Whole fruit:
Senin, 28 September 2020
Making the Most of School Meals
Whole fruit:
Sabtu, 26 September 2020
New Garden Hoses and Springtime Planting
TOOL TIME
Garden Hoses: New Hoses on the Market
Hoses don’t last forever, and when they start to show signs of wear, you may find yourself getting frustrated every time the hose kinks and stops the flow of water.
So what’s new in hoses if you need an update?
Some are made of vinyl, some are made of rubber, some have reinforcement, some are expanding, and others advertise as being kink free and even made of steel
Which one do you choose?
Let’s find out.
I'm talking with Tony Mattson, general manager of www.cutabovetools.com.au
- You want it to last a minimum of 5 to 10 years
- Check the distance from the hose to the furthest point you want to water. Longer is not better because it's heavy to move around.
- Consider how long should you have a hose. Tony says most people overestimate how much hose length that they need.
- The diameter is 1/2 inch or 12.5mm. A nursery would traditionally use a 19mm diameter hose.
- When you first get a hose, lay it out in the sun to straighten it out.
If you have questions about hoses or have information to share, drop us a line to realworldgardener@gmail.com or write to 2rrr PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675
VEGETABLE HEROES
Spring Planting
Have some or no idea?
It may just jog your memory to remind you to get started on one or two veggies that you had forgotten about.
- In temperate areas the soil is still pretty cold.
- There’s no rush to get summer crops in the ground.
Be prepared to protect them on cold nights, and plant seedlings out in the open when the risk of frost has passed.
- The kind of veg you can grow in September is "shoulder" season stuff like spinach, peas, turnips, kale, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, Asian greens, mustard, silverbeet, carrots, beetroot and radishes.
- Depending on where you are, you could also grow beans, rosella, eggplant, sweetcorn, sweet potato and zucchini.
- It’s also a good time to plant herbs such as coriander, dill, mint, rosemary, thyme and parsley, and perennials such as rhubarb and globe artichokes.
- And of course spring onions.They're the easiest onions to grow and are absolutely made for planting in September!
- Hold off on capsicums, eggplants, and cucurbits like watermelons, cucumbers and pumpkins until next month.
- The herbs you could sow are pretty much all types of herbs.
- Watch out for fruit fly and control spray lawn weeds.
- You could also get in a fresh sowing of sweetcorn, basil and okra, along with perennials such as sweet potato, yam, taro, cape gooseberry, lemongrass and passionfruit.
- These all need warm soil to germinate, and tend to grow well in the spring dry season with extra watering if needed.
- It’s also a great time to plant citrus trees, guavas and other subtropical fruiting evergreens.
- The herbs you could sow or plant are basil, chives, coriander, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme.
- In the tropics, it’s a good time to get in a fresh sowing of sweetcorn, basil and okra, along with perennials such as sweet potato, yam, taro, cape gooseberry, lemongrass and passionfruit.
- Sow broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, beetroot, cucumber, leek, endive, lettuce, silver beet, snow pea, spinach, strawberry, sweet corn, zucchini and tomato.
- Traditionally, you don't plant your tomatoes in Tasmania until late October, but you can make an early start and hopefully get fruit by Christmas - if you give your plants a bit of protection."
- "Don't use high-nitrogen fertilisers with tomatoes or you'll get lots of leaves and less fruit. Use compost and lower-nitrogen manures like sheep or cow.
- HERBS – sow basil, chives, coriander, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme.
If you are limited by space and are planting in pots, make sure you choose the sunniest part of your balcony or courtyard.
- By also adding two handfuls of dolomite every square metre, you’ll prevent blossom end rot happening in tomatoes and will also add essential calcium to the soil.
- Dig compost into the garden beds four weeks before planting any seedlings.
- But that’s OK, because you can start your veggies off in punnets or trays first and they should be ready to plant out by then.
There’s a few available so just pick one that suits your area.
THAT WAS YOUR VEGETABLE HERO FOR TODAY
Peppers of All Sorts and Horned Melons
SPICE IT UP
Black pepper, White Pepper: Peppers of All Sorts
We’re talking thousands of tonnes of black pepper, can you imagine? But why was that and how does this it grow?
The peppercorn that we know is
Piper nigrum vine native to south India.
All peppercorns are harvested by hand.
Gardeners in the tropics and possibly sub tropics can grow this vine up a trellis or a tree outside in the garden.
Pepper is a jungle plant so that the roots need to remain cool,
The vine will fill a trellis in about three years. Berries that are picked when they're fat and green can be dried to make black pepper.
In the wild, or in plantations where they are allowed to grow up palm trees, the hermaphrodite pepper flowers are pollinated by rain running down the catkin. This occurs during the monsoon
So if you want to grow one in your home garden, watering the flowers should mimic this.This is actually white pepper.
VEGETABLE HEROES:
- Scientifically, African Horned Melon is Cucumis metuliferus, but to us gardeners it’s horned melon or kiwano, also African horned cucumber or melon, jelly melon, hedged gourd.
- Like other melons it’s an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family, Cucurbitaceae.
Horned Melon Vine |
- For those who like to grow strangely different things this one’s is for you.Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon".
- The ripe fruit has yellow-orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh with a tart taste, and texture very close to that of a cucumber.In fact as its seeds are found throughout its flesh, not just within a seed cavity, it’s more like a cucumber than a melon.
- The fruit's taste has been compared to a combination of cucumber and zucchini or a combination of banana, cucumber and lemon.
- It is also said to taste like an unripe, watered-down banana.
- A small amount of salt or sugar can dramatically change the flavour.
- Some also eat the peel, which is very rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre.
And it’s one of the few sources of water during the dry season in the Kalahari Desert.
So How Do You Grow This Thing?
Growing a jelly melon plant is much like growing and caring for cucumbers
Plant the horned fruit seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 12 C.
- Optimum temperatures for germination are between(20-35 C.
- Plant seeds at a depth of 1 ½ - 2 ½ cm, in groups of two or three seeds.
- You can also start the seeds indoors, then plant the young melon plants in the garden when the seedlings have two true leaves and temperatures are consistently above 150C.Water the area immediately after planting, then keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy.
- Watch for the seeds to germinate in two to three weeks, depending on temperature. Be sure to provide a trellis for the vine to climb, or plant the seeds next to a sturdy fence.
Water at the base of the plant, if possible, as wetting the foliage places the plants at higher risk of disease such as powdery mildew.
Cut back on watering as the fruit ripens to improve the flavour of the fruit.
At this point, it’s best to water lightly and evenly, as excessive or sporadic watering may cause the melons to split.
When temperatures are consistently above 230-240C., the horned melon plants will appreciate a few cms of organic mulch, which will conserve moisture and keep weeds in check.
- The green-yellow skin turns a bright deep orange when ready to harvest, and the pulp resembles lime-green Jelly.
Horned melon growing is that easy.
Give it a try and experience something different and exotic in the garden.
Why Is It Good For You?
The Horn melon consists of over 90% water and is rich in vitamin C.
It is also a source of iron and potassium and vitamin A.
Plus it only has 103 calories.
As for cooking with it, you can scoop out the inner fruit and toss it in fruit salads or use it as a colourful garnish.
Kiwano or Horned Melons are also excellent in exotic drinks.
How about a minty gin-and-champagne horned melon or kiwano (it’s other name) cocktail!
Small Shrubs by two: Rock Thryptomene and Midgen Berry
PLANT OF THE WEEK
Thryptomene sp and Thryptomene saxicola F.C.Payne
There are some plants that can be forgiven for not doing much for most of the year, then, when they come into flower, they become the star of the garden.In a way, they behave like a spring or summer bulbs, because they’re practically invisible until they pop out and flower their heads off.
So what is this Thryptomene which I have been alluding to?
Let’s find out more…
I'm talking with Adrian O’Mally, qualified horticulturist and native plant expert.
- Adrian came across seven thryptomene planted along a bank with a south-east aspect.
- They had grown leggy so to keep your shrub bushy, keep up the formative pruning in the early stages.
- Doing this you will able to keep the shrub to 60cm in height.
You may find it as a filler in bouquets because the tiny 5-petalled flowers blend well with larger flowers of any kind.
Bird and insect attracting plants always make a lovely addition to your garden.
Look out for the different cultivars of thryptomene in your nursery or big box store this spring, because there won’t be many, and they’ll be snapped up quick smart. If you have any questions about anything gardening, why not email us realworldgardener@gmail.com
PLANT OF THE WEEK 2
- Midgen berry hedges is a great alternative to murraya hedges. Plant that closer together than the recommendation on the plant tag. Usually half the distance is best.
- In it's native environment it may grow as a spreading shrub up to 2 m tall. Usually found in sandy soils in heath, scrub or open forests and occasionally on the margins of rainforests.
- In the home garden 40cm x 1.4m wide
- Midgen berry copper tops has coppery coloured new growth.
Senin, 21 September 2020
Healthy Ideas for Learning at Home
Unplug and Connect: As students are using technology more right now to learn at home, when students are not learning take time to unplug and connect. Enjoy family time together by preparing a meal together, enjoying physical activity or playing a fun new game.
Physical Activity: Everyone loves participating in the many trendy social media challenges these days. But why not create one of your own for your family? Who knows, maybe it too could become a trend! Try making a, “Staying Healthy at Home” challenge. Use a simple point-based system to keep track. You have to score a minimum of 5 points per day! Rewards or privileges could be given for completing this. Choose from the following tasks below or think of some that work best for your family. Do them all for extra points and extra wellbeing benefits for you! See who can get the most points per day or per week!
- Being active for at least 30-minutes a day – 1 point. This could be as simple as taking breaks for physical activity, walking around the house, walking up the stairs twice, having a dance party, standing up during instruction, at home workouts, etc.
- Have water in a reusable water bottle to drink during the day – 1 point.
- Eating regular meals and snacks (3 meals and 2 snacks daily) –1 point.
- Take a break from the screen for 30 minutes every 2 hours –1 point.
- Prepared a meal together as a family – 1 point.
- Keep a morning routine (change out of pajamas, make the bed, shower, etc.) –1 point.
- Go to bed at the same time every night –1 point.
- Meditate or do yoga –1 point.
- Practice Gratitude – 1 point.
- Do something together as a family –1 point. This could look something like going on a walk or a bike ride together, preparing or cooking meals together, making an arts and crafts project together like a face mask, etc. You can even do something outside together like gardening or going on a scavenger hunt.
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Jumat, 18 September 2020
Rotate Your Crops And Grow Curry Leaves
CROP ROTATION with The Veggie Lady
You may have heard of crop rotation but perhaps relegated it to the basket where moon planting and biodynamics reside.But did you know that crop rotation isn’t something that gardeners should scoff at because of it’s importance in the life-cycle of plants and insects.
In fact it’s a really important strategy that organic gardeners use.
Let’s find out..
Toni only changes crops once every 12 months but uses a 4 bed rotation system. Changeover is usually spring.
- This system divides per type of vegetable
- Start with a 4 bed rotation.
- That means you’re only planting the same thing in the same place every four years.
- So you will be growing four different types of crops in each garden bed.
- Toni divides it into leaf and legumes in one bed, then, flowering crops are split into two beds-tomato family in one, and all the rest into the other.
- Finally root crops like carrots, beetroots, onions and garlic.
PO 2rrr PO Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675
VEGETABLE HEROES
Curry Tree
I was wandering through a fruit and veggie market and noticed they were selling curry leaves in a little packet for quite a few dollars.So I thought I would let you know how easy it is to grow yourself.
- Curry Leaf Tree or Bergera koenigii used to be callled Murraya koenigii, and for the most part, because people are more familiar with that botanical name, the nursery industry is sticking to it and so shall I.
What is a curry leaf tree really?
Basically it’s just an aromatic Murraya species in the family Rutaceae.Even when fresh, the leaves of this tree have a strong curry aroma, but they take on a whole different flavour in cooking. Mmmm!
- Be careful though, because are other shrubs also called curry plant, and they aren’t the edible or cooking variety.
The Curry tree is native to India and Sri Lanka, and can grow into a large shrub to small tree growing 4-6 m tall. However, if you keep it in a pot, you can keep it reasonably small. e leaves are much like but in a smaller way to Murraya or Orange Jessamine being in the same genus.
Why wouldn’t you grow this bush with the highly aromatic leaves, and heads of flowers that are white, and fragrant appearing in Spring and Summer?
One thing to remember though, is that after flowering, the plant produces small black, shiny berries that are edible, but their seeds are poisonous.
The second part of the botanical name or the species name takes its cue from the botanist Johann Gerhard König which translates to king in the German language.
Where it likes to grow
Curry tree likes to grow in full sun or light shade and all you need to do is fertilize with palm or citrus fertilizer to get plenty of leaves.
Curry leaf plants can be grown in large pots and also on the ground.
The type of soil doesn’t matter either.
I have one plant in large pot and it’s only about 1 metre in height.
I’ve got to say that it’s pretty slow growing so don’t worry too much about re-potting it.
They have a tendency to sucker when in the ground, so keeping it a pot if you’re worried about this, is probably a good idea.
For gardeners in cold climates you’ll be pleased to know that plants in the ground, when mature, can survive frosty conditions , plus the curry leaf tree is hardy and drought tolerant once established.
Where Can You Grow it?
- Murraya koenigii or curry leaf tree grows anywhere from tropical areas to cool temperate districts.
- A listener, Lesley, has written in to say that she has have several plants in the ground in Melbourne which are now nearly 2 ½ to 3 metres, and thriving. She doesn’t even cover them during winter period!
- Picking of the leaves for cooking is also a way of getting bushy growth.
- If you want to propagate this plant, when you see the berries at the very tips of the branches turning black, is the time to propagate from seed.
- By the way, in some sub-tropical districts this tree has spread into bushland because of birds eating the berries.If you live in those districts, prune off the berries before the birds get them.
- They can be propagated from root suckers but the new plant will sucker even more if you do it this way.
The fruits should also never be allowed to dry, because the curry plant seeds in them lose their viability when they shrivel or dry up.
Peel the seed out of half ripe or fully ripe fruits by squeezing out the flesh before planting.
The fruit around the seed may slow down germination.
Seeds are best planted quite shallowly in seed raising mix and germinate in about 10 days -they germinate best with warm soil 210 to 270 C
HOW TO USE CURRY LEAF
Here’s how to use young leaves, throw them into curries, soup stocks and sauces.
The leaves are spicy but not hot so they can flavour vinegars and salad oils.
Curry leaves are used a lot in South Indian kitchens, where the curry leaves are generally sautéed in oil with mustard seeds and added to dhal, fresh coconut chutney or vegetable dishes.
I always strip the leaves from their stalk before frying, and sometimes tear and crush them between my fingers to release more of their essential oils.
Cooking them this way makes a tasty garnish for curries.
UNUSUAL TIP: do you worry about bad breath?
You probably haven’t heard of this type of breath freshener before.
Did you know that the people of India grow the curry leaf tree, Murraya koenigii, not only to flavour traditional dishes but also known for treating bad breath.
What you do is put a few of the fresh leaves in the mouth and hold them there for several minutes and voila’-fresh breath.
I can’t say I’ve tried it though.
Why Are They Good For You?
Apparently scientists are studying the extract of the leaves as a natural medicine against high cholesterol and high blood sugar.
Curry leaves are also known to be good for your hair, for keeping it healthy and long.
But be careful that you’re not getting the curry leaf bush-Helichrysum italicum.
This has a grey feathery leaf and can’t be used in cooking at all, even though it smells of curry when you brush past it.
Think of the king when buying your Curry tree plant-Murraya Koenigii!
Rabu, 16 September 2020
ارجو الرد العاجل - Urgent Response 16/09/2020
مرحباقررت الاتصال بك للحصول على اقتراح عمل سيفيد كلانا في النهاية بعد الوصول إلى جهة الاتصال الخاصة بك من خلال دليل الويبفي الواقع ، أنا هنا أبحث عن شخص يشرفني و يمكنني الوثوق به والتعاون معه للمطالبات في مصرفنا حيث أعمل ، مقترح العمل هذا هو مطالبة بالميراث أريدك أن تكون بمثابة أقرب أقرباء للعميل الراحل للبنك السيد سيد محمد مير محمدي ، سياسي إيراني ومسؤول رفيع المستوى عمل كمستشار أول للمرشد الأعلى في إيران وعضوًا في مجلس تشخيص مصلحة النظام الذي توفي متأثراً بمرض فيروس كورونا COVID19 في 2 مارس 2020 عن عمر يناهز 71 عامًا ، وترك وديعة قدرها 32.729.000 مليون دولار في حسابه مع بنكنا هنا في تركيا ومنذ وفاته لم يأت أحد للمطالبة بصندوقه المودع في مصرفنا.الذي أمرني به مجلس إدارة مصرفنا بصفتي مسؤول حسابه الخاص الذي أدار حسابه في هذا البنك لتزويد أقرب أقربائه بالإفراج عن وديعته لأنه كان يدير حسابًا مشفرًا مع الإدارة المالية للبنك ولم يرد ذكره بعد ذلك الأقرباء في ملفه الأمني مع مصرفنا.لذلك أنا أتصل بك بصفتي صفقة لمساعدتي في الوقوف كأقرب أقرباء العميل الراحل وتقديم مطالبة بشأن هذا الميراث باعتباره قريبًا بعيدًا له وتقديم معلومات الحساب المصرفي حيث سيقوم مصرفنا بتحويل وديعته بمجرد الحصول على الموافقة من بنكنا وكن مطمئنًا أنه من خلال توجيهاتي ونصائحي في أي خطوات معينة خلال هذه العملية ، سنحصل بالتأكيد على موافقة من مصرفنا وسيتم تحرير أموال الميراث هذه لك كأقرب أقربائك دون أي مخاطر حدوث مشاكل. كن مطمئنًا أنه خالٍ من المخاطر بنسبة 100٪ بمجرد اتباع توجيهاتي وتقديم المشورة في أي خطوات معينة بصفتك شخصًا مطلعًا في هذا البنك. يرجى الرد علي لمزيد من التفاصيل ، أنتظر ردكم العاجل بمجرد قراءة هذا البريد. البريد الإلكترونيalia4ali@hotmail.comتحياتي الحارة
Hello
I decided to contact you for a business proposal that will benefit both of us at the end after coming across your contact through the web directory . Actually I am here searching for a person of honor I can trust and use for the claims in our Bank where I work and this business proposal is an inheritance claim which I want you to act as the next of kin to our bank late customer Mr Seyyed Mohammad Mirmohammadi an Iranian politician and highranking official who served as the Senior Adviser to Irans supreme leader and a member of Expediency Discernment council who died from coronavirus disease COVID19 on 2nd March 2020 at the age of 71years and left a deposit of 32.729,000$ Million USD in his account with our bank here in Turkey and since after his death no one has come for the claim of his fund deposited with our bank here in Turkey and which our bank board of directors ordered me as his special account officer who managed his account in this bank to provide his next of kin for the release of his deposit since he operated a coded account with our bank financial department and has no specific mentioned next of kin in his security file jacket with our bank. So I am contacting you as a deal to help me stand as the next of kin to the late customer and put claim over this inheritance as his far distance relative and provide bank account information where our bank will transfer his deposit once the approval is obtained from our bank and be rest assured that with my directions and advise in any given steps during this operation we will surely get the approval from our bank and this inheritance funds released to you as the next of kin without any risk of problems. Be rest assured it is 100% risk free once you follow my directions and advise in any given steps as an insider in this bank. Kindly reply me For more details am waiting your urgent reply as soon as you read this email :
alia4ali@hotmail.com
Best Regards
Mrs Alia Ali
Senin, 14 September 2020
Taking Breaks During Virtual Learning
- Get up and move! Physical activity helps get blood and oxygen flowing to the brain. Children should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity throughout the day. Turn on a favorite tune and twirl or groove around the living room. Go outside and toss a ball or see who can keep a hula hoop up the longest. Five minutes of jumping rope is another great way to get the heart pumping and clear the mind. Check out these 3-5 minute activity breaks from the American Heart Association. You can also download these Activity Cards for additional ideas!
- Drink water – Drinking water is good for our bodies. It is also great for improving memory and helping kids stay focused. Keep cups near the sink and encourage your children to take breaks to stay hydrated throughout the day. Know how much water you drink and inspire your kids to do the same. Young children should strive for about 7 cups per day, while older children, and those actively involved in sports, may require more.
- Keep healthy snacks within reach – Snack breaks provide much-needed fuel for young brains and bodies. Keep fruits and vegetables within reach to allow your kids to make healthy choices. Store less healthy “sometimes” foods out of sight to make them less inviting. For help finding food assistance, visit the Maryland Food Bank and the USDA Meals for Kids Map.
- Break for lunch – Children as young as three can help with washing vegetables or setting the table. Older students can help slice vegetables for salad or read recipes and measure ingredients. Read the Two Bite Club with your child and allow them to create a lunch by choosing foods from all the food groups using MyPlate. Need recipe ideas? Try MyPlate Wraps or Mini MyPlate Pizzas.
- Don’t forget to schedule recess! – Sticking to a routine doesn’t mean all work and no play. Leave phones and other technology indoors and head out to get some fresh air. Each family member can have a day where they pick a favorite way to move and play. Explore more creative ideas for moving at home.
Selasa, 08 September 2020
School Meals and P-EBT Information for September
- Meal distribution locations may have changed since this summer. Some counties are offering additional meal pickup locations via bus delivery. Visit MDsummermeals.org for location information.
- Parents or caregivers will be able to pick up meals for their children (they will not need to have the children present to pick up meals). -Families will be able to pick up breakfast and lunch meals for Monday-Friday. Depending on the county, more than one day’s worth of meals might be distributed at one time. In that case, meal pick up would be open 2-4 days a week.
- Check your county school system’s website for the most current information.
- Students enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals are eligible for P-EBT benefits.
- If your child’s school provides free meals to all students, your family will receive P-EBT benefits.
- Each eligible student will receive $5.86 per day that schools are closed in September.
- Students with SNAP will receive P-EBT directly on their EBT cards.
- Students eligible for P-EBT, but not receiving SNAP, will have September benefits added to the same P-EBT card they received earlier this summer.
- If this card is lost, call the EBT call center or submit an online “customer inquiry” to request a new one.
- All September benefits will be distributed before September 30, 2020.
Visit the Department or Human Services website for additional information: https://dhs.maryland.gov/p-ebt/
Selasa, 01 September 2020
Spotlight on Zucchini
Watch: How to Cook Zucchini 4 Ways
Garbage Pasta Salad
Summer Squash Medley
Zucchini Pizza Bites
Ratatouille (watch video)
Oatmeal Zucchini Bread
Add zucchini to your list the next time you food shop. Look for a recipe where you can include zucchini in your next meal, as it tastes great with many foods. Try growing some zucchini next year for a tasty treat out of your garden!