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.
[…]
This International Permaculture Day, member Margaret Mossakowska kindly re-opened her garden to the Crop Swap community. This large suburban food garden features eleven raised vegetable beds (seven of which are self-watering), large composting bays and worm farms, a chicken forest, native stingless bees, insectary gardens and a habitat pond.
[…]
Why not use the peels to make your own chemical free, enzyme cleaner? This recipe lifts dirt, grime, and odors without introducing harmful chemicals into the equation. Member Raelene kindly shares her recipe and knowledge with us. This is definitely one to try.
[…]
At our Pocket City Farms swap this month we offered members free soil testing provided by the wonderful team at Vegesafe. Home gardeners brought their soil samples along and were able to have them analysed on site for metal and metalloid contaminants. What a valuable service to ensure that soil is safe for growing edibles in!
[…]
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!
[…]
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[…]
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.
[…]
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.
[…]