Preserving, fermenting, and freezing

Preserving Jars

My great aunt lived in a 200 year old house with a walk-in pantry that always smelled of cloves and all-spice berries and a cellar with stairs lined with filled preserving jars. Winters froze the soil in her part of the world and preserving was an essential chore.

Here on the Peninsula, we are very lucky to live in a climate that allows four-season vegetable gardening and harvesting.  While we love eating seasonally, we have spent the past three weeks preserving, fermenting and freezing the last of our summer harvest to have as additions to our autumn, winter and spring meals.  Preserving is not only a great way to extend the season of some of our cold tender vegetables and seasonal fruits, it is also an age-old practice differing in flavours and techniques from culture to culture.

Tomato Relish

Kosher Dill Naturally Fermented Pickles

Tomato Sauce

Tomato, Basil and Sherry Vinegar Jam

No sugar Zucchini pickles

Tomato and Macademia Nut Chutney

Bread and Butter Pickles

Corn

Besides the corn, which we blanched, cut off the cob and froze in little ziplock baggies, we put the other prepared condiments into cleaned, used jars with new lids we found here.  Condiments not only taste good, some also aid the body's digestive juices, lower blood sugar levels, guard against cancer, and help balance the energy of a meal.

In addition to the Ball's Blue Book Guide of Preserving which is still available and widely used...at least in the United States, I found a book by Liana Krissoff, Canning for a New Generation: Bold, Fresh Flavors for the Modern Pantry.  Liana was raised in a preserving family, has written two other cookbooks and writes a blog as a foodie and mother Pie and Beer.  I am enjoying her canning book and have loved her use of fruit for natural pectin and other sugar reducing recipes.  She writes for the home kitchen - The recipes produce small amounts that only require equipment that most kitchens already have.  The recipes are also seasonally written...which made me think of our CSA Summer Share Trial members and home gardeners struggling with what to do with more zucchinis, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Then there is Sandor Ellix Katz's book Wild Fermentation and my grandfather's recipe for Kosher Dill Pickles.  The smell of them fermenting under a tea towel has been wonderful...re-awakening a smell memory from my childhood while making my mouth water for the taste of a good not overly sweet nor sour pickle!!  Naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, kimchis and yogurt are great digestive aids and a protection against disease.   The pickles taste delicious and I am very excited to see how our fermented beetroot relish will turn out.

I am also really enjoying Pietro Demaio's book "Preserving the Italian Way"

Several local friends have generously shared their family recipes as well. Tomato chutney, tomato sauce, tomato relish and a tomato Kasundi recipe from Marieke Brugman of Marieke's Art of Living.  Marieke is a passionate, highly regarded chef and a world traveller. Her website contains a great recipe library and culinary seasonal inspirations. It is a wonderful resource offering a traditional Chinese medicine insight into our seasonal produce and herbs.  She is also hosting a Mornington Peninsula gourmet weekend in August that includes local, seasonal produce and ingredients and cooking instruction!

2012 Summer Preserving

While the cupboards are filling up and there seems to be a constant warm spot on the floor from the large Fowlers pot, until all of the summer crops have been tilled in, I keep finding recipes to try.  The tomatoes have succumbed to green shield beetle damage and late blight with the rain.  The last of that harvest is ripening in the shed...and there is still salsa and green tomato relish to make...and then we move on to figs and quinces!

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 14 - 21 March

This week the moon continues to ascend until Thursday 15 at 11:25 when it starts descending until the end of the month. The descending moon is when the earth is breathing in and drawing growth forces back down below the soil surface. The lower parts of the plants, especially the roots, are activated.  Activities that take advantage of the descending moon include making and spreading compost, transplanting seedlings and trees, taking and planting cuttings, cultivating soil and spraying horn manure preparation 500,  manure concentrate and horn clay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53). View our previous post for more information about horn manure preparation 500.  Look for the synthesis of the waning, descending moon in an earth sign Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings to apply 500.

Take advantage of the descending moon by taking all of the summer garden leftovers and making a compost heap.  Well made compost is gold for the vegetable garden and Autumn, being the strong digestive season, is a great time to make it so that it will be ready for spring!  This is also a great week to begin applying compost around fruit trees and to all of the perennial beds.

A Moon node will occur on Wednesday the 14th at 06:40. Moon nodes occur where the moon’s path crosses the path of the Sun. The influence of the node lasts for approximately 2 hours on either side of the node. The effect is similar to that of an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon and it is best to avoid any agricultural or horticultural work for this brief period (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 53).

The moon is in a water sign on Wednesday and Thursday until 11:30, although a planetary trine is ocuring in favour of an earth sign. Water signs are favourable for leaf plants. Earth signs, roots. During these trine periods, the effect of the moon is either intensified by the planets or decreased.  In this case, the planets are not supporting the moon in a water sign.

The moon moves into a fire sign on Thursday 15 at 11:30 until Saturday at 16:55 and the planetary trine in an earth sign continues on Thursday. Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants. These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries and fruit trees.

The moon then moves into an earth sign on Saturday at 16:55 until Tuesday morning. Earth signs are favourable for root plants. These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, turnips, parsnips and onions.

On Tuesday 20 at 00:28, the moon moves into an air sign which is favourable for flower plants. These include all the plants which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 7 - 13 March

Brian Keats' notes on weather in the 2012 Astro Calendar are predicting extreme weather for almost every month.  Keeping that in mind, anything that we can do to strengthen soil and plants will help them over come the stress of such a season.  Many of the Biodynamic practices suggested for certain times limit the stress to plants by working with their natural rhythms.  We have found that while it is not always possible to do everything on the farm or in the garden on the "correct" day, we do try and plan our tasks keeping the natural rhythm in mind to encourage and support plant and soil health. Garden activities for the coming weeks include planting spring bulbs, planting perennials including herbs, seeding lawn, seeding cover crops, making and spreading compost, harvesting apples, pears, pumpkins,capsicums, eggplants, and  the last of the tomatoes (if the excessive rain has not already finished them off), and planting the autumn garden including beetroot, bok choy, broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, coriander, dill, endive, fennel, leeks, lettuce, kale, parsley, parsnips, radish,  spinach, spring onions, and turnips.

The moon continues ascending this week – The earth breathes out. We see this as growth activity above the soil. Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly and increase the plants vitality. This is the time to spray horn silica preparation 501, cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing, harvest on an air constellation plants for medicinal purposes, flowers and plants for preparation making and field crops such as silage and hay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53).

The full moon is on Thursday 8th of March. “In the 48 hours leading up to the Full Moon there is a distinct increase in the moisture content of the earth. The growth forces of the plants are enhanced. The Full Moon period is also connected with the growth of the plant and quick germination of seeds. Seed germination is prompt but may be soft and prone to fungal attack. The influence of the full moon appears to provide favourable conditions for the growth of fungus on plants. This is related to the increase of moisture and humidity.” (Biodynamic Resource Manual,51)

There is the Perigee of the moon (when the moon is closest to the earth) on Saturday, March 10 at 20:03. The Perigee brings greater moisture and a tendency towards fungal growth. Keep a close eye on those plants prone to blights and mildews. Casuarina tea, seaweed brew and witch’s brew give support to the plants and help them to overcome any fungus, mildews and/or rusts which may be starting.

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia suggests adding 508 - Equisetum/Casuarina teas in atmosphere and soil sprays. "This will build maximum resilience on your farm to buffer the effects of extreme weather.  If there is a prolonged wet period, try doing a sequential spray in the air/fire signs." (News Leaf #90 - Biodynamic Agriculture Australia, 34)

After extreme weather, maria Thun suggests using fresh Equisetum tea - 10gm dries Equisetum in 10 litres water and simmered for 20 minutes sprayed on the plants and the soil in the evening.  The next morning she suggests a spray of strongly diluted Stinging Nettle Feerment.  Equisetum spray pushes the fungi back into the soil, stinging nettle stimulates renewed and healthy growth. (News Leaf #90 - Biodynamic Agriculture Australia, 34)

This week starts off with the moon in a fire sign. Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, strawberries and fruit trees.

The moon moves into an earth sign on Friday morning starting at 06:34 until Sunday morning at 07:08. Earth signs are favourable for root plants. These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, parsnips, radishes, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, onions and garlic.

From Sunday until Tuesday at 08:22, the moon is in an air sign. Air signs are favourable for flower plants. These include all the plants, which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

The moon is in a water sign onTuesday, although a planetary trine is ocuring in favour of an earth sign. Water signs are favourable for leaf plants. Earth signs, roots. During these trine periods, the effect of the moon is either intensified by the planets or decreased.  In this case, the planets are not supporting the moon in a water sign.

Prepare for the descending, waning moon next week which is a great time do Autumn applications of 500.  There is also a node on the morning of Wednesday the 14th.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 29 February - 6 March

The moon continues descending this week until Thursday morning – The earth is breathing in and drawing growth forces back down below the soil surface.  The lower parts of the plants, especially the roots, are activated.  Activities that take advantage of the descending moon include making and spreading compost, transplanting seedlings and trees, taking and planting cuttings, and cultivating soil. The moon then starts ascending – The earth breathes out.  We see this as growth activity above the soil.  Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly and increase the plants vitality. This is the time to spray horn silica preparation 501, cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing, harvest on an air constellation plants for medicinal purposes, flowers and plants for preparation making and field crops such as silage and hay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53).

A Moon node will occur on Thursday the 1st at 08:35.  Moon nodes occur where the moon’s path crosses the path of the Sun.  The influence of the node lasts for approximately 2 hours on either side of the node.  The effect is similar to that of an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon and it is best to avoid any agricultural or horticultural work for this brief period (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 53).

Seeds that we are sowing now are BROAD BEANS!!, beetroot, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, coriander, dill, leeks, lettuce, kale, parsley, parsnips, radish,  spinach, spring onions, and turnips.

Autumn is coming.  The days are shortening, the nights have moisture and the soil is entering into its main digestive time of the year.  If you did not begin your compost on Wednesday, take advantage of the descending moon in an earth sign on Thursday and make a compost pile.  Compost is a valuable fertilizer and soil additive.  It does seem like a complex science but just start by pulling the remains of your summer garden which are finished and piling them with grass cuttings, kitchen scraps, weeds, seaweed, old hay, road kill, old newspapers...all of this can be recycled into "black gold" for the garden.

If you haven't already pulled your storing onions, and the tops have already died back, Thursday and Friday until 15:13 are a great time to pull them and lay them out in a shed or garage to dry completely.  Pulling them in a descending moon during an earth sign will help to keep them from rotting or sprouting.

This is also the time to germinate new lawns.  Seeding a new lawn on Monday or Tuesday and then providing it with water when needed will give your lawn the chance to germinate while the soil is still warm and then set roots deeply throughout autumn and winter.  By spring, your lawn will be a sward...if that is what you want in your landscape.

The ascending moon in autumn is also a good time to dry herbs for use all winter.  The herbs will be in their fullest during a leaf, flower or root sign throughout the ascending moon.  Cut or dig them now and then dry them in a cool place with good aeration and no direct sunlight to store all of their goodness.

The full moon is on Thursday the 8th of March at 19:39.  “In the 48 hours leading up to the Full Moon there is a distinct increase in the moisture content of the earth.  The growth forces of the plants are enhanced.  The Full Moon period is also connected with the growth of the plant and quick germination of seeds.  Seed germination is prompt but may be soft and prone to fungal attack.  The influence of the full moon appears to provide favourable conditions for the growth of fungus on plants.  This is related to the increase of moisture and humidity.” (Biodynamic Resource Manual,51)

The sun is in the sign of Aquarius.  Peppering is the Biodynamic practice of roasting weed seeds, insects and animals in or on a fire to produce an ash that can be used to protect crops from these things.  Days prior to the full moon while the sun is in Aquarius, we will roast the green shield beetles that Tommi has been collecting.  We will do a post just on peppering to offer more details.  Collect any winged insect that has been giving you problems and roast them in a cast iron fry pan over a fire.  Try to include the insect at all stages of life. And look for the post to get the next step on what to do with the ash.

The moon is in an earth sign on Wednesday morning starting at 03:07 until Friday afternoon at 15:13. Earth signs are favourable for root plants. These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, parsnips, radishes, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, onions and garlic.

The moon then moves into an air sign until Monday at 00:04. Air signs are favourable for flower plants. These include all the plants, which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

From Monday until Wednesday at 04:50, the moon is in a water sign. Water signs are favourable for leaf plants. These include all the plants whose leaves we harvest: cabbages, cauliflower, parsley, coriander, lettuce, spinach, bok choy, silver beet, asparagus and fennel.

For the rest of Wednesday, the moon is in a fire sign.  Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, strawberries and fruit trees.

Prepare now for Autumn applications of preparation 500 by making sure you have it on hand before the next descending moon mid month.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #7 (24th & 25th February)

Summer Share Trial Week #7 - Half Share Box (2 people) February 2012

WHAT’S IN THE BOX The photo shows the items in your box this week.  Some items and quantities may vary depending on the harvest.

This is the last week of the Summer Share Trial. We hope you have enjoyed it.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Basil – In addition to the standard green basil, we have put two other basil varieties in the box. 'Lemon'- and ‘Purple Opal’ – a deep purple leaf with a subdued basil flavour. Beans – This week there are green ‘Strike’, yellow ‘Cherokee Wax’ and purple ‘Royal Burgundy’ beans.  The harvest of beans will be small this week...maybe that is a welcome change! Beetroot – The beetroot are smaller ones again this week.  Perfect for steaming whole or in quarters.  Each bunch has a mixture of purple ‘Ruby Queen’ and golden ‘Burpees Golden’. Bok Choy – There is both the red and green variety. Cantaloupe- We have grown three varieties - 'Hale's Best', 'Hearts of Gold' and 'Planter's Jumbo'.  We wait until they slip off the vine, the plants indicator of readiness. They may still need a bit of time on a counter to finish.  When the picked end smells sweet, it is ready for eating. Carrots – This week there is a mix of 'Nantes', 'Cosmic Purple' and 'Atomic Red'. Cauliflower – Our cauliflower planting is finally coming on.  We are hoping that everyone will receive some this week. Eggplant – The only ones ready are ‘Long, Thin, Purple”, an Asian variety. We are continuing to divide the harvest to ensure everyone gets some. Lettuce – All boxes have a head of Green Oak Leaf. Parsnip - The variety is 'Hollow Crown'. Tasty white long roots with sweet flavor. A popular variety in the 1820’s...we believe it still is... with very long roots. Pimientos de Padron – We will be again dividing the harvest of these peppers.  There is a recipe on the website for making a special ‘Tapas’ dish with this sometimes hot, sometimes not pepper. Potatoes – This week the variety is white skinned ‘Coliban’. Some do have a bit of scab. The scab is little more then visual annoyance.  They are fine inside. Tomatoes – Look forward to some extras in your box this week.

NOTES ON SURPLUS If you would like a pesto bunch of basil (or 2), please email or call us.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS Recipe suggestions for the week are: Roasted Parsnips, Beetroot and Carrots Cucumber, Tomato, Feta and Olive Salad Zucchini, Cherry Tomato and Chicken Kebabs Beetroot, Feta and Almond Salad

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #6 (17th & 18th February)

WHAT’S IN THE BOXThe following are the items in your box this week.  Some items and quantities may vary depending on the harvest.

This is the last week of the six week trial. We have enough produce to run the trial for one extra week - so please let us know as soon as you can if you would like to continue for one more week.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Basil – In addition to the standard green basil, we have put two other basil varieties in the box. ‘Siam’ – a purple tinged Thai basil- and ‘Purple Opal’ – a deep purple leaf with a subdued basil flavour. Beans – This week there are green ‘Strike’, yellow ‘Cherokee Wax’ and purple ‘Royal Burgundy’ beans. The yellow and purple beans can be used in recipes calling for green beans.  They can all be steamed or stir-fried together for a beautiful side dish. If you cook the purple beans too long, they do turn green. Beetroot – The beetroot are lovely smaller ones again this week.  Perfect for steaming whole or in quarters.  Each bunch has a mixture of purple ‘Ruby Queen’ and golden ‘Burpees Golden’. Cantaloupe- We have grown three varieties - 'Hale's Best', 'Hearts of Gold' and 'Planter's Jumbo'.  We wait until they slip off the vine, the plants indicator of readiness.  We are hoping that there will be enough for everyone to receive in their box this week. Carrots – This week the baby carrots are ‘Atomic Red ’ and the larger carrots are 'Nantes'. Eggplant – The only ones ready are ‘Long, Thin, Purple”, an Asian variety.  The eggplants have been very slow and were affected by the rain this week with the larger eggplant splitting from the moisture.  We are continuing to divide the harvest to ensure everyone gets some. Lettuce – All boxes have a head of Green Oak Leaf and Red Cos. Please let us know if you would only like one head or if you would like a head of Green Cos. Pimientos de Padron – We will be again dividing the harvest of these peppers.  You should get another bag over the next two weeks. There is a recipe on the website for making a special ‘Tapas’ dish with this sometimes hot, sometimes not pepper. Potatoes – This week the variety is red skinned ‘Pontiac’. Some do have a bit of scab. The scab is little more then visual annoyance.  They are fine inside. Tomatoes – Look forward to some extras in your box this week.

NOTES ON SURPLUS We have begun our planning for the next season. Your feedback from the surveys has been wonderful.  Thank you.  The next season, with all of the information we have gained from the trial, we hope that the box size will better reflect the needs of a family of two and a family of four.  If you are receiving more food then you would like, please leave some items on pick up day and we will pass these on to other members.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS Recipe suggestions for the week are: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Quinoa and Feta Bok Choy, Broccolini and Chicken in a Spiced Sauce Chicken and Cashew Stir-Fry Aunt Bee’s Bread and Butter Pickles Carrot and Leek Soup

Harvesting tomatoes...Passata, passata, passata!!

Our tomato season started back in late August, when we planted seeds in the greenhouse. The varieties we tried this season included 'Marglobe', 'Grosse Lisse', 'Roma', 'Amish Paste', 'Principe Borghese', 'Tommy Toe' and 'Sugarlump'.

The seedlings were planted out towards the end of October along with companions Marigold and Basil.  Since then it has been a process of  keeping the tomatoes tucked into the trellis system, pruning (mainly to keep them up away from the soil), watering and feeding with different biodynamic preparations and home brewed seaweed solution.

The picking started mid January just in time for the Summer CSA program and we are still picking daily.... lots of tomatoes.....

We harvest and store the tomatoes early to hold the flavour rather than let the sun take too much of that -  To make the passata we used the 'Roma' varieties - For preserving whole tomatoes for winter stews we used the 'Grosse Lisse' and 'Marglobe' varieties.

The machine made the sauce at such a wonderful speed.... our first 18kg of 'Roma' tomatoes in 7 minutes!

Cleaning, sterilizing and re-heating the jars took considerably longer ... but after processing the 'Roma', 'Marglobe' and 'Grosse Lisse' tomatoes harvested to date we now have over 60 jars of passata and whole tomatoes stored away to get us through until next years harvest.

If you are interested in a 20 kilo box of tomatoes, please let us know.

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #5 (10th & 11th February)

WHAT’S IN THE BOXThe following are the items in your box this week.  Some items and quantities may vary depending on the harvest. Carrots are also included...just absent from the photo.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Basil - In addition to the standard green basil, we have put two other basil varieties in the box. ‘Lemon’ – a delightful herb which goes great with chicken, fish, zucchini and in salad dressing. There are two recipes on the website; and ‘Purple Opal’ – a deep purple leaf with a subdued basil flavour.  It looks wonderful sprinkled over dishes before serving. Beans – This week there are green ‘Strike’, yellow ‘Cherokee Wax’ and purple ‘Royal Burgundy’ beans. The yellow and purple beans can be used in recipes calling for green beans.  They can all be steamed or stir-fried together for a beautiful side dish. If you cook the purple beans too long, they do turn green. Beetroot - The beetroot are lovely smaller ones this week.  Perfect for steaming whole or in quarters.  Each bunch has a mixture of purple 'Ruby Queen' and golden 'Burpees Golden'. Carrots – This week the carrots are ‘Atomic Red ’.  Would love your feedback on the taste. Eggplant – Eggplant are here with ‘Long, Thin, Purple”, an Asian variety showing up in some of the boxes this week. The plumper ‘Listada’ eggplant are still not quite big enough.  If it is not in your box this week, it will be next week. Lettuce – All boxes have a head of Green Oak Leaf and Red Cos. Please let us know if you would only like one head. Pimientos de Padron – We will be again dividing the harvest of these peppers.  You should get another bag over the next two weeks. There is a recipe on the website for making a special ‘Tapas’ dish with this sometimes hot, sometimes not pepper. Potatoes – This week the variety is red skinned ‘Pontiac’. We love this variety!  Some do have a bit of scab. The scab is little more then visual annoyance.  They are fine inside. Tomatoes – Look forward to some extras in your box this week. Zucchini – We have a surplus of zucchini.  Please ask if you would like extra.

NOTES ON SURPLUS This is one of the features of a CSA - Members share in the surplus.  Transition Farm has had an excellent season with the boxes this week anticipated at having at least 20 distinct vegetables and herbs.  This is well beyond the 10-12 items we thought would make up a box.  If you are receiving more food then you would like, please leave some items on pick up day and we will pass these on to other members.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS Recipe suggestions for the week are: Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Tofu Fresh Corn  and Tomato Salsa Thai Vegetarian Red Curry Eggplant Caponata

CSA Farm Update

Our first CSA Summer Share program was oversubscribed before Christmas and got underway on 13th January. We have now been in full swing for four weeks and are really pleased with the food we are growing and what we are providing in the weekly boxes. The feedback from the 16 families who joined us for this short trial program has been wonderful with all telling us they would be extremely likely to recommend Transition Farm Community Supported Agriculture to people they know. The taste of the vegetables has been an overwhelming success.  This has given us much encouragement as we plan for our first full CSA program that will start later this year.

Summer Share Trial Week #3 - Half Share Box (2 people) January 2012 

We have had an oversupply of most vegetables and have been very happy to put this excess into the weekly boxes for those subscribers who have been able to use it. The remainder has gone to our local Salvation Army Soup Kitchen.

CSA Subscribers have been receiving a weekly CSA Newsletter a few days prior to their pick up day letting them know what produce to expect in their boxes. Our weekly “What’s in the Box” newsletters can be found under the CSA Newsletters on our website. Above is a photo for the 3rd week – showing subscribers what they will be getting in a 2 person half-share box.

The weekly newsletter has been accompanied with notes on the various vegetable varieties and recipe suggestions. The recipes are also on our website. We invite anyone interested to be part of our next CSA Share program to email us and we will add your name to our list.

Vegetable Box pick-up - Summer Share Week #1

FARM PLANTING PROGRESS

We have been taking photos of the farm since we arrived 4 years ago in an attempt to document all that we are doing. The below series of photos are all taken of the same view up the main drive – showing the farm upon purchase,  the areas covered in cardboard and mulch, the growth of the indigenous coastal natives, fruit and nut trees, vegetable mandalas and pasture renovation.

View up main drive prior to purchase

Earthworks completed and fencing removed - April 2009

April 2010 - Indigenous vegetation and Mandalas 1,2,3 establishing. Entire area sheet mulched for moisture retention & grass eradication. New fencing completed.

We started doing all of this on sandy country in fairly poor condition, with soil imbalances and without much life.  To see, smell and feel the land now, full of life and producing very tasty food, just makes us want to keep going and growing.  It is not just the food for us, humans, but the whole ecosystem which is a constant source of amazement and interest for us.  There is now a pair of wedge-tail eagles circling the farm and local farms, many lizards, skinks and baby lizards, birds, bugs, worms and we hope a countless number of microorganisms…  The ecosystem is flourishing.

And like anyone else growing vegetables, we have had some “pest” challenges.  Earlier in the year we had an infestation of white fly.  That remedied itself with ladybirds arriving and the plants fending off the bugs.  We are finding it really interesting observing what happens if we wait to address “pest” invasions and watch what might happen in the natural system.

We now have green vegetable bugs or shield beetles, mating, laying eggs, hatching and larvae.  These are sucking bugs which can damage tomatoes, beans, eggplant, zucchini, to name a few.  We have been collecting all stages to pepper them (a biodynamic method of insect control) but we have also been watching to see who might come to help us.  Will a tachnid fly arrive to lay eggs on the larvae?  Will a parasitic wasp arrive to help us?  Is this “stink bug” actually feeding on other insects that would damage our crops?  Truthfully, we do not know. So we wait and watch and trust.

For now there is ample food for our family and those of our members.  We are very thankful!!  And we are enjoying the food each day.

Gardening notes for this week have been posted.  These gardening notes offer further insight into the biodynamic and sustainable farming practices that we are using as well ideas for the home gardener.

If you are unable to use the embedded links contained in this update, or unable to view the update, please copy the following

http://transitionfarm.com/index.php/seasonal-notes/

and paste it into your internet browser.

On the right of the Seasonal Notes page, there are links to previous posts sorted by month.  You can also click on any of the bold words under the heading “TAGS” and search for any posts on those topics.

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 8 - 14 February

With the full moon at 07:53 on Wednesday the 8th, we have entered the waning moon, the time between full moon and new moon. The moon is also ascending this week – The earth breathes out. We see this as growth activity above the soil. Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly and increase the plants vitality. This is the time to spray horn silica preparation 501, cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing, harvest on an air constellation plants for medicinal purposes, flowers and plants for preparation making and field crops such as silage and hay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53).

We will continue weeding, especially in the perennial beds, preparing the beds for an autumn application of compost and also reducing the weed seeds that will fall.

You can try seeding your autumn/winter root crops when the moon is in an earth sign on Saturday 11th. Crops that can be sown now are beetroot, carrots, parsnips, rutabega and turnips.

The Perigee of the Moon (when the moon is closest to the earth) occurs on Sunday, February 12 at 04:33. Perigee brings greater moisture and a tendency towards fungal growth. Keep a close eye on those plants prone to blights and mildews (tomatoes, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, grapes, capsicum, eggplant).

Casuarina tea, seaweed brew and witch’s brew give support to the plants and help them to overcome any fungus, mildews and/or rusts which may be starting.  A tea made with fresh Casuarina (She-Oak) needles is useful to tighten the fluids in the plant, balance the water in the plant and prevent fungal infestation such as mildews, rusts and molds.

We will also continue to use a seaweed brew to help our plants reach optimum health which in itself can increase their resistance to pests and diseases. Seaweed contains 14 Amino acids and over 60 trace elements and minerals.

This week’s gardening notes start off in a leaf sign, turning into a fire sign on Wednesday 8 around 18:52. Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries and fruit trees.

The moon then moves into an earth sign on Friday at 21:25.  Earth signs are favourable for root plants. These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, turnips, parsnips and onions.

Finally on Sunday at 23:29, the moon moves into an air sign which is favourable for flower plants. These include all the plants which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #4 (4th & 5th February)

WHAT’S IN THE BOXThe following are the items in your box this week.  Some items and quantities may vary.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Beans - This week there are green 'Strike', yellow 'Cherokee Wax' and purple 'Royal Burgundy' beans. The yellow and purple beans can be used in recipes calling for green beans.  They can all be steamed or stir-fried together for a beautiful side dish. Bok Choy - There are baby bok choy heads in all the boxes.  We have added a few recipes to the website. Broccoli – Some boxes will receive the ‘Romanesco’ variety of broccoli.  We love its lime green whorls. It cooks like broccoli and cauliflower and is interchangeable in any broccoli recipe. Everyone will get to try it over the next few weeks. Carrots – This week the carrots are ‘Red Core Chatenay ’ and 'Baby Carrots'.  Would love your feedback on the taste. Eggplant - Eggplant are here with 'Long, Thin, Purple", an Asian variety showing up in some of the boxes this week. The plumper 'Listada' eggplant are not far behind. Lettuce – All boxes have a head of Green Oak Leaf.  The full-share will also have a head of Green Cos. Potatoes – This week the variety is white skinned ‘Coliban’. Tomatoes – Look forward to some extras in your box this week. Zucchini – We have a surplus of zucchini.  Please ask if you would like extra.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS Recipe suggestions for the week are: Bok Choy, Broccolini and Chicken in a Spiced Sauce Lazy Sweet Corn Fresh Corn Salsa Fresh Tomato Pasta with Basil and Bocconcini

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 1 - 7 February

The moon continues descending this week until Friday evening – The earth is breathing in and drawing growth forces back down below the soil surface.  The lower parts of the plants, especially the roots, are activated.  Activities that take advantage of the descending moon include making and spreading compost, transplanting seedlings and trees, taking and planting cuttings, and cultivating soil. The moon then starts ascending – The earth breathes out.  We see this as growth activity above the soil.  Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly and increase the plants vitality. This is the time to spray horn silica preparation 501, cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing, harvest on an air constellation plants for medicinal purposes, flowers and plants for preparation making and field crops such as silage and hay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53).

A Moon node will occur on Friday the 3rd at 06:00.  Moon nodes occur where the moon’s path crosses the path of the Sun.  The influence of the node lasts for approximately 2 hours on either side of the node.  The effect is similar to that of an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon and it is best to avoid any agricultural or horticultural work for this brief period (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 53).

The full moon is on Wednesday 8th of February.  "In the 48 hours leading up to the Full Moon there is a distinct increase in the moisture content of the earth.  The growth forces of the plants are enhanced.  The Full Moon period is also connected with the growth of the plant and quick germination of seeds.  Seed germination is prompt but may be soft and prone to fungal attack.  The influence of the full moon appears to provide favourable conditions for the growth of fungus on plants.  This is related to the increase of moisture and humidity." (Biodynamic Resource Manual,51)

The moon is in an earth sign on Wednesday evening starting at 19:00 until Saturday morning at 06:19. Earth signs are favourable for root plants.  These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, parsnips, radishes, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, onions and garlic.

The moon then moves into an air sign until Monday at 14:16. Air signs are favourable for flower plants.  These include all the plants, which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

From Monday at 14:16 until Wednesday at 18:52, the moon is in a water sign. Water signs are favourable for leaf plants.  These include all the plants whose leaves we harvest: cabbages, cauliflower, parsley, coriander, lettuce, spinach, bok choy, silver beet, asparagus and fennel.

For the rest of Wednesday, the moon is in a fire sign.  Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, strawberries and fruit trees.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #3 (27th & 28th January)

WHAT’S IN THE BOXThe following are the items in your box this week.  This is a half share box. Some items and quantities may vary.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Basil - In addition to the standard green basil, we have put two other basil varieties in the box. 'Lemon' - a delightful herb which goes great with chicken, fish, zucchini and in salad dressing. There are two recipes on the website; and 'Purple Opal' - a deep purple leaf with a subdued basil flavour.  It looks wonderful sprinkled over dishes before serving. Broccoli - Some boxes will receive the 'Romanesco' variety of broccoli.  We love its lime green whorls. It cooks like broccoli and cauliflower and is interchangeable in any broccoli recipe. Everyone will get to try it over the next few weeks. Carrots – This week the carrots are ‘Top Weight’.  Would love your feedback on the taste. Corn – We are still between plantings of corn.  Some of the new planting has just come on and some of the old planting is now ready. We will not be sure how many total ears we have for this week until we begin picking on Friday morning.  Please know that we will divide the harvest equally. Cucumbers - There is a surplus of cucumbers this week.  There are three varieties in each box - ‘Green Gem’ a standard cucumber, ‘Sumter’ a little pickling cucumber with a delicious flavour and 'Lemon' a little round cucumber with a delicious fresh flavour. Flowers - We have added a selection of edible flowers.  They make a wonderful addition to salads, garnishes and cake decorations. They will not hold up for more then a few days. Lettuce – All boxes have a head of Red Cos. There is a surplus of Green Oak Leaf this week.  We have not put it in your box though.  Please ask if you would like a head. Mint - We have added mint to the boxes this week. There are mint recipes on the website including a lovely refreshing mint drink, mojitos! Pimientos de Padron – Some Saturday pick ups will have a small bag of these little capsicums. If you do not get them this week, they will get to you in the weeks to come.  They are a cultural pepper from the Padron region of Spain.  We hope that everyone will get a little bundle in their box to try over the next few weeks.  There is alot of information on the internet and I have added a recipe to the website.  They are one of the special ‘Tapas’ items and make a fabulous entree. Potatoes – This week the variety is white skinned ‘Colaban’. Tomatoes – With all the heat of this week, there ARE tomatoes.  Look forward to some extras in your box this week. Zucchini – We have a surplus of zucchini.  Please ask if you would like extra.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS This week you may like to try: Salad with flowers and a light vinaigrette Ministrone Zucchini, cherry tomato and chicken kebabs Zucchini Cake

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 25 - 31 January

The moon continues descending this week – The earth is breathing in and drawing growth forces back down below the soil surface.  The lower parts of the plants, especially the roots, are activated.  Activities that take advantage of the descending moon include making and spreading compost, transplanting seedlings and trees, taking and planting cuttings, and cultivating soil. Continue applying liquid fertilizer to tomatoes, capsicum, lettuce, brassicas, sweet corn, silverbeet, zucchini, melons and cucumbers.

The descending moon in a root sign is a good time to harvest onions for storing.  If the tops of your onions have died back and dried off, plan to pull them on Thursday 2nd or Friday 3rd.

On Monday the 30th at 15:21, the Moon and Saturn are in opposition to each other.  The Moon and Saturn in opposition cycle occurs every 27.5 days.  “The Moon forces bring in the calcium processes which are connected to propagation and growth.  The Saturn forces bring in the silica processes, which connect form and structure.  The balancing effect of these two influences streaming into the earth produces very strong plants from seed sown at this time.  Tests have shown the 48 hours leading up to this event is optimal time that overrides even the ascending, descending and moon in constellations for best planting time” (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 54).

Take advantage of this time to begin the seeding for your autumn/winter garden.  Seeds that we are sowing now are beetroot, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, coriander, dill, leeks, lettuce, kale, parsley, parsnips, peas, radish, silver beet, spinach, spring onions, and turnips.

“Spraying 501 when the moon and Saturn are in opposition has been found to be very effective in bringing healing and strengthening qualities.  In many cases, this has been found to strengthen the plants against specific fungus attack" (Proctor, 50).  You can do the spray Saturday, Sunday or Monday morning to take advantage of the moon opposition to Saturn affects.  Especially at this time of the season when plants are getting tired and thus more prone to fungal and bacterial infections such as powdery mildew and blights, this spray may extend your summer crops through to the cooler weather of autumn.

501 is a very powerful spray that can knock the flowers off of crops.  We chose to lose a few flowers on the tomatoes, capsicum, zucchini, cucumber and melon crops in order for the plants and the existing fruit to reap the benefits of the 501.

Tuesday the 31st at 03:40 is also the Apogee of the moon – The moon is at its furthest from the earth.  During Apogee there is always multiplicity of form, and it appears a good time to plant potatoes as these multiply.  Apogee times bring a stress period and seed sowing should be avoided 12 hours on either side of these times (except potatoes) (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 53).

The moon is waxing now, increasing in size to reach the full moon on Wednesday 8th February.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 18:31, the moon is in an air sign. Air signs are favourable for flower plants.  These include all the plants, which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

For the rest of Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday until 06:10, the moon is in a water sign.  Water signs are favourable for leaf plants.  These include all the plants whose leaves we harvest: cabbages, cauliflower, parsley, coriander, lettuce, spinach, bok choy, silver beet, asparagus and fennel.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 19:00, the moon is in a fire sign.  Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, strawberries and fruit trees.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #2 (20th & 21st January)

WHAT’S IN THE BOXThis week the following items are in the Full Share (4 people) box.  Items, varieties and quantity will vary slightly from week to week.

Basil – 1 bunch Beetroot – 4 Broccoli – 1/2 head Capsicum - 2 Carrots – 8 Celery - 1 Coriander – 1 bunch Cucumbers – 4 Green Beans – 1 kg Lettuce – 2 Onions – 2 Parsley – 1 bunch Potatoes – 1.5 kg Spring Onions – 1.5 bunches Sweet Corn – 8 ears Tomatoes – 1 kg Zucchini – 3

SURPLUS IN THE BOX THIS WEEK Basil – 1 bunch Coriander – 1 bunch Carrots – 2 Chillies - 2 or Pimiento de Padron - 10 Green Beans Lettuce - Oak Leaf Onions - 2 Thyme - 1 bunch Please remember to bring your own grocery bags. Please take the time to store your vegetables properly. Check out our Vegetable & Fruit page on the website to find tips on maximizing the life of your veggies.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Beetroot - The beetroot this week are very big.  They are still tender inside.  We have roasted them, wrapped them in foil and baked them and then sliced them for cold beetroot salad, grated them into green salads and juiced them - all with great results. Capsicum - The capsicums have started with all boxes receiving one (1/2 share) or 2 (full share).  They are still green with the red and orange peppers coming later in the season. Carrots – This week the carrots are ‘Cosmic Purple’.  They lose some of their colour when cooked.  We will work through the varieties sticking with one variety per week.  Would love your feedback on the taste. Celery – The celery has changed over this week and grown more as well.  It is really nice raw.  Maybe it needed that week of cooler, wetter weather. Chillies - The Saturday pick ups have two chillies each.  The chillies are just starting.  Please let us know if you like having them in your box or not. Coriander – The current planting of coriander is about to bolt (go to seed).  Coriander is a cool weather crop and this is common in the summer.  We have made bigger bunches for everyone this week and hope that the next planting will be ready in a week. Corn – Yes, those may be caterpillars on the top of your ears of corn.  We have only found one thus far but one is enough to know that they are out there.  This is organic corn! Simply cut the top off and enjoy the rest of the ear. We are between plantings of corn.  We will not be sure how many total ears we have for this week until we begin picking on Friday morning.  Please know that we will divide the harvest equally. Green Beans - We again have a surplus of green beans.  Please take more if you would like them. Lettuce – All boxes have a head of Red Cos. There is a surplus of Green Oak Leaf this week.  We have not put it in your box though.  Please ask if you would like a head. Patty Pan Summer Squash - These are the lovely little squashes that are appearing in the boxes.  Those that did not receive it last week have this week. There is a recipe for them on the website. Pimientos de Padron - The Friday pick ups this week have a small bag of these little capsicums.  They are a cultural pepper from the Padron region of Spain.  We hope that everyone will get a little bundle in their box to try over the next few weeks.  There is alot of information on the internet and I have added a recipe to the website.  They are one of the special 'Tapas' and make a fabulous entree. Potatoes – This week the variety is red skinned ‘Desiree’. Thyme - We have added some thyme to the boxes.  You can use it in stock or the Potato and Green Bean Salad.  It is also lovely in omlettes. Tomatoes – If your tomatoes are not yet ripe, just leave them in your fruit bowl.  They will be ready before the week is over. Zucchini – In addition to the standard zucchini, the ‘Romanesco’ variety (striped white and green) is in all the boxes this week. We have added a few more zucchini recipes this week.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS We have put recipes on-line this week.  We are working to make it possible to search under a main ingredient to find recipe suggestions. This week you may like to try: Potato and Green Bean Salad Fresh Corn Salsa Vegetable and Pesto Pasta Thai Curry Paste and Thai Baked Tofu Tabouli

Tabouli

I have included two recipes for tabouli.  One is the traditional recipe using cracked wheat (bulgar) as the grain.  The other is my quinoa adaptation which my children love served alone (for a beach picnic) or as a side salad. Quinoa Tabouli Ingredients 3 cups water 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed juice of one lemon 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup chopped parsley 20 cherry tomatoes halved 2 cucumbers, quartered and cut into 1/2 cm pieces 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) 20 pitted kalamata olives sliced 1 small garlic clove pressed Salt and freshly ground white pepper

Method 1. Place water in a sauce pan and bring to boil.  Add quinoa, bring to a boil again and then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes or until most of the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and let stand 5 minutes to absorb remaining water. Fluff again with fork 2. In another bowl add oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper, parsley, tomatoes and cucumbers.  Mix thoroughly.  Add quinoa. 3. Just before serving add feta and olives.

Traditional Tabouli Ingredients ½ cup cracked wheat (bulgar) 3/4 cup boiling water 3 tomatoes 1 long cucumber 2 spring onions (scallions) 1 clove garlic 10 stalks parsley 15 mint leaves (optional) 1 lemon 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil salt freshly ground black pepper

Method 1. Place the cracked wheat and salt in a medium bowl and cover with boiling water.  Cover and let stand 15 - 20 minutes, or until chewable. 2. Add lemon juice, garlic, oil, parsley, mint and black pepper, and mix thoroughly.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. 3. Just before serving add vegetables, mix gently and correct seasonings. 4. Garnish with feta cheese and kalamata olives.

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 18 - 24 January

With the perigee of the moon on  Wednesday the 18th at 07:29, the moon is at its closest to the earth.  Perigee brings greater moisture and a tendency towards fungal growth. So keep a close eye on those plants prone to blights and mildews. Perigee times bring a stress period as well and seed sowing should be avoided 12 hours on either side of these times (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 53). Casuarina tea, seaweed brew and witch’s brew give support to the plants and help them to overcome any fungus, mildews and/or rusts which may be starting.

A Moon node will occur on Friday the 2oth at 04:27.  Moon nodes occur where the moon’s path crosses the path of the Sun.  The influence of the node lasts for approximately 2 hours on either side of the node.  The effect is similar to that of an eclipse of the Sun by the Moon and it is best to avoid any agricultural or horticultural work for this brief period (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 53).

The new moon is on Monday the 23rd at 17:39.  Indian agriculture recognized the day before New Moon as No Moon day, a day on which no agricultural work was done.

The moon is ascending this week until Friday morning – The earth breathes out.  We see this as growth activity above the soil.  Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly and increase the plants vitality. This is the time to spray horn silica preparation 501, cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing, harvest on an air constellation plants for medicinal purposes, flowers and plants for preparation making and field crops such as silage and hay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53).

The moon begins descending on Friday evening – The earth is breathing in and drawing growth forces back down below the soil surface.  The lower parts of the plants, especially the roots, are activated.  Activities that take advantage of the descending moon include making and spreading compost, transplanting seedlings and trees, taking and planting cuttings, and cultivating soil.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 23:56, the moon is in a water sign. Water signs are favourable for leaf plants.  These include all the plants whose leaves we harvest: cabbages, cauliflower, parsley, coriander, lettuce, spinach, bok choy, silver beet, asparagus and fennel.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday until 03:54, the moon is in a fire sign.  Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, strawberries and fruit trees.

The moon then moves into an earth sign until Wednesday at 09:47. Earth signs are favourable for root plants.  These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, parsnips, radishes, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, onions and garlic.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.

Harvesting for the CSA

Farm News

Our New Intern

This week we welcomed Tommi Berron to Transition Farm.  We have spent the past few weeks finding a caravan and "fitting" it out so that Tommi had a place to stay.  If you have not yet guessed or do not know us, we are a young family.  Inviting an intern to live on the farm was a huge leap of faith...especially sight unseen.  Tommi is from Munich! Something about Tommi's timing and his emails seemed perfect, so we took a chance.

Tommi is a lovely young man and has fit wonderfully into our family and our farm.  And just when we needed some extra help as...

CSA Summer Share Starting Early

Everything has come on a week early!  Our CSA Summer Trial is starting Friday the 13th!  We feel so blessed because our biggest worry is...what are our members going to do with ALL of these vegetables!  Not only has everything grown well, there is so much of it!  You can view the CSA newsletter to see everything that is in the box.  And so, after all these weeks of seeing the food grow, the  harvest has begun!

With our true desire to not only build a business to support our family, but also provide fresh, local, organic food to the community, we have already given away our surplus of beans and zucchini.  At this time there appears to be more to share, so we will continue our relationship with the Salvation Army food kitchen in Rosebud and the local church.

Brassica Row Covers

The row covers on the brassicas seemed like such an easy solution to growing brassicas in the summer without caterpillars eating the young plants before they can get established or being a nuisance during food preparation.  Sure, it was more work then spraying the organically approved Dipel- cutting stakes to hold the hoops, digging trenches on either side of the bed, setting the cover in our almost constant wind without the tender fabric ripping or getting stepped on.  But, we did it. The initial blissful feeling as the white moths bounced off of the fabric soon faded as after our first big spring storm, the fabric started showing wear from the wind blowing it over and over across the hoops.  The wear turned into a hole.  Out came the duct tape!

But despite our efforts, a moth or several got in.  We were alerted to this one morning when we went on our morning walk and saw about 15 white moths INSIDE of the row covers!

The morning was spent removing the covers and examining the damage.  It appeared as if eggs had hatched inside the row covers and lived out their life cycle to adulthood.  Even though the plants are eaten, they are still healthy and developing heads.  We removed any unhatched chrysalises, checked for more caterpillars and put on new covers.

Two mornings later, and more moths inside.  The forecast was predicting a 40degree day.  We were really unsure if the brassicas would cope with that heat under a row cover.  We removed the covers and have yet to replace them.

We have been cutting beautiful heads of broccoli and I have only found one teeny-tiny little caterpillar. There may be more.  The latest storms with their unyielding wind have kept anything from landing on the plants for now!

Summer Hail

And that leads us to every farmer’s worst weather...storms with hail.

Huge winds were already unleashing on the farm in the early morning on Wednesday this week.  We left the house wondering if we were going to find the corn flattened, the tomato trellis broken and the brassicas uprooted.  Thankfully the only damage from the storm has been a few capsicum plants completely snapped off at ground level.  The poor capsicums were already stressed from so much continual rain and overcast conditions.  They just wanted the ground to dry up for a day. Some of the flowers have also had limbs snapped and battered.  But everything else is thus far faring OK.

I have already begun to notice the sun is not rising so early.  And the tops of the onions are falling over.  With eggplant and capsicums coming on, tomatoes starting to fill boxes, and corn that is over my head, I hope that you are enjoying summer!

Gardening notes for this week have been posted.  These gardening notes offer further insight into the biodynamic and sustainable farming practices that we are using as well ideas for the home gardener.

We are also trying to put seasonal recipes on the site under the 'Our Crops and Recipes' heading.  This may take some time to get right.  We also welcome any recipe submissions.  We would all love to try a new, perfected seasonal recipe.  Please email any through.  You will be credited as the source.

If you are unable to use the embedded links contained in this update, or unable to view the update, please copy the following

http://transitionfarm.com/index.php/seasonal-notes/

and paste it into your internet browser.

On the right of the Seasonal Notes page, there are links to previous posts sorted by month.  You can also click on any of the bold words under the heading “TAGS” and search for any posts on those topics.

Summer Share Trial 2012 - Week #1 (13th & 14th January)

WHAT’S IN THE BOXWelcome to our first season as a CSA!  We are very excited about the coming weeks, what we have available and hearing what you think about the food and the concept.

This week the following items are in the Full Share (4 people) box.  Items, varieties and quantity will vary slightly from week to week.

Basil - 1 bunch Beetroot - 4 Broccoli - 1 head Carrots - 8 Coriander - 1 bunch Cucumbers - 2 Green Beans - 1 kg Leeks - 2 Lettuce - 2 Onions - 2 Parsley - 1 bunch Potatoes - 1.5 kg Sweet Corn - 8 ears Tomatoes - 1 kg Zucchini - 2

SURPLUS IN THE BOX THIS WEEK Basil - 3 bunches Beetroot - 2 Cabbage - ½ head Carrots - 2 Celery - 1 Cucumbers - 4 Lettuce - 2 Onions - 1 Parsley - 1 bunch Patty Pan Squash - 3

Please remember to bring your own grocery bags. Please take the time to store your vegetables properly. Check out our Vegetable & Fruit page on the website to find tips on maximizing the life of your veggies.

NOTES ON THE SHARE Our intention has been to include 10 – 12 items in a full share box each week.  This week, we have been able to put 17 different items in the box and some in greater quantity then what we anticipated.  We are so pleased that most of the things we have grown have done well.  Please take advantage of the vegetable stock recipe below while there is such a bountiful harvest.  The stock will freeze well and be a welcome addition to any meal in winter.

‘Burpees Golden’ Beetroot – In our trials, “Burpees Golden’ beetroot is best cut into match sticks in a salad as opposed to grated which greys the lovely golden colour. They are wonderful roasted with red beetroot and carrots, or eaten like an apple. Carrots – This week the carrots are ‘Atomic Red’.  They keep their colour even when cooked.  We will work through the varieties sticking with one variety per week.  Would love your feedback on the taste. Celery – The celery has grown well.  The variety is stringy though.  It adds a wonderful flavour in anything cooked. Corn – The corn is tender and fresh.  To preserve its flavour, steam it for four minutes. Cucumbers – The boxes have a mixture of ‘Green Gem’, which is a standard cucumber and ‘Sumter’, which is a pickling cucumber.  ‘Sumter’ is a little cucumber and it has a delicious flavour. Lettuce – With the summer heat, many of the more tender varieties of lettuce have bolted.  They will be back in the fall. The Half-Share boxes have green oak leaf lettuce and a green cos lettuce.  The Full-Share boxes have those two plus a red cos and a green leaf with red spots called ‘Freckles’. We have put a recipe for Caesar Salad Dressing on the website. Parsley – We have two varieties of parsley.  They are both flat leaf.  The one that looks darker in colour has a much deeper and intense flavour then the other traditional Italian flat leaf.  Use it in stocks and cooked dishes.  We suggest the ‘Continental’ Italian flat leaf  for raw dishes. Patty Pan Summer Squash – The lovely little white squash with the scalloped edges are a summer squash.  These can be cut in half, placed in a baking dish with a little stock or white wine, topped with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and melted butter and baked in a 180 oven for 20-25min until tender.   They can also be sliced like zucchini for grilling or a stir fry. We hope to get these into everyone’s box over the coming weeks. Potatoes – Until the tops of the potato plants die back, the skins are tender and easily rub off.  They are still fine to be stored without refrigeration. Be careful not to get them wet in storage as the areas where the skin has been rubbed turns dark.  We have also found a bit of scab on some of the potatoes.   The scab is little more then visual annoyance.  They are fine inside. Tomatoes – If your tomatoes are not yet ripe, just leave them in your fruit bowl.  They will be ready before the week is over. Zucchini – If you did not get the ‘Romanesco’ variety (striped white and green) this week, we hope you will next week.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

Beetroot & Cream Cheese Dip 1 garlic clove, crushed 2 large cooked beetroots, peeled 250mls cream cheese, room temperature (you can also use thick Greek yoghurt) 4 tsps red wine vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp horseradish(both are optional)

1.    Wrap beetroots into foil and roast in the oven at 200 degrees for approximately 30 minutes (or until tender). 2.    Wash under cold water and peel off the outer skin. 3.    Grate beetroot into a sieve over the sink. Set aside for 5 minutes to drain. 4.    Finely chop fresh mint. 5.    In a large mixing bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Then add the grated beetroot and stir well to combine. The dip will turn bright pink.

Cucumber Salad 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced 2 tbsp of rice wine vinegar 2 1/2 tsp of sesame oil 1 tsp of honey 1/2 a small red onion, thinly sliced (optional) 1 tsp of sesame seeds, toasted (optional) 2 tsp of coriander chopped (optional) 1 clove of garlic, grated (optional)

1.    Combine the cucumber, chopped coriander and red onion in a bowl and toss to combine. 2.    Add the rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and honey in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add to the salad and toss to coat evenly in the dressing. 3.   Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Szechwan Green Beans 4 tbsp Chinese sesame oil 1 kilo fresh green beans, trimmed 8 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt crushed red pepper to taste (optional)

1.   Both the wok and oil should be hot, and the beans cooked quickly over high heat.  They will attain an indescribable texture, both crunchy and very tender at the same time.  Also try to hang in there with the full quantity of garlic.  the intense cooking heat will take the edge off it, leaving behind just the right amount of flavour. 2.    Place a medium-large wok or heavy deep skillet over medium-high heat.  After a minute, add the oil.  Wait a minute or so, and add the green beans.  Turn the heat to high and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the beans are well seared. 3.    Add garlic and salt (and optional crushed red pepper). Stir-fry for several more minutes, then remove from heat. Source: Still Life with Menu - Mollie Katzen

Creamy Pasta with Roasted Zucchini, Goats Cheese & Basil 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups) 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3/4 tsp salt Pepper, to taste 2 tbsp slivered almonds 1/3 cup heavy cream 1 sprig basil, with leaves and stem 3 tbsp goat cheese (Try Main Ridge Dairy for a wonderful local product) 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest 400 grams whole-wheat spaghetti or linguine.

1. Heat oven to 250Cdegrees. Toss the zucchini and oil with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste. Arrange zucchini on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast, tossing occasionally, until golden and tender, 20 to 30 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a skillet over medium heat until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. 3. Simmer the cream and basil sprig in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 7 minutes. Whisk in the goat cheese until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat; stir in lemon zest and 1/4 tsp salt. Cover and keep warm. 4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well. Toss the pasta with the cream sauce. Serve topped with the zucchini and almonds. Source: NY Times - 10/10

Summer Vegetable Stock 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 onion, chopped into ¼ inch squares 8 branches parsley, roughly chopped 2 bay leaves Several large basil leaves Several branches of thyme 2 medium carrots, diced 4 celery stalks and leaves, roughly chopped 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped Leek tops Onion tops 1 handful green beans, roughly chopped 4 chard leaves and their stems, roughly chopped 1 tsp salt 8 whole cloves (optional) 8 whole peppercorns (optional) 2 litres cold water

1.    Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan. Add onions and herbs.  Cook briskly over medium heat for several minutes to lightly colour the onion, stirring as needed; then add other vegetables. 2.    Cook them for 12 – 15 minutes, then add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 45 minutes. 3.    Strain the stock.  If it is to be used in pasta or a stew, you can reduce it further to intensify the flavour.

Biodynamic Gardening Notes 11- 17 January

The moon is ascending this week – The earth breathes out.  We see this as growth activity above the soil.  Growth forces and saps flow upwards more strongly and increase the plants vitality. This is the time to spray horn silica preparation 501, cultivate at the appropriate constellation before sowing, harvest on an air constellation plants for medicinal purposes, flowers and plants for preparation making and field crops such as silage and hay (Biodynamic Resource Manual, 51-53). The moon is also waning this week.  Each night it rises about an hour later and is getting smaller, approaching the new moon on Monday 23rd.

Especially with all of the predicted moisture this week, it is a great week to sow root crops for harvest all through the winter.  Beetroot, carrots, parsnips and turnips will keep in the ground for most if not the whole winter.  By planting them now, you are giving them the warm months to grow before the plant slowly slows down and then goes dormant in the winter.  Look for the moon in a root sign to give the seeds their optimal chance at producing a great bulb or root.

The ascending moon is a good time for weeding.  Maria Thun emphasized that working in your garden on the constellation in which the plant you are trying to encourage lies, emphasizes that plant’s qualities.  Based on her research, weed around your cabbages in a water sign, your broccoli in a flower sign, your carrots and root crops in an earth sign and your corn in a fire sign. I would watch the weather though as there is such a high chance to spread fungus and mildew during these wet days.  Some fungus' are just soil borne organisms that because of optimum conditions gravitate up the plant instead of remaining in the soil (where we like them).  Messing with some plants when they are wet, encourages this to happen.

This is also a great week to harvest herbs – medicinal for tinctures, salves or drying; culinary for drying; or for using in biodynamic preparations.

For kitchen and medicinal herbs we recommend the following: harvest leaf and flower herbs on flower days; seeds and wild fruits on fruit days; and roots on root days.  This will ensure the best aroma and vitality.  For preserving one should choose a flower day.  – Maria Thun

Following the rhythm of the earth, it is best to harvest leaf, flower and seeds in the morning when the earth’s forces are streaming upwards.  After 3pm, the earth’s forces stream down to the roots and that is the best time of day to harvest roots.

With the moisture and the wild weather, we have been sprayingwitch’s brew to give support  to the plants and help them to overcome any fungus, mildews and/or rusts which may be starting.  We also hope that the added nettle in the brew will encourage the plant to grow through any struggle it may be having.  We have seen great results with grapes, which recovered quickly from the first signs of powdery mildew.  Pay careful attention to cucumbers, grapes, melons, pumpkins, tomatoes, and zucchini and summer squash plants.

You can continue to sow beetroot, cabbage, cucumber, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, spring onion, parsnip, radish, silverbeet, and sweetcorn. We are getting ready for seeding our fall brassicas.

On Wednesday and Thursday until 10:50, the moon is in a water sign. Water signs are favourable for leaf plants.  These include all the plants whose leaves we harvest: cabbages, cauliflower, parsley, coriander, lettuce, spinach, bok choy, silver beet, asparagus and fennel.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 14:45, the moon is in a fire sign.  Warmth or fire signs are favourable for fruit plants.  These include all plants whose seed fruit we harvest: beans, peas, grains, cucumbers, squashes, lentils, corn, capsicums, rice, soya, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, strawberries and fruit trees.

The moon then moves into an earth sign until Monday at 17:55. Earth signs are favourable for root plants.  These included all plants whose roots we harvest: carrots, parsnips, radishes, beetroot, celeriac, swedes, potatoes, onions and garlic.

The moon is in an air sign for the rest of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 20:50.  Air signs are favourable for flower plants.  These include all the plants, which are grown for their flowers, and where we want a long flowering time: garden flowers, medicinal and preparation flowers, bulbs and broccoli.

Wednesday the 18th is the perigee of the moon, the moon is at its closest to the earth.  Perigee brings greater moisture and a tendency towards fungal growth. So keep a close eye on those plants prone to blights and mildews.  We will applying another witches brew over the weekend depending on the weather.

We will also experiment with spraying another application of 501 with the moon in an air sign right before the perigee.  Although 501 is strong enough to knock some of the flowers off the tomatoes and capsicum, I think the effect of the spray to balance the moisture in the plant and in the atmosphere is worth the experiment.  It can only help the flavour and storage capacity of those fruits already set before the spray.

-Gardening Notes are compiled using Brian Keats Antipodean Astro Calendar; Maria Thun’s Gardening for Life; Biodynamic Agriculture Australia’s Biodynamic Resource Manual; Peter Cundall’s The Practical Australian Gardener; Louise Riotte’s Astrological Gardening; and the experiences and farm practices on Transition Farm

Links for more information

For more information about our Biodynamic Gardening Notes, visit our previous post About our Biodynamic Notes.

For more information about liquid brews for plant health, visit our Seasonal Notes page and click the tag “liquid brews” .

For more information about Biodynamics and to purchase biodynamic preparations, I know of three organisations in Australia:

Demeter Biodynamics at http://www.demeter.org.au/index.htm

Biodynamic Agriculture Australia at http://www.biodynamics.net.au

Australia Biodynamic- Victoria Inc.  at http://www.biodynamicsvictoria.org/

For more information about the Antipodean Astro Calendar, Biodynamic Planting and research and more visit Brian Keats’ website at http://astro-calendar.com/index.htm.