Angelo’s tip of the month
Newsletter reader Angelo Eliades (from Preston) runs the Deep Green Permaculture website. His latest blog is about seed raising mix. “Want to sow seeds in pots? What do you need? Seed raising mix? Guess again! Working part-time in the garden nursery industry, I meet many gardeners who have had problems sowing seeds in seed raising mix – they find that their seeds sprout but their seedlings only reach a very small size and then completely stop growing, and the resultant seedlings are very thin and spindly! That’s because seed raising mix has absolutely no nutrients in it, and is totally unsuitable for growing seeds in. It’s actually misnamed, it really should be called ‘seed covering mix’ or ‘seed germination mix’, because that’s what it’s designed for, and does well.” Read more
News about local food producers
Carlton Farmers’ Market now takes place twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
The entrance to Coburg Farmers’ Market has moved slightly north: enter via Jersey Street.
Local food producers in the news
Chocolatier Australia (Heidelberg West) featured in a video produced by the Herald Sun.
Arrivederci Maria
Maria Ciavarella (aka My Green Garden) has landed the job of Food Technology assistant at a school and, from end April, will no longer be running workshops from her home in Donvale. For the time being at least, she will continue to run talks and workshops for councils and community groups. Best of luck with the new job, Maria!
Do you have a female carob tree?
If so, you will know that carob trees are mostly dioecious (separate male and female plants). Unusually, they flower in autumn (i.e. now) and, also unusually, the flowers are near the middle of the tree (so you can only see them if you part the branches and peer in).
Anyhow, I have a male carob tree that is currently in flower. If you want a branch to pollinate your female tree with, just email me.
Stuart and Christine Rodda have already taken a branch and, in return, given me some pods from last year. They are surprisingly tasty. Thanks Stuart and Christine!
Permablitz’s hero of the month – onions
Onions are a simple to grow garden crop, and are used in a multitude of dishes worldwide. Some prime ministers have even been known to eat them raw! Read more
Read all Permablitz’s heros of the month.
Every newsletter deserves a good picture
Brazilian artist William Kass creates, and then photographs, miniature scenes using food.
Have a look at our food art page.
Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?
The Warrandyte permaculture property up for sale.
Joke of the week
How do you fix a broken pizza? With tomato paste.
New events
Wholistic permaculture: a regenerative methodology for social change
What: Join Canadian expert, Jillian Hovey, in exploring the fundamentals of a whole systems design, and how to relate it to you, your studies, your life, and the world. Permaculture isn’t just about agriculture (permanent agriculture), it is about permanent culture. Its ethics give a framework for a responsible, regenerative society. This workshop will contain an overview of permaculture design, and a progression of exercises which will support participants to develop skills in the fundamentals of social permaculture.
When: Friday, 13th April, 11am-2pm.
Where: La Trobe University.
Cost: donation (e.g. $20 for waged non-students, $5 for unwaged).
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Yarra Valley Beer & Cider Festival
What: The festival allows you to sample some of the boutique beer and cider that Victoria has to offer, with many exhibitors being close to home. Food stalls will be in attendance, combined with entertainment.
The festival is an initiative by the Rotary Club of Wandin, in conjunction with some community beer and cider lovers.
When: Saturday, 14th April, 11am-5.30pm.
Where: Lilydale Showgrounds.
Cost: $16 ($32 with tasting tokens).
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Sustainable Greensborough – ‘share the inspiration’ meet-up
What: Go along to Sustainable Greensborough’s meeting to find some sustainable inspiration and meet other people in the area. Take along an excerpt from an inspiring sustainability video, book, website, blog or article, and briefly explain why you found it helpful. If you don’t feel like sharing, that’s ok too – just go along to listen and soak it all up.
When: Sunday, 15th April, 2-4pm.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: just turn up.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Our local MKR stars
What: Join local MKR celebrities Ros and Karen as they cook smokey pork shoulder served with creamy polenta and a pickle on the side.
When: Tuesday, 17th April, 6-8pm.
Where: Diamond Valley Library.
Cost: free.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Thermomix fakeaway class
What: Using your Thermomix to make mouth watering, cost saving and healthy meals you would normally buy as takeaway meals. Their experienced consultants will show you how to make their favourites from the following cuisines: Indian, Thai, Greek, French and Italian. They will also go over our tips for storing meals.
When: Wednesday, 18th April, 7.30-9.30pm.
Where: Kilsyth.
Cost: $21.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Fair trade cocktail master class
What: Led by Noble Spirits. Taste 6 Fair Trade liqueurs. Learn the basics of cocktail making. Create your own unique cocktail while nibbling on their pizza!
When: Wednesday, 18th April and again on Thursday, 19th April, both 6.30-9.30pm.
Where: Northcote.
Cost: $59.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Wow it’s Italian – traditional pizza making
What: Enjoy a social evening of cooking demonstrations and food tasting. Take away healthy recipes and tips for entertaining, favourite family meals, simple sauces and pasta dishes. Menu: pizza with three toppings.
When: Thursday, 19th April, 7.30-9.30pm.
Where: Chirnside Park.
Cost: $20.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Cook healthier. Live better.
What: Learn how to cook a healthy and nutritious meal in 30 minutes.
When: Sunday, 22nd April, 2-4pm.
Where: Box Hill South.
Cost: gold coin donation.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Asian cooking with Shirley
What: Go and attend the class to see how to make Asian food out of your Thermomix. Learn practical tips on how to make the following popular Malaysian/Asian dishes: stir fry noodles, fried rice, curry kapitan chicken, sweet vinegar pork ribs, satay sauce and gado-gado. You will get to taste the food.
When: Sunday, 22nd April, 3-5pm.
Where: Blackburn North.
Cost: $36.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
No Waste Cook Club Carlton
What: This workshop will help you to reduce food waste at home. You will cook a vegetarian lunch together and learn to save money, get creative with veggies, be more adaptable in the kitchen, and learn about the wonders of compost. The workshop is one of two free workshops held every month, with the other being on the 1st Saturday of the month at the Fitzroy Community Food Centre. If you are not able to attend the workshop in the morning, you are welcome to share a free lunch with them afterwards at 1pm.
When: Every 4th Saturday of the month, 10am-midday (so, next on 28th April).
Where: Carlton North.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Better brain food
What: Eating well can help to keep your brain in peak health. Join Ngaire Hobbins, dietitian and author of Better Brain Food to hear about the latest evidence-based information about eating to cheat dementia and cognitive decline. This new book provides the information you need as you or your loved ones grow older, including delicious recipes and lifestyle tips.
When: Tuesday, 1st May, 2-3.30pm.
Where: Lilydale Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by phone (9800 6457).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Lakeside Good Earth Group – book a chook
What: Bring a little country to your backyard. Poultry are rewarding, useful and entertaining pets. Fleur, from Book a Chook will tell you everything you need to know to successfully set up chooks in your own backyard, including breed selection, coops, runs, health and nutrition.
When: Saturday, 5th May, 10.30-11.30am.
Where: Lilydale Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: by phone (9800 6457).
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
No Waste Cook Club Fitzroy
What: This workshop will help you to reduce food waste at home. You will cook a vegetarian lunch together and learn to save money, get creative with veggies, be more adaptable in the kitchen, and learn about the wonders of compost. The workshop is one of two free workshops held every month, with the other being on the 4th Saturday of the month at the Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre. If you are not able to attend the workshop in the morning, you are welcome to share a free lunch with them afterwards at 1pm.
When: Every 1st Saturday of the month, 10am-midday (so, next on 5th May).
Where: Fitzroy.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Reduce your food waste – a budget-friendly recipe demonstration
What: Do you struggle to use all your leftovers before they perish? Do you often end up throwing away wilted veggies at the end of the week? Struggle no more! Gaby and Jen from Plan Buy Cook will show you how to cook some simple, delicious, budget-friendly recipes, minimise food waste and maximise your weekly shop.
When: Thursday, 10th May, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Preston Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Cooking master class
What: Enjoy 3 tasting size courses cooked by chef Bek McMillan, from Gourmet Living, who will demonstrate step by step. All recipes are included. Menu: caramelised onion puff pastry tart; wholemeal penne pasta; and apple spice pancakes.
When: Thursday, 10th May, 7-9pm.
Where: Gourmet Living, Templestowe.
Cost: $42.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Ostro: the pleasure of slowing down and cooking with simple ingredients
What: Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s cooking isn’t terribly fancy. Her approach to food favours intuition over strict rules and is about using your hands, rushing a little less and savouring the details. In conversation with Rachael Cilauro, Julia will discuss her love of uncomplicated food that is comforting and generous in spirit. Copies of Julia’s book, Ostro, will be available for purchase and signing at the event.
When: Wednesday, 16th May, 7.45-8.45pm.
Where: Brunswick Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
GABS Beer, Cider & Food Fest
What: Featuring 170 beers and ciders brewed especially for the event.
When: Friday, 18th May 11.30am-4.30pm and 6.30-11.30pm; Saturday, 19th May 11.30am-4.30pm and 6.30-11.30pm; and Sunday, 20th May 11.30am-4.30pm.
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton.
Cost: $46.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: their website.
Gardening for the bees
What: Native bees play an important role in your garden. They are superb pollinators and even better many of them don’t sting! Find out how to construct a bee hotel and which plants to grow. Their speaker, Patrick Honan currently works as a horticultural researcher for Gardening Australia on the ABC, and as a director for St Kilda Indigenous Nursery Co-op.
When: Thursday, 24th May, 7-8.30pm.
Where: Mitcham.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Native bee hotel
What: Buzz and Dig will talk about our native bee pollinators and their importance to the environment and will show you how to create a bee-friendly garden. The talk will also cover how to make your own bee hotel for the garden – materials provided.
When: Saturday, 26th May, 2-3pm.
Where: Watsonia Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: their website.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Fun ferments
What: Learn how to make kombucha – the fermented tea – at home and add delicious natural herbs and fruit for flavouring. Tastings will be provided in the class. You will also learn how to use kombucha to create a sourdough starter and discover other easy home fermenting and pickling techniques.
When: Thursday, 31st May, 7-8pm.
Where: Preston Library.
Cost: free.
Bookings: EventBrite.
Further information: LFC calendar entry.
Summary of upcoming events
Over the next week
- Cooking for teens – pasta making (12-15 years): Wednesday, 11th April, 1-4pm.
- Mexican cooking class: Wednesday, 11th April, 6.30-8pm.
- Microscopes in the garden: Thursday, 12th April, 10am-midday.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Thursday, 12th April, 6.30-8.30pm.
- The art of espalier: Thursday, 12th April, 6.30-9pm.
- For young people – traditional Italian cooking: Friday, 13th April, 10am-midday.
- Wholistic permaculture – a regenerative methodology for social change: Friday, 13th April, 11am-2pm.
- Kids holiday cooking school: Friday, 13th April, 11.30am-1.30pm.
- Building wicking garden beds from IBCs: Saturday, 14th April, 10am-midday.
- Help start 119A Lygon Street Community Garden: Saturday, 14th April, 10am-midday.
- Bee hive tour: Saturday, 14th April, 10am-midday.
- Yarra Valley Beer & Cider Festival: Saturday, 14th April, 11am-5.30pm.
- Healthy lives plant-based cooking: Sunday, 15th April, midday-4pm.
- Sustainable Greensborough – ‘share the inspiration’ meet-up: Sunday, 15th April, 2-4pm.
- Edible forest gardens: Monday, 16th April, 1.30-2.30pm.
- Traditional Italian cooking (4 sessions): Weekly, starting Monday, 16th April, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Mooroolbark Growers & Weeders present: “edible Australian native plants and unusual herbs”: Tuesday, 17th April, 2-3pm.
- Our local MKR stars: Tuesday, 17th April, 6-8pm.
- The basics of preserving: Tuesday, 17th April, 7-8.30pm.
- Fair trade cocktail master class: Wednesday, 18th April, 6.30-9.30pm.
- Thermomix fakeaway class: Wednesday, 18th April, 7.30-9.30pm.
Over the next month
- Growing heritage apples: Thursday, 19th April, 11am-midday.
- The joy of backyard chooks: Thursday, 19th April, 6.30-9pm.
- Fair trade cocktail master class: Thursday, 19th April, 6.30-9.30pm.
- Wow it’s Italian – traditional pizza making: Thursday, 19th April, 7.30-9.30pm.
- Young gardeners: Saturday, 21st April, 10am-midday.
- Set up and maintain a worm farm: Saturday, 21st April, 3-4pm.
- 3 Ravens Brewery tour and tasting: Saturday, 21st April, 4-5pm.
- Nature’s solutions to garden pests with Penny Woodward: Sunday, 22nd April, 10.30am-midday.
- Compost workshop: Sunday, 22nd April, 11am-midday.
- Sustainable homegrown garlic with Penny Woodward: Sunday, 22nd April, 2-3.30pm.
- Cook healthier. Live better.: Sunday, 22nd April, 2-4pm.
- Asian cooking with Shirley: Sunday, 22nd April, 3-5pm.
- Heritage apple tasting: Sunday, 22nd April, 5-7pm.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Tuesday, 24th April, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Produce in pots: Thursday, 26th April, 6.30-9pm.
- Beekeeping workshop: Saturday, 28th April, 9-11am.
- Growing fruit and veggies in small spaces: Saturday, 28th April, 9.30am-12.30pm.
- Olive magic – preserving olives: Saturday, 28th April, 9.30am-12.30pm.
- Organic gardening for beginners: Saturday, 28th April, 10am-4pm.
- No Waste Cook Club Carlton: every 4th Saturday of the month, 10am-midday (so, next on 28th April).
- Wild food and medicine walk: Sunday, 29th April, 10am-midday.
- Artisan pasta – fettuccini: Sunday, 29th April, 10am-12.15pm.
- Healthy lives plant-based cooking: Sunday, 29th April, midday-4pm.
- Food and mood: Monday, 30th April, 7-8pm.
- Better brain food: Tuesday, 1st May, 2-3.30pm.
- Cooking demonstration: Thursday, 3rd May, 10am-midday.
- Herbal teas: Thursday, 3rd May, 6.30-9pm.
- Introduction to horticulture – 9 session course: Saturdays, starting 5th May, 9.30am-3pm.
- Lakeside Good Earth Group – book a chook: Saturday, 5th May, 10.30-11.30am.
- Kellybrook Cider Festival: Saturday, 5th May, 11am-5pm.
- Vegetable seed saving: Saturday, 5th May, 1-2.30pm.
- No Waste Cook Club Fitzroy: every 1st Saturday of the month, 10am-midday (so, next on 5th May).
- Kalorama Chestnut Festival: Sunday, 6th May, 10am-4pm.
- Kellybrook Cider Festival: Sunday 6th May, 11am-5pm.
- Home composting and worm farming: Thursday, 10th May, 10.30am-midday.
- Plant-based midweek cooking class: Thursday, 10th May, 6.30-8.30pm.
- Native edibles for companion planting: Thursday, 10th May, 6.30-9pm.
- Reduce your food waste – a budget-friendly recipe demonstration: Reduce your food waste – a budget-friendly recipe demonstration: Thursday, 10th May, 7-8.30pm.
- Cooking master class: Thursday, 10th May, 7-9pm.
- Natural pest control with companion planting: Saturday, 12th May, 9.30am-12.30pm.
- Raw living whole foods with Valentina Rise: Saturday, 12th May, 10am-3pm.
- Food for thought – finger foods and tapas: Saturday, 12th May, 10.30am-1pm.
- Edible weeds walk: Saturday, 12th May, 11am-1pm.
- Home composting workshop: Saturday, 12th May, 2-4.30pm.
- Healthy lives plant-based cooking: Sunday, 13th May, midday-4pm.