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The Italian Gardener

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25.01.2022 Spotlight on OKRA Also know as Ladies Fingers or Ochro, it is a flowering plant of the Mallow family (cotton, cacao, durian). Its origins are disputed between Ethiopia, West Africa or South Asia. ... Okra is cultivated and grown in humid tropical or subtropical regions around the world. It is not suited to pots and does not tolerate frost. Before sowing the seeds they must be soaked in water for 24 hours, best planted in soil with a temperature of at least 20 degrees. Seedling require ample water and seed pods must be harvested when immature, roughly one week after pollination. Okra is rich in fibre and low in calories. It is high in Vitamin A,C, K, and antioxidants that include beta-carotene, xanthin and thiamin. Okra is a divisive food, with some either loving or hating it. Okra contains mucilage, a substance that acts as a thickener, which means it becomes slimy or silky when it is cooked. It is for this reason that many enjoy Okra while others cant stand it. Okra seed pods are cooked whole or sliced and can be cooked in many ways, it is popularly used in soups or stews, but can also be deep fried or pickled! Swipe across for a simple and delicious Lemon Tomato Okra recipe by @hettymckinnon . Okra seeds available on the website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

25.01.2022 Spotlight on LETTUCE LEAF BASIL This basil variety is said to have originated in Japan although it is now common in central-southern Italy, it has been in recorded use for at least 125 years. Lettuce Leaf Basil gets its name due to its enormous leaf size, up to 13 cms long, and its bright green, crinkled leaves that look much like lettuce. The leaves of this Basil have a milder, sweeter flavour and aroma than common basil and its blooms can also be used in salads or as an ...edible garnish. It is a prolific producer of foliage, pinch off the blooms to keep more leaves coming. Lettuce Leaf Basil is slower to bolt than other types of basil, giving you a longer harvest season. Lettuce Leaf Basil, like most basil varieties, is also good at repelling insects in the garden, naturally eliminating the need for pesticide use. Plant it near susceptible plants to help repel pests. Lettuce Leaf Basil grows well indoors year round as well as outside in warm temperatures. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Keep warm, moist and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough and the weather is warm (above 21 degrees and not less than 10 degrees overnight), acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden about 8 inches apart, aim to plant it in an area that receives full sun for much of the day. Lettuce Leaf Basils large, mild flavoured leaves are perfect for use as wraps, stuffing, pesto, in lasagna, and in sandwiches. You can also dry it and turn it into ground or flaked basil to keep for winter. Try it in a classic Caprese sandwich or skip the bread to make it Caprese salad. Seed available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com

25.01.2022 Reposting this perfect specimen of Cicoria variegata di Castelfranco grown by @buttenshawfarm Thank you for sharing your Franchi seeds with us . If you are growing Franchi seed please tag #theitaliangardener, we would love to see and share the progress of our seedlings!

22.01.2022 Spotlight on RAPERONZOLO Raperonzolo, also known as Rampion or Raponzoli, translates to Rapunzel which is the inspiration for the Brothers Grimm fairytale where a young girl by the same name is given to a witch as punishment for her mothers stealing of this delicious vegetable from her garden. Raperonzolo was once an extremely popular vegetable in Europe in the 16th and 17th century, in Italy it was a recorded ingredient from the 15th century. However, somewhere along the lin...e its popularity waned and is now extremely rare to find in shops or gardens. Raperonzolos popularity was probably due to its versatility; both its leaves and roots can be cooked or eaten raw. Its leaves were once used much like spinach and the root like a radish or turnip. Harvesting of the Raperonzolo root occurs in the first year, they can be eaten raw or cooked and have a sweet, nutty flavour described like a mild radish. The long oval leaves which are rich in vitamin C can also be used raw in salads or cooked. In the second year the plant flowers to 3 feet, with lovely lavender, bell shaped flowers. Raperonzolo is easily cultivated, although it prefers rich, moist, sandy soil it will still produce a perfect root in heavier clay soil if the top 30cm of soil has been well worked through. It does best when partially shaded and is hardy in cold weather to -15 degrees! If cultivating for the root do not allow the plant to flower. To grow from seed it is best to treat them like carrots and direct sow when the soil temperature is 18 degrees and above. Sow in shallow rows 30cm apart, thinning out to 5 or 6inches between plants. Try Raperonzolo in this simple salad recipe by Miria Onesta. Ingredients: raponzoli 4-5 salted anchovies 1/2 clove of garlic extra virgin olive oil salt vinegar Eliminate the damaged leaves and scrape the roots of the raponzoli well, wash or soak the seedlings well to eliminate all impurities. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. Put the anchovies in a mortar, add the garlic and pound well. Add oil and mix well. Pour the sauce over the raponzoli, add a pinch of salt and vinegar to taste. Stir. Seeds available on our website

21.01.2022 Capsicum (California Wonder) back in stock on the website. Www.theitaliangardener.com.au

21.01.2022 All tomatoes are back in stock on our website

21.01.2022 Great experience purchasing the Franchi Sementi seeds for my father in Melbourne. Arrived fast! Cant wait to get him planting and sharing photos with you! I f...ollow a mother and daughter who do cooking and food tours and have a farm in Umbria and they recommend these seeds. Their crops this summer are incredible. See more

20.01.2022 Seed orders coming your way!

20.01.2022 AUGUST sowing suggestions for cold regions. Cooler climates can start to add a bit more variety to their planting this month with the following: *Cabbage *Broad beans... *Herbs -suited for sowing in cooler soil like Parsley *Salsify *Kohlrabi *Silverbeet/Chard *Mustard greens *Artichoke *Carrot *Chinese cabbage *Cress *Lettuce *Onions *Parsnip *Peas *Spinach (last month until next year) *Swedes *Turnips Cavolo Verza- San Michele, Broad Bean (Fava da Orto)- Tripoli, Parsley- Gigante di Napoli, Salsify (scorzonera)- Gigante di Russia, Kohlrabi- Purple Vienna, Silverbeet/Chatd (Bietola)- Verde a Costa Bianca 2, White Mustard (Senape Bianca). Seeds available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

20.01.2022 Gardening in times of crisis Have you heard of Victory Gardens? During and post the World Wars people were taking to their Victory gardens to produce food for themselves and their communities. Governments encouraged citizens to plant and grow veggies to aid the food shortage but also to boost morale.... Veggie gardens were planted in both private residences and in public areas, in fact every urban green space, flower bed, terrace or square was utilised! Victory gardens were a way for the citizens of warring countries to feel empowered and secure by growing their own food. Tending to a Victory garden became part of daily life! Even in times of peace we believe that a daily ritual of tending to a garden is great for your mental health, and at the end of the day you are rewarded with delicious, nutritious, non chemically sprayed food, and much cheaper than buying at a supermarket! Lets get in our victory gardens and grow our own food! First photo is of a Victory Garden in Milan

18.01.2022 Hurrah for Spring and all the anticipation for the delicious produce that it brings!

17.01.2022 In the garden with Geoff. This week I visited Geoffs garden and he showed me some of what he has grown from The Italian Gardener seed. In order of photos: Cicoria Pan Di Zucchero Broad Bean Tripoli... A variety of Tomato and Eggplant seedlings Snow Pea mammoth melting Sugar Snap Pea sugar bon Thanks Geoff

16.01.2022 PREPARING FOR SPRING The most important thing in preparing for spring is planning ahead. We hope to help you with your spring prep over the coming month. 1. Plan out what you want to grow and get seed orders in early.... Work out what you want to harvest over the next season and plan where you will plant in the space you have. Maximise growing space by considering which plants need sun/shade and where these areas are in your garden, how much room you will need to grow each variety, and which month they will mature in. North-West facing sites capture the most sunlight so try to find these orientations in your garden. Organise tall veggies so they wont shade smaller ones. Sometimes drawing a diagram helps. Following this we suggest you order your seeds as soon as possible. We have found that Australia Post has recently been experiencing delays due to the pandemic. Order your seeds now to ensure that they arrive ready to sow for Spring.

16.01.2022 Just over three weeks after sowing the seeds, my first lot of Lattuga Rossa Di Trento and Spinacio Baby Leaf Ibrido are ready for transplanting to the garden!

14.01.2022 AUGUST sowing suggestions for TROPICAL regions. The list is a long one, so much choice including: Carrots Lettuce... Broccoli Cabbage Chicory Endive Parsnip Basil Beans Beetroot Celeriac Chilli Chives Coriander Cress Eggplant Kale Mustard Greens Okra Parsley Pumpkin Radish Silverbeet Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Tomato Zucchini Carrot- Purple Haze hybrid, Land Lettuce (Valeriana) verte de Cambrai, Broccoli- Ramoso Calabrese, Cabbage (Cavolo Verza)- Mantovano, Chicory- Barba Di Cappucino, Endive (Indivia Riccia)- Cuor DOro, Parsnip (Pastinaca)- Dugi Bijeli. All seeds available on the website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

14.01.2022 For those who are new to The Italian Gardener; our passion is importing quality Italian heirloom seed. Franchi Sementi is a company that was started by Giovanni Franchi in 1783 (making it 237 years old!). Giovanni started by selling his seed off the back of his horse drawn cart in market squares, by 1920 industrial distribution of Franchi began and it has grown into the world know and highly regarded company it is today. Franchi continues to have a very high level of quality control with a specialised laboratory at the Franchi HQ in Bergamo which tests each batch of seeds germination rate. When you purchase Franchi seed you know you are getting genuine heirloom, quality and authentic Italian seed that has stood the test of time and come all the way from the shores of Italy to Australia!

14.01.2022 Thinking of everyone in South Australia. In the meantime we will continue to take and process orders. Stay strong stay in your gardens

12.01.2022 Spring is literally just around the corner! Have you planted a diverse range of seeds for spring? Dont forget plant diversity in your garden is not only good for biodiversity but also for productivity! What are you growing next season?

11.01.2022 Spotlight on CAVOLO LACINIATO Also know as Tuscan Kale or Cavolo Nero (literally black Kale), it is the only kale grown in Italy and dates back to the 18th century. * It has a sweeter flavour than other kales which actually improves with frost. The leaves are hearty and retain both their colour and firm texture after cooking making them ideal for braising, and adding to stews or soups. The leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked.... * Cavolo Laciniato is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, and also has good amounts of Vitamin B, calcium, copper, fibre, iron, manganese, vitamin E and antioxidants. No wonder it is being touted as a superfood! * Italian doctors often recommend Cavolo Laciniato for weight loss as it is filling but very low in calories and no fat. According to Harvards School of Public Health, eating kale can potentially help prevent or manage cancer and benefit heart health. * To grow Cavolo Laciniato sow seed direct into soil after danger of frost has passed, or sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. It takes 30-60 days until harvest. Can be grown year round in temperate climates. * Try it in this traditional Italian recipe by Anna Del Conte Cavolo Nero e Patate Strascinati (swipe across).

09.01.2022 SEPTEMBER sowing suggestions for COLD regions. This month finally means sowing warm weather crops like basil and tomatoes! Keep in mind tomato seedlings need a soil temperature of at least 14 degrees to germinate, so keep them warm.... Endive Basil Beetroot Celery Cabbage Chicory Artichoke Broad-beans Capsicum Fennel Herbs Kohlrabi Radish Carrot Chilli Cress Lettuce Onion Parsnip Peas Rhubarb Salsify Chard/Silverbeet Spring onion Tomato Turnip Seeds available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

09.01.2022 PREPARING FOR SPRING #2 Tidy up and prepare your beds/soil. Time for pre-spring cleaning! Start by getting rid of any weeds, debris, leaves, grasses etc from where you will be sowing/planting.... Cut back any plants that are getting too big. If you are planting out through a mix of ornamental and herb beds this is a good time to give things a good cut back and clean out. They will respond very well once spring hits and you will have more room and sun available for veggies. You will also need to prepare your soil; turn it over to aerate and remove any roots that may be left over. Adding some lime, gypsum, charcoal and organic matter (manure, compost, worm castings) into the soil at least 2 weeks before you plant will help improve the soil structure and ensure your veggies have plenty of nutrients. Happy Growing

09.01.2022 SEPTEMBER sowing suggestions for TROPICAL REGIONS. It is coming to the end of the season for Chicories and herbs like Parsley but still plenty to sow including Carrots, Chard/Silverbeet, Cress and Zucchini along with ; Basil Beans... Beetroot Cabbage Celeriac Chilli Chives Coriander Lettuce Mustard Greens Okra Pumpkin Sweetcorn Tomato Seeds available on the website www.theitalianagardener.com.au

08.01.2022 NEW STOCK HAS ARRIVED! Zucchini, Carrot, Celery, Fennel, Cucumber, Parsnip, Pumpkin restocked, and some new lines now available on the website. True heirloom Italian seed imported from Bergamo. ... Order before they are snapped up! Www.theitaliangardener.com.au

08.01.2022 Pulled out some Paris Market carrots recently, these guys take their shape from evolving to suit clay soils and are so sweet in flavour. They are also on the @slowfood_international Ark of Taste meaning that they are endangered, by buying Franchi seed you are supporting biodiversity. We also think they are perfect for tiny kiddy mouths and lunch boxes! Available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

07.01.2022 We have just added Beefsteak Tomato, Cherry Roma Tomato and Thai Chilli seeds to the website. More to come! We have the following Tomato varieties available: -Black Krim -Peron... -Principe Bourghese -Roma -Saint Pierre -Big Pear -Costoluto Fiorentino -Beefsteak -Cherry Roma Available on the website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

07.01.2022 Franchi Sementi Quality Franchi seed goes through rigorous quality control. We wanted to show you some of the processes your seeds go through at Franchi HQ in Bergamo, Italy. These include: a laboratory specialised in germination tests where each batch of seed is tested several times during the year; a vast test field where more than 500 batches of seeds are sown and matured every year; accurate and repeated checks in the production fields; automated packaging procedures ca...rried out with advanced machinery and under the strict supervision of highly qualified technicians. The seeds are stored in an environment maintained at constant temperature and humidity in order to preserve their freshness and optimal germination characteristics. Our internal laboratory tests the germinability of all seeds even several times a year in order to guarantee the maximum vitality of the packaged seed. The experimental field in which hundreds of different batches of seeds are tested every year , in order to verify their varietal correspondence. For each lot tested in the field, a record of the cultivation data is kept with photographic images of the plants in their development. Each lot therefore has a detailed sheet that completes the company database.

07.01.2022 Beans beans the musical fruit, the more you eat the more you... But seriously did you know beans are incredibly good for you? Theyre loaded with protein, iron, and zinc, as you might expect from other protein sources like meat (so very important for vegans and vegetarians) but they also contain nutrients such as fibre, folate and potassium. You get the best of both worlds with beans, all the while enjoying foods that are naturally low in saturated fat and sodium and free of... cholesterol. In Italy most households reserve a meal or two every week for beans, just as you would for meat, pasta or fish. Beans play an essential role in Italian cuisine and are grown throughout the country with different regions being famous for producing different beans. Have a look at the bean variety on our website! In order of appearance Borlotti, Scarlet Emperor, Red Rooster bush borlotti, Vitalis, Tripoli, French Beans- Jackson and Kentucky Blue. Www.theitaliangardener.com

07.01.2022 From little things big things grow. The man behind The Italian Gardener, and into the future. The Italian Gardener (TIG) is the labour of love of Geoff, pictured on the left with Giampierro Franchi, 6th generation Seedsman. Geoff began growing Franchi seeds while living in England, on his return to Australia he visited Franchi HQ in Bergamo gaining the sole rights to become the first and only Franchi Sementi agent in Australia. That was 15 years ago! Since then TIG grew organ...ically, with the quality and unique variety of the product speaking for itself more than any marketing. Geoff has derived a huge enjoyment from the business; introducing Italian veg varieties to new growers and connecting Italians in Australia with the food they grew up with all whilst growing and cooking the produce himself. He has lasting memories of happy customers; a lady from France who found Lambs lettuce seedlings (called Mache there), a young man buying Zuccherina Di Trieste chicory because his Nono grew it, and an Indian gentleman who supplied his whole street with Okra from one packet! Despite these most wonderful experiences there comes a time of change and growth, and The Italian Gardener is now passing into the hands of Tim Keenihan. Tim Keenihan has his own landscape gardening business with many years of gardening knowledge under his belt. He won a Sustainable Gardening Award in Adelaide for his work on the initial vertical garden outside Argo cafe. Tim is also a professional trumpet player, performing with many of Australias top State orchestras. Tim has fond memories of his grandparents passing their gardening skills on to him. Much like the Franchi story, its important to pass on plant knowledge to the next generation so we preserve its history and biodiversity. Tims vision is to help create a more sustainable future with less pesticides and food miles and more hands in the dirt! Geoff will continue to be associated with TIG, passing on his wisdom and working with Tim to see the business thrive. Passion for quality food for all has always been the driving force of TIG, and we are more passionate than ever to keep the hard work of Geoff and the Franchi family Alive!

07.01.2022 AUGUST sowing suggestions for temperate regions. *Endive *Capsicum *Carrot... *Chilli *Celery *Rhubarb *Chicory *Sweet Corn *Spring Onion *Tomato *Artichoke *Beetroot *Cabbage *Cress *Kohlrabi *Lettuce *Mustard Greens *Parsnip *Peas *Radish *Salsify *Silverbeet/Chard *Watermelon Seeds available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

06.01.2022 SEPTEMBER sowing suggestions for TEMPERATE regions. Temperate climates can now start sowing Pumpkins, Zucchini, Basil, Leek, Coriander and Chives along with: Artichoke Beans... Beetroot Cabbage Capsicum Carrot Celeriac Chicory Chilli Cress Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Kohlrabi Lettuce Okra Mustard Greens Parsnip Radish Rhubarb Salsify Chard/Silverbeet Spring Onion Sweet Corn Tomato See more

05.01.2022 Some beautiful Verde Ricciolina lettuce grown by Mitch. Thank you for the photos Verde Ricciolina is a fast growing dark green cutting lettuce with frilly leaves. Re-grows after cutting but stagger planting every 3 weeks for best quality. Broadcast sow after frost in a bed 2cm or so apart. Cover with friable soil or rake in lightly. 10g about 5,000 seeds.

05.01.2022 Flat Bean (Fagiolo Rampicante) Vitalis Is back in stock on the website. Vitalis is a European style, flat pole bean of the highest quality. Suitable for either indoor or outdoor production, it grows to 20cm long and 2 cm wide. The first pick is ready in 65-70 days. Pick regularly, about twice a week, to get best results.

05.01.2022 Another favourite Radicchio, Cicoria Variegata Di Chioggia One of the easier radicchios to grow, it has dark red leaves with white ornamentation and stems. Ball shaped and suitable for salad or cooking. Can be grown as a cutting variety by broadcast sowing in all but the high heat of summer. Please note that heading chicories and radicchios initially grow a mass of loose leaves, but be patient, they will head up. 11g about 5500 seeds.

04.01.2022 November suggestions for SUB-TROPICAL regions. It’s the last opportunity to sow Broccoli, Carrots, Lettuce, and Chard for this year but the Celery season has begun. You can also sow; Basil... Beans Cabbage Capsicum Chilli Chives Coriander Cress Cucumber Eggplant Okra Pumpkin Radish Rhubarb Chard/Silverbeet Sweet Corn Tomato Zucchini See more

04.01.2022 Cicoria Grumolo Rossa (Red Heart) has proven to be quite popular. Swipe across to see one exquisitely grown by @newcastlegreens_abdoo So great to see Aussie growers growing heirloom Italian Chicory so beautiful and sharing with the community!

04.01.2022 Look at these beautiful veggies grown by @antonscucina from The Italian Gardener seed Posted @withregram @antonscucina Beautiful Italian cuisine requires A grade produce preferably ripened on the plant and picked fresh in the morning. With Spring its time to now order your seedlings for summer crops. These photos are the fruit of my labour at La Vignetta - Park Orchards with seeds purchased from the Italian gardener. As my father Francesco aka Ciccio woul...d say, Uno raccoglie quello che Semini - As we sow we shall reap!. Even though the Spanish first brought tomatoes to Europe from Peru, South America, in the mid-sixteenth century, the Italians have embraced the many joys and gastronomic pleasure this fruit brings to its Italian cuisine. Italians do it better @theitaliangardener #Ladolcepomodoro #springisintheair #theitaliangardener See more

03.01.2022 A bowlful of reasons to get excited about the coming season! Beautiful Black Krim tomatoes grown by Geoff at The Italian Gardener. Seeds available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com

01.01.2022 November sowing suggestions for TEMPERATE regions. Basil Beans Beetroot... Cabbage Capsicum Carrot Celeriac Celery Chicory Chilli Chives Coriander Cress Cucumber Eggplant Endive Leek Lettuce Okra Parsley Parsnip Pumpkin Radish Rhubarb Salsify Chard/Silverbeet Sweet corn Tomato Zucchini See more

01.01.2022 AUGUST sowing suggestions for SUBTROPICAL regions The spring sowing is ramping up, lots of varieties suitable for growing now, including: Chard/Silverbeet... Fennel Okra Cucumber Pumpkin Basil Beans Beetroot Broccoli Cabbage Capsicum Carrot Celeriac Chicory Chilli Chives Herbs Cress Endive Lettuce Mustard Greens Parsnip Radish Rhubarb Salsify Spring onion Sweetcorn Tomato Seeds available from our website www.theitaliangardener.com.au

01.01.2022 Want a constant supply of veggies throughout spring and summer? Try successional sowing! Successional sowing takes only a little bit of planning but could mean you have a longer supply of the veggies you love. Successional sowing extends your harvest by staggering planting of crops or varieties and helps prevent veggie gluts. Sow seeds a fortnight or more apart from mid spring to late summer and you can have up to 6 months of steady harvests!... Successional sowing works best with quick maturing veg like carrots, French beans, peas, lettuces, radishes, greens and spinach but can also be achieved with zucchini, cucumbers, beans and sweet corn. It is recommended for plants that are prone to bolting like coriander, rocket and spinach. As a rough guide you can begin sowing the second crop of seeds once the plants from the first sowing are well-developed. Smaller quantities of produce also hopefully prevent food waste, so you have more manageable amounts of produce for longer! Happy sowing!

01.01.2022 Spotlight on RHUBARB Rhubarb is a vegetable although often considered a fruit because of its use in desserts. Its origins can be traced back to China, the cold climates of Mongolia, the Himalayas and Siberia. Records show that its root was used for medicinal purposes in China as far back as 2700 BC! Rhubarb made its way into Greece and Rome via the Silk Road trade route in the 1st century being still primarily used for medicinal purposes; particularly for digestion, constipat...ion and inflammation. For a long time rhubarb was not used for cooking, probably due to its poisonous leaves packed with toxic levels of oxalic acid. The first recorded recipe for rhubarb appeared in an 1806-7 cookbook by Maria Eliza Rundle, for rhubarb tart. Rhubarb has a low calorie content, is a very good source of vitamin K1 (important for blood clotting) and is high in fibre. Studies on the health benefits of rhubarb are limited but it is suggested it may have positive effects on lowering cholesterol and is high in antioxidants (possibly higher than kale). Rhubarb is a cold weather plant that will grow back every year for a decade or so if treated properly, although it requires a bit of patience as you wont get harvestable stems until the second or third year of growth. It produces tall and attractive white flower stalks at the end of spring. To grow from seed it is best to start indoors in early spring. Soak the seeds for a few hours in warm water and plant them in small pots placed in a sunny spot. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Once plants reach 3-4 inches they can be hardened off/ gradually introduced to outside conditions over the period of a week before being planted in well draining, rich soil. Seedlings will not do well in hot or tropical weather. While rhubarbs tartness means that it is often used in desserts like pies, tarts, custards, jams and stews it can be utilised in savoury cooking paired with meats and cheeses in stuffings and sauces. An absolute favourite recipe of ours featuring rhubarb is @juliaostro rhubarb tart. Trust us, you will make it more than once! Swipe across for recipe. Seedlings available on our website www.theitaliangardener.com.au