edendale.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Edendale by phone (9433 3711) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Winter gathering at Petty’s Orchard

What: Using food as medicine is an excellent and empowering way to keep you and your family well over the Winter period. Join Libby Shaw, Naturopath, Herbalist & Nutritionist, in exploring traditional methods to nourish your body and deepen your relationship with the wonderful qualities of food.
When: Thursday, 14th July, 11am-midday.
Where: Templestowe.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Libby Shaw by phone (0407 338647) or email.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Chinese cooking

What: Learn the secrets of Chinese cooking with cooking teacher Jenny Chua as she demonstrates how to create your own simple, fresh and perfectly balanced Chinese dishes at home.
When: Wednesday, 20th July, 6.30-7.30pm.
Where: Brunswick.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Moreland City Libraries by phone (9389 8600) or email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Yarra community growing spaces workshop

What: Do you have, or are you interested in having a planter box, fruit tree or nature strip garden in your street? To learn how to apply for, and make the most of, your garden go along to this workshop, which will include: a talk on low-maintenance food gardening; a swap table for home-grown food; information on how to apply for a public planter box in the City of Yarra; and a chance to meet other community members over morning or afternoon tea. Registration is required.
When: Saturday, 6th August, 10.30am-12.45pm and again at 2-4.15pm.
Where: Fitzroy North.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Pippa French by phone (9205 5782) or email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Building a healthy economy from the bottom up: annual agribusiness dinner

What: The City of Whittlesea Agribusiness program is excited to announce two inspiring speakers for their annual Agribusiness dinner event. Anthony Flaccavento is an organic farmer near Abingdon, Virginia, USA who is dedicated to catalysing and supporting ecologically healthy regional economies and food systems.
Dr Robert Faggian is an Associate Professor with Deakin University’s Centre for Regional and Rural Futures and a leader in research of land capability, agriculture and climate impact. The dinner will also showcase locally produced food and wine from the City of Whittlesea and Melbourne’s north.
When: Saturday, 13th August, 6-10.30pm.
Where: Yan Yean.
Cost: $35.
Enquiries: Annemaree Docking, Whittlesea Council by phone (9217 2593) or email.
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Suburban beekeeping

What: Learn about keeping bees in your own backyard from Backyard Honey’s expert apiarist, Peter Dyer. Hear about a bee’s life cycle, the role of a beekeeper, bee swarms and the importance of bees to the food we eat. You will also have a chance to watch live bees in action in Peter’s demonstration hive. Bookings essential.
When: Sunday, 21st August, 2.30-4.30pm.
Where: Richmond.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Richmond Library by phone (1300 695427).
Bookings: Eventbrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week

• Winter in the veggie garden: Wednesday, 29th June, 7-9pm.

Over the next month

• Love food, hate waste: using fresh vegetables from root to top: Friday, 8th July, 10am-midday.
• Love food, hate waste: how to use leftovers: Friday, 8th July, 1.30-3.30pm.
• Bush tucker: Friday, 8th July, 2-3pm.
• Winter gathering at Petty’s Orchard: Thursday, 14th July, 11am-midday.
• Soil matters: Saturday, 16th July, 2-4.30pm.
• Winter fruit tree maintenance and pruning: Sunday, 17th July, 1.30-4.30pm.
• Creating Eden in small spaces: Tuesday, 19th July, 11.30am-12.30pm.
• Chinese cooking: Wednesday, 20th July, 6.30-7.30pm.
• Preserving basics – make your own jams, pickles and relishes: Friday, 22nd July, 10am-1pm.
• Winter garden party: Sunday, 24th July, 11am-3pm.
• Mindful eating: Tuesday, 26th July, 7-8.15pm.
• Maintaining your fruit trees over winter: Wednesday, 27th July, 7-9pm.
• Introduction to horticulture – 9 session course: from Saturday, 30th July, 9.30am-3pm
• Backyard chicken keeping: Saturday, 30th July, 11am-midday.

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

Which parts of the tree bear the fruit

In his seminal book, The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia, Louis Glowinski said that the more he read about pruning grape vines, the more confused he got. Well, I feel the same about pruning more generally. I think I understand the basics and how pruning in the first few years is a very different exercise than that for mature trees. And, on Robin Gale-Baker’s recommendation, I am currently reading Vegetable and Fruit Gardening in Australia, which discusses such subjects.

One of the things I want to be clear about is how different trees should be pruned differently. It seems to me that an important part of this is knowing which parts of the tree bear the fruit. For example, a grapevine fruits on the current season growth so, after the harvest, winemakers can (and do) safely cut off all of current season’s growth. By contrast, a peach tree fruits on last year’s growth so if, after the harvest, you cut off all of the current season’s growth, then you won’t get any fruit at all next year! Rather, for peaches, you should focus on removing laterals that are more than a year old, as they will never fruit again. And a sweet cherry tree fruits on (all) older wood, so the pruning should focus on structure and shape. In this context, the following table summarises my current understanding of which parts of each fruit tree bear the fruit.

 
I have added this material to the graphic of our North East Melbourne fruiting schedule. Any comments or corrections would be gratefully received by email.

In passing, if you want to receive regular (weekly) newsletters about all aspects of growing fruit trees in Victoria, you might want to consider subscribing to the Mt Alexander Fruit Gardens newsletter (thanks to Bev Robertson for the recommendation).

New events

Composting workshop and solstice afternoon tea

What: Go along to a workshop to build a composting bay from recycled materials and start the process of turning garden and kitchen waste into food for the Produce With A Purpose garden. They will also be planting the garlic crop for the coming season. Afterwards they will celebrate the Winter Solstice by the fire with a warm afternoon tea and a conversation about ttheir vision of a community committed to social justice growing and sharing fresh food together with those who need it.
When: Sunday, 26th June, 1-4pm.
Where: Lower Plenty.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Louise King by email.
Bookings: just turn up. You can also indicate your intention on Facebook.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Bush tucker

What: It is NAIDOC Week and Uncle Ian Hunter will be sharing his knowledge of indigenous food found in the City of Whittlesea. Find out if you have any indigenous food items growing at home.
When: Friday, 8th July, 2-3pm.
Where: Lalor.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Lalor Library by phone (9465 2353).
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Community lunch

What: A two course home-cooked meal is shared in their dining room with other friendly community members. Go along for company, conversation and support. A great opportunity to find out what’s available in the neighbourhood. RSVPs required.
When: Every 2nd Wednesday, 12.30-2.30pm (next one on 13th July).
Where: Thornbury.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Span Community House by phone (9480 1364) or email.

Winter garden party

What: They will harvest and cook some of their winter veggies and share a warm lunch next to an open fire.
When: Sunday, 24th July, 11am-3pm.
Where: Lower Plenty.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Louise King by email.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Biodynamic course (two-day)

What: A 2-day course covering: Rudolf Steiner and the Biodynamic Movement – 8 Steiner lectures; biodynamic preparation 500 / burying cow horns / stirring and spraying; biodynamic compost – the preparations and making the compost; cosmic nutrition, seed saving and collecting; the planting calendar and nature’s rhythms, Gothean science; biodynamic peppering – plant, insect and vermin elimination; and elementals, intention, mycelium, weeds, mosses, lichen, tree paste.
When: Saturday, 6th August and Sunday 7th August. The course will be repeated on the weekend of 15th/16th October.
Where: Warranwood.
Cost: $290.
Enquiries: Grit by phone (0477 408665) or email.
Bookings: Cheques, cash, electronic transfer, Paypal or credit card – see the LFC calendar entry for details.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Australian Community Food Hubs Conference

What: Sustain, the City of Greater Bendigo, the Open Food Network, Bendigo Kangan Institute, William Angliss Institute, La Trobe University, Melbourne Farmers Markets and Pip Magazine in what will be Australia’s very first Community Food Hubs conference. To view the two-day program, visit the Sustain website.
When: Monday, 8th August and Tuesday, 9th August.
Where: Bendigo.
Cost: $240 for two days or $130 for one.
Enquiries: the conference organisers by phone (5434 6100) or email.
Further information: the Sustain website.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week

• Prune for June (Carlton): Thursday, 16th June, 6-7pm.
• Vegetarian basics cooking class: Saturday, 18th June, 9.30am-1.30pm.
• Permablitz 182 (Preston): Saturday, 18th June, 9.30am-4.30pm.
• Winter Wine Fest: Saturday, 18th June, 11am-5pm.
• Fruit tree pruning: Saturday, 18th June, 1-5pm.
• Winter Wine Fest: Sunday, 19th June, 11am-5pm.
• Hot composting workshop: Sunday, 19th June, 11.30am-1pm.
• How to prepare your garden for spring: Monday, 20th June, 11.30am-1.30pm.
• Dim sims and spring rolls workshop: Monday, 20th June, 1-2.30pm.
• Good bugs – bad bugs: Tuesday, 21st June, 11.30am-12.30pm.
• Cooking with winter vegetables – Italian style: Wednesday, 22nd June, 6-8pm.

Over the next month

• Change makers (Banyule): Wednesday, 22nd June, 6-9pm.
• Backyard chooks for beginners: Saturday, 25th June, 10am-midday.
• Composting workshop and solstice afternoon tea: Sunday, 26th June, 1-4pm.
• Winter in the veggie garden: Wednesday, 29th June, 7-9pm.
• Bush tucker: Friday, 8th July, 2-3pm.
• Soil matters: Saturday, 16th July, 2-4.30pm.

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.

The comparative costs of fruit & veggies

How do you think that the costs of the food at farmers’ markets compare with a) small shops and b) supermarkets? We have now analysed our fourth, and final, quarterly Eltham survey (i.e. for late Autumn). For the detailed results, click here.

For an overall summary of the four surveys combined, click here. Whilst the results differ a bit between the surveys, the results of the latest survey confirm our previous overall conclusion: the supermarket is NOT generally cheaper than either the farmers’ market or the greengrocer for veggies and fruit.

Are you surprised by this? I (Guy) certainly am. Before doing the surveys, I had (without thinking about it too much) simply assumed that the supermarket would be cheaper than both the farmers’ market and the greengrocer. I now know better.

In passing, I have come to the conclusion that some market sellers of veggies and fruit undersell themselves when they say things along the lines of “our costs should not be compared with those of supermarkets because our produce is tastier, fresher and freer of chemicals“. As our surveys demonstrate, there is no need to cede the cost argument and, indeed, I suggest that the farmers’ market movement should be devoting some serious effort to researching the subject and then publicising the results.

A bonus byproduct of the surveys is documentation of the seasonal availability of fruit and veggies at the market. Click here. Key points:

• For both fruit and veggies, a full range of seasonal produce is available at the market throughout the year.
• More than half of all veggies (26 of 45) are available throughout the year.
• The availability of fruit is highly seasonal, with only apples and lemons being available throughout the year.

Helen Simpson writes about how to grow raspberries

Helen’s article for the month of June is on how to grow raspberries. As she says in her introduction “The intense flavour of a home-grown raspberry picked fresh from the bush encourages many people to plant raspberry canes. The downside is the space and structure required to grow the canes and their maintenance. However the home-grown raspberry’s superior flavour compared to those bought in plastic-wrapped punnets from supermarkets makes it well worth the effort. Being able to feast on raspberries, rather than use them sparingly due to cost, is also a treat.” She then goes on to discuss: getting started; number of canes; types of raspberries; maintenance; some common varieties; and pests and diseases. Read her full article.

Do you currently have any home-grown surpluses?

At the next Eltham Farmers’ Market, on 12th June, we plan (as usual) to have a community market stall, where one or two people sell their surplus produce at a stall provided by us. However, we don’t currently have anyone organised to do this. If you currently have a surplus, and want to combine some conversation with the public with making a bit of money, contact me by phone (0416 203067) or email. Read about the initiative here.

How to find all Sustainable Gardening Australia’s (SGA’s) food-related posts

SGA often has posts by guest authors on edible gardening and, for example, it has just published an article on how to have pumpkins all year round. Something you might not know is that you can find all of their edible gardening posts listed on the following three pages:

• Fruit.
• Herbs.
• Veggies.

New events

Just Eat It (film)

What: This is a World Environment Week special screening of Just Eat It, a documentary film about food waste and food rescue. We all love food. As a society, we devour countless cooking shows, culinary magazines and foodie blogs. So how could we possibly be throwing away 50% of it? Light refreshments provided. Bookings essential.
When: Thursday, 9th June, 10am-12.30pm.
Where: Preston.
Cost: free.
Enquiries/Bookings: Darebin Council by phone (8470 8440) or email.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Hot composting workshop

What: Hot composting is a great way to make lots of rich compost in as little as 30 days. The technique also kills weeds and weed seeds, pathogens and unwelcome bacteria. Brian Koop, an experienced and passionate vegetable gardener, will deliver the workshop.
When: Sunday, 19th June, 11.30am-1pm.
Where: Heidelberg.
Cost: Free for members of St Johns Riverside Community Garden; gold coin contribution requested from visitors.
Enquiries: Katrina Philip by phone (0422 735213) or email.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Mindful eating

What: Our relationship to food is a central one that reflects our attitudes toward our environment and ourselves. Jacinta Sherlock, Dietitian and Nutritionist specialising in eating behaviour and eating disorders, will explore why weight loss diets don’t work in the long term and the person centred approach to wellbeing and mindful eating.
When: Tuesday, 26th July, 7-8.15pm.
Where: Ivanhoe.
Cost: free.
Enquiries: Contact Ivanhoe Library by phone (9497 5780).
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.

Summary of upcoming events

Over the next week

• Vegetarian and vegan food truck event: Friday, 3rd June, 5-10pm.
• Prune for June (Bayswater North): Saturday, 4th June, 10-11.30am.
• How to make compost & set up a worm farm: Saturday, 4th June, 1-4.30pm.
• Vegetarian and vegan food truck event: Saturday, 4th June, midday-10pm.
• How to make sense of food labels: Monday, 6th June, 9.30-11am.
• Fruit tree pruning: Wednesday, 8th June, 10am-2pm.
• Healthy eating as a way of life: Wednesday, 8th June, 7-8pm.

Over the next month

• Just Eat It (film): Thursday, 9th June, 10am-12.30pm.
• Biodynamic course (two-day): Saturday, 11th June and Sunday 12th June, 9.30am-4.30pm.
• Low-maintenance edible gardens: Saturday, 11th June, 11am-midday.
• Prune for June (Carlton): Sunday, 12th June, 2-3pm.
• Prune for June (Carlton): Thursday, 16th June, 6-7pm.
• Vegetarian basics cooking class: Saturday, 18th June, 9.30am-1.30pm.
• Winter Wine Fest: Saturday, 18th June, 11am-5pm.
• Fruit tree pruning: Saturday, 18th June, 1-5pm.
• Winter Wine Fest: Sunday, 19th June, 11am-5pm.
• Hot composting workshop: Sunday, 19th June, 11.30am-1pm.
• How to prepare your garden for spring: Monday, 20th June, 11.30am-1.30pm.
• Dim sims and spring rolls workshop: Monday, 20th June, 1-2.30pm.
• Good bugs – bad bugs: Tuesday, 21st June, 11.30am-12.30pm.
• Cooking with winter vegetables – Italian style: Wednesday, 22nd June, 6-8pm.
• Backyard chooks for beginners: Saturday, 25th June, 10am-midday.
• Winter in the veggie garden: Wednesday, 29th June, 7-9pm.

Click here for the complete calendar of upcoming events.