October Meeting - Swapping Information

[Donna]

In an effort to be slightly more organised, this is a post to share with other members what we have excess of. Also if anyone is looking for a particular seed or gardening item that other members might have more luck with locating - an example of this was Florence locating molasses for me.

I have limited supplies of the following
Free:
* Amaranth - thanks Addy
* Bean Madagascar - thanks Betty
* Bean Soy - thanks Anthony
* Bean Snake
* Luffa Smooth - thanks Rolf
* Okra seed
* Parsley Flat Leaf - thanks Rolf
* Spinach Ceylon - thanks Anthony
* Rockmelon Israeli Ha-ogen seed
* Rosella

To buy (cost prices):
* Foliar (Fulvic) acid supplied by Anthony (forget the name right now) - $5.00 bag
* EM bugs - $5.00 litre (please bring a container)
* the Seed Saver Handbook, Michel & Jude Fanton - $15.00
Let me know if you are interested and I will make sure that I put them aside and bring them to the next meeting. That way hopefully I won't forget until the last minute and half the members have left already!

Please reply to each person that posts so that the replies are grouped together.

[christopher zane hart]

Yes they are the red speckle type . I have grown them here before , and they grew well and easaliy.

[Vanessa Thompson (pomare)]

ok, now i know what ive planted.........hahahaha, what is it and what would i use them for and with? This a new vege in my life. (im still trying to change and expand my fav vege's, trying to think outside my box)

[Vanessa Thompson (pomare)]

oh what was i spose to do with them........i just chucked them into some potting mix and they have come up and growing well?

[Donna]

From http://www.greenharvest.com.au/seeds/info_sheet/Madagascar_bean.html

Plant Description: A vigorous climbing tropical lima bean, which will last for many years in the ground. It is excellent at coping with wet, humid conditions. There is usually little pod production in the first year but it is prolific after that. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types.

Madagascar bean needs a sturdy trellis as it grows vigorously. This is an excellent hardy bean for warmer climates as it dies backs and re-shoots every year. The beans (not the pods) can be eaten fresh, while still white before any colour shows. They also dry well on the vine to a beautiful speckled red and white bean that can be stored for winter soups and casseroles.

Uses:

The seeds are an attractive white with burgundy speckles. The shelled beans can be used fresh or dried in soups and stews. The dried beans can also be used to make tempeh. The sprouted seeds are used as a vegetable in Chinese cooking. The young pods are steamed and eaten. The young leaves can also be steamed and eaten but have a bitter flavour.

[Donna]

I also now have some Mizuna (Asian lettuce, serrated leaves) that is available if you want to try it.

[Michael Cahill]

Hi Donna

Where and when is the October meet

Regards

Michael

[Donna]

Hi Michael

The October meet is on 7th November - didn't quite get organised this month!.

More information is in Events:

http://brisbanelocalfood.ning.com/events/garden-gathering-for-november

[Donna]

Anthony came over to deliver some goods and advised that 'Bentonite' or 'Kaolin' (which are both finely powdered clay) could be watered into my extremely sandy soil to improve it.

A quick google search has shown that they are both quite expensive and sought after for things like face/ body masks, even though they are mined close to Brisbane...

Does anyone know a local gardening supplier of either of these or a cheap alternative? Ironically most people want to get rid of their clay not add it...

[Elaine de Saxe]

Vermiculite? Perlite? If useful, can be bought in 100L bales from Redcliffe Produce and I'd guess at other produce stores. Even water-holding crystals (are they Silica Gel?) might help, can be bought in 5L tubs for around $50.

[Florence]

I've got a few Okra seedlings to bring along to the meeting/garden visit. These were raised from Donna's seeds.