Menu Index: Edible plants
Rocoto Tree Chilli – Capsicum pubescens
The Rocoto Tree Chilli is different to the normal varieties of chilli that are commonly sold, which are Capsicum annuum. The Rocoto chilli is Capsicum pubescens, , so named for the fine hairs on the leaves (pubescens = hairy) They come from Peru and Bolivia, and will form a medium sized shrub with a woody…
Compost as fertiliser for growing your own food
Free organic fertilizer for your garden The idea of growing your own organic food at home has really taken root in recent years. If you are one of those who has sprouted a green thumb (or if you would like to give it a try) then why not complete the environmental loop by making your own…
Growing Tomatoes in the Home Garden
How do I grow tomatoes? Spring is a great time to think about planting tomatoes. The amazing taste and texture of tucking into a fully vine-ripened tomato, straight from the bush, is one of life’s joys. If you have kids or grandkids, not only can they also share in the fun of harvest, they will…
Growing Garlic, Onions and Leeks in the Home Garden
Onions and their relatives belong to a group of vegetables that have evolved a rather specialised growth habit, which results in the formation of bulbs at the end of their growing season. A bulb is a swollen storage organ that allows a plant to survive climatic extremes in its natural environment. The great advantage to us…
Cherry Tomatoes
How do I grow cherry tomatoes? Spring is a great time to think about planting tomatoes. Many of us have memories of abundant tomato bushes sprawling around wooden stakes in our grandparent’s garden. The wonderful smell as the leaves of a tomato plant are brushed against evokes such images, as well as the amazing taste and…
Growing passionfruit
How do I grow passionfruit? If you have a bare fence or trellis, why not grow a plant that not only provides delicious fruit but also has one of the most interesting and beautiful flowers in the plant world. Passion fruit require a sunny, frost-free position with a well drained soil and something to wrap…
Citrus leaf miner
What is causing lines on my Citrus leaves? Citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella) is a pest whose larvae burrow under the leaf surface. This causes the new growth to distort and have characteristic ‘squiggles’ all over the leaf surface. A very low toxicity control method involves spraying weekly at the beginning of spring or when…
Bay trees (Laurus nobilis)
How do I grow a bay tree? The bay tree (Laurus nobilis) is also known as sweet bay and has a long history in cultivation stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome where it was known as the laurel tree and provided decorative headpieces for the celebrities of the day. The aromatic oils in the…
Chives
How do I grow chives? This tough perennial is related to garlic and onions and the bright green colour of the foliage makes it an attractive as well as tangy and attractive garnish for soups and salads. Like its close relatives the plant grows from a bulb, with hollow grass-like leaves that can be cut…
Coriander
How do I grow Coriander? Coriander is an annual herb that must be raised from seed. Throughout spring is the best time to either buy seedlings or plant seeds in their final position, either in a pot or herb bed in the garden. Coriander grows very quickly and it is important to harvest leaves for…