Every year, in the lead up to Spring, gardeners start plotting and planning how they can gain more room to grow. We’ve put together some ideas to help you maximise your space and ensure that you’re growing (and therefore eating) responsibly. Spring is only 5 sleeps away!
[…]
Fruit leathers are a fabulous alternative to store bought, additive laden, roll ups. This recipe is easy to make at home with kids and has only 4 ingredients. My family likes the combination of raspberries and banana, but any combination of fruit can be used (apple & cinnamon, cherry & cranberry or mango & pineapple are also delicious). If you don’t own a dehydrator these can also be made in the oven, though drying times may vary.
[…]
Last Sunday we swapped on the 107 Rooftop, an inspiring rooftop permaculture garden in the middle of Redfern. Some people walked with their bounty from just up the road, while others travelled from Bexley, Arncliffe, Blacktown, Maroubra, Denstone and Naremburn.
For our first Lane Cove swap we partnered with Lane Cove Council for a very special family event. The Living and Learning Centre was a great venue on a rainy Saturday morning and produce was aplenty. We’re always excited to hear where and how people are growing and on this occasion spoke to swappers from[…]
This event signified our first on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and visitors came from far and wide. One family even travelled from near Hurstville to swap with us! On arrival, their arms brimmed with huge pesticide free zucchinis, flavoursome onions and freshly harvested beetroot.
[…]
On December 3rd we managed to squeeze one last afternoon swap in before the silly season set in. Set under a marquee in the beautifully planned garden of a Permaculture Sydney North member, attendees sipped refreshing homemade cordial (made using garden ingredients), tips and recipes were exchanged, and the owner conducted a tour. The garden buzzed with blue banded bees, new figs were spotted, hot rasperries were eaten straight from the bush and all marveled at the beautiful pomegranates on their way.
[…]
On November 19th Crop Swap Sydney turned 1! During our first year hundreds of swaps took place between 2,000+ growers.
We’ve loved hearing stories about how some of our members forged local friendships through this network, and connected over the growing (and eating) of healthy homegrown produce. Thank you to our members for being a part of a small idea that seems to be making a difference, and we welcome any newcomers who are keen to start growing and sharing!
[…]
Have you ever eaten rainbow corn, purple carrots or pink radishes? Varieties such as these, that sound too magical to be true, are known as heirlooms or old cultivars. In recent years they have become highly sought after for their superior taste, interesting appearance or because they are uncommon in supermarkets. For these reasons, they are perfect for the backyard veggie patch, and your dinner plate!
[…]
The culinary and decorative benefits of edible flowers are endless. There are many easy-to-grow varieties and most can even be grown in pots. They have the ability to transform any boring dish by injecting new colours and flavours, and are an interesting talking point (especially when you can declare that they are homegrown). Here are 5 of our family favourites to brighten up your table this Spring. […]
Crop Swap Sydney member Natalie joined us at our Berowra swap on November 5th. She baked and brought along these delicious lemon myrtle, honey and creme fraiche caramels which went down a treat. They store well and are just a little bit different. She’s kindly shared her recipe with us below.
[…]
Last month, to get Spring started, we teamed up with Vegepod to give Crop Swap Sydney members the chance to win a Vegepod starter kit. The competition required entrants to share a garden pest control tip with the community, and they did! There were companion planting anecdotes, recipes and homemade deterrents galore. With almost 100 entries it was difficult to choose just one winner.
[…]
Last month, to get Spring started, we teamed up with Vegepod to give Crop Swap Sydney members the chance to win a Vegepod starter kit. The competition required entrants to share a garden pest control tip with the community, and they did! There were companion planting anecdotes, recipes and homemade deterrents galore. With almost 100 entries it was difficult to choose just one winner but we loved Maree’s tip “I vacuum the orange stink bugs that get on the citrus trees. Totally organic and works perfectly. Although, I have had to explain why I am vacuuming my lemon tree at times.” We’ve compiled your tried, tested and local advice, and categorised it for easy reference below. Enjoy.
[…]
Join us at Club Berowra as we swap on the newly renovated Sky deck. Meet locals, exchange recipes and chat about growing tips over tea and coffee. This venue is very family friendly with plenty of space and children’s play areas to keep everyone entertained. A kids menu is also available should you wish to[…]
We’re excited to announce that our first Inner West crop swap will be held at Pocket City Farms at Camperdown Commons. Come along and swap in the grounds of the former bowling greens which have now been transformed into a 1200m2 market garden. These are accompanied by 180m2 of community food forest, a chicken coop,[…]
Beautiful, bountiful mulberry trees are a Sydney institution and a favourite amongst kids and adults alike. The only problem is that when the berries are in season they can be picked in bucket loads. Here, one Crop Swap Sydney member shares her recipe for Mulberry Cobbler with us, using her homegrown berries. She says that it is perfect for school lunches and can also be eaten cold or frozen. Enjoy.
[…]
I have always loved the earthy and tender flavour of artichokes, but have just never thought to cook them myself… until last week. When a surprise visit from some friends yielded a homegrown hamper of broccoli, honey and the most perfect artichoke you have ever seen, the challenge was on to do it justice.
[…]
Crop Swap Sydney member Tony Tang is a well-travelled family man, who cultivates his own mushrooms and wears a suit to work. As the son of an engineer and a good cook, gardening was always in his blood, but it was his interest in education, food insecurity and waste, that lead him to undertake a month long, $1 a day food challenge. Not only did he succeed, but he also managed to raise $3,350 for the charity, Second Bite.
[…]
Crop Swap Sydney member Sophia and her family have been working towards becoming self-sufficient for the past 4 years. Their Turramurra backyard is a cleverly designed and integrated system which includes aquaponics, soil beds, chickens, ducks and bunnies. It’s the kind of magical place where kids can explore and experience a taste of farm life, but it’s just outside the city. The ‘homestead’ has been lovingly grown from scratch but they are now starting to taste its delicious dividends. Here Sophia tells us a little about her sustainable journey.
[…]