September 2014 Issue #109

Hello,

What fun that we both love gardening. Thanks for joining me.

1) Fill 'er up
2) Eco gardening tips
3) Tomato Confit

Raring to know, raring to grow

Eco gardening tips

• Fill 'er up:
  For late winter gardeners itching to get going and just plant something, toss in some rocket seeds over any spare or bare patches. Same goes actually for autumn/fall parts of the world. Rocket is hardy and so handy to have, and although the seeds can take 10 days or more to germinate, they then grow like... rockets!
  
  

  The tiny seeds don't like being crowded, so scatter them lightly and no need to cover with soil. These spicy little leaves are ideal for garnishes.

• Seed sharing:
  Whether you're sowing tomatoes or sowing autumn crops in the northern hemisphere, sometimes you have too many seeds of one type. It's fun and friendly if you can swap with a friend who's saved — or bought their seeds. Half a dozen of yours for half a doz of theirs. Read here for all about seeds and seedlings


• I grow... tomatoes, therefore I am:
  It's tomato sowing time in spring parts of the world. Make sure you invest in a seed raising mix. Make your own or buy, as usually ordinary garden soil contains weed seeds and potting mix tends on the heavy side.
  
  

  For your best crop ever... everything and more you need to sow, grow and eat tomatoes, you'll find here: How to Grow Superb Tomatoes

Some things you just have to have!

If you'd like to simplify your gardening by knowing when, what and how to plant, I'm willing to bet this garden planner will be a hit with you, like it is with me.

" Thank you for creating this site! Thank you for giving me access to this garden planner. I joined up over 3 months ago, and quit my old notebook notes, and I wanted to let you know what a happy gardener I've become. Your site is one that talks to me like no other I have found. I am sending my friends here, as well as giving a hearty recommendation to this garden planner."
Elenor Avery

Tomato Confit

It's hellaciously hard to use up an abundance of tastylicious end of summer tomatoes. Try this...

Ingredients

• Enough tomatoes, cut lengthwise to full one layer in baking dish (Don't skimp because they will shrink)
• 2-4 garlic cloves, chopped
• Handful of roughly chopped herbs of your choice - basil is good, also thyme and oregano
• Enough oil to lightly drizzle over tomatoes (coconut, avocado, sesame, olive oil or melted ghee is nice)
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Method

• Lay halved tomatoes in dish and scatter garlic, herbs and seasoning on top.
• Drizzle or use pastry brush to coat oil on tomatoes.
• Bake 150°C for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours if necessary. Tomatoes should be infused with flavor and shriveled and caramelised.
• When cool, store in container, topped up with olive oil to cover tomatoes. They will last at least 2-3 weeks.
• Use to garnish barbecued foods, slather on bread, or top rice and salad dishes.

Preparation: 10 minutes. Cooking: 2 hours plus.

Serves: A small group or so.

Happy gardening
Megan