Nuffnang

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Edible Balcony - vegie update

Well, everything seems to have erupted in unison. The vegies are ripening and the herbs and sprouts are throwing up new shoots. The plants can taste summer in the air. I've nipped the top shoots off both tomato plants so all the plants' energy will be directed towards sweetening up the fruit not producing more leaves.

The first large Tub Tom tomato turned blush pink yesterday

I'm looking forward to comparing the taste of these to the cherry variety in the next pot

How long is this branch of Tiny Tom tomatoes? Must be at least 25 fruit on this branch alone.

..good enough to eat
...and lots more to ripen..

The carrots are a little crowded. I should have followed the planting instructions a little more closely.

the first beetroot is peeking through

The basil seedlings I planted on Melbourne Cup Day have already doubled in size

I can taste that minty aniseed flavour....

I planted some Italian coriander seeds that I picked up in the greengrocer two weeks ago. They are already delicious salad sprouts.

The rainbow silverbeet is my bottomless 'pot of porridge'. I harvest leaves every week.

Here's one of my favourite simple recipes using silverbeet...

Rainbow Silverbeet with Walnuts and Gorgonzola

Recipe
1 bunch of washed silverbeet with stalks
1 small brown onion
1 garlic clove
1/2 tspn mustard seeds
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
200g freshly roasted walnuts, roughly chopped
100g gorgonzola or similar blue cheese

Directions:
Roll silverbeet leaves and stalks into a log and shred finely. Slice onion finely and chop garlic.
Heat olive oil in a frypan. Add onions and fry gently on low heat until translucent. Add mustard seeds and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until both fragrant. Add silverbeet stalks first and cook for a few minutes. Then add silverbeet leaves and cook until leaves collapse.Add seasoning. May need to add a little water at this stage so leaves don't dry out. Toss in chopped walnuts. Serve immediately on a plate and sprinkle with gorgonzola crumbs.

8 comments:

  1. Fabulous, love these updates! I think Rainbow silverbeet will be in our garden next year, we've just got the regular green variety but the red, I love it!

    We overcrowded our carrots too this year, live and learn. You know you can buy carrot seed tape which you just bury and the carrots come out perfectly spaced? Might give that a go next time!

    Tomatoes are looking FAB. Yes, do a taste test and let us know, I have an embarrassing amount of varieties going on this year.. I just can't stop myself!! eek.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is the perfect time of year. I picked my first Cos lettuce on the weekend and it was beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It all looks fabulous. I really miss the huge vege garden I had before we moved.
    I really need to get some veges and herbs going for summer :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Indira,
    By the look of your photos, you definitely have a 'green thumb'! Is there a secret to your success - I tend to be a plant-killer, rather than a nurturer (which is never my intention). Cheers
    Sandra.

    ReplyDelete
  5. that looks like its going to be so nice to eat, I have my first strawberry flower out..I am hoping I get more than 1 LOL

    ReplyDelete
  6. Everything looks fantastic, well done! Thank you for the Silverbeet recipe - looks delish.

    ReplyDelete
  7. those tomatoes are looking fabulous! Mine are coming along, but are still babies and green! Good news on the curry leaf tree!! I found a source online in Qld and it arrived today. It's only a baby compared to yours, but hopefully it will adapt to Adelaide's weather and grow like the blazers! I've named her Indira in honour/jealousy of you and your tree LMAO!
    I've just taken pics and uploaded one on my website!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Liss,
    thanks for the tip about the carrot seed tape. Will definitley try it for next plantings. Indira

    Hi Amanda,
    I'm waiting until my vertical wall growing unit is installed and then I'm setting to work planting lots of lettuce varieties - including cos. Indira

    Hi Mel,
    yes it is difficult adjusting to just a balcony or a courtyard but surprising and rewarding just how much you can grow. Indira

    Hi Sandra,
    still dreaming about that beautiful lunch at Muse. There is so real secret I think to gardening other than reading lots, asking more experienced gardeners for their tips and being ever vigilant! Indira

    Hi Lee-Ann,
    ahhh... strawberries are such a summer delight. I will try to put some in before we go on holidays. Indira

    Hi Christie,
    thank you for following my edible balcony progress. hope you enjoy the silverbeet recipe.

    Hi suziwong66, I've never had a plant named in my honour before - what an honour. I'll be following 'Indira's' progress on your blog. the other Indira

    ReplyDelete