Your instant take-away garden, ready to take home  and start harvesting.  A mature selection of your favourite leafy greens, vegetables and herbs.  Over 25 plants.From $75 ($20 refund on box)

Included in your box is a selection  of...

Tatsoi - is a member of the Brassica family, making it a relative of cabbage and broccoli.  They also share the

            same cancer-fighting properties as broccoli,  respectable source of calcium.  Use its mild, mustardy

            leaves in salads or stir-fry. 

 

Broccoli—The health benefits of broccoli along with the easy availability of this super vegetable make it one of our most popular vegetables Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fibre. broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products.

Basil– is a popular herbs in Italian cooking, particularly in pesto.

This fragrant and flavorful herb is an excellent, nutritious addition to your pasta sauce, soup, or salad. An array of flavonoids exist in basil, which help to protect cells and chromosomes from damage. Studies have shown that two of these flavonoids in particular, orientin and vicenin, are useful in protecting cell structures and chromosomes from damage by radiation and oxygen. Basil is a good source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent damage to the cells by free radicals. Eugenol provides an anti-inflammatory effect, by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Also helps repel flies and mosquitoes.

 

Kale—Pick whilst young for use in salads, or leave to mature for use like cabbage in stir-fry or cooked.

Kale contains seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli, carotenoid keep UV rays from damaging the eyes causing cataracts. Kale is a rich source of well-absorbed calcium, a mineral that is important to prevent osteoporosis.  Kale is a rich source of folate and vitamin B6.- fights fat.  High in fibre makes your bowel movement regular.  Kale also contains a powerful phytochemical sulforaphane which helps boost body's detoxification enzymes, thus helping to clear potentially carcinogenic substances more quickly. Sulforaphane is formed when cruciferous vegetables like kale are chopped or chewed. 

Parsley Triple Curl/Italian—Valuable culinary herb.    Vitamins A, B, C. Organic source of iron and potassium ,  it has been found that cancer cells cannot multiply in potassium.   Used in salads and seasoning.

 

KOMATSUNA—Also known as 'Japanese Spinach', or 'Tender green'.  Large, thick, smooth leaves on upright plant.  Milder than regular mustard greens.  Heat & cold tolerant.  Leaves and flowering stems used raw or cooked, with flavour between mustard greens & cabbage

 

Celery—The important minerals in this magical  veggie  effectively balance the body's blood pH, neutralizing      acidity. Celery juice acts as the perfect post-workout tonic as it replaces lost electrolytes and rehydrates the body with its rich minerals. Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds.  Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the actions that encourage the growth of tumor cells.  And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells. Celery juice has been shown to effectively  lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. The phytochemical coumarins prevent the formation and development of the colon and stomach cancers. The potassium and sodium in celery juice helps to regulate body fluid and stimulate urine production, making it an important help to rid the body of excess flliud. The polyacetylene in celery is an amazing relief for all inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma and bronchitis. Drinking celery juice every day for a week significantly helps lower blood pressure. A compound called phtalides help relax the muscle around arteries, dilating the vessels and allowing blood to flow normally. To be effective, drink the juice for one week, stop for three weeks, and start over. Drink celery juice frequently throughout the day. It helps curb your cravings for sweets and rich food.  Celery will also hold its nutrition when cooked.

CHIVES  -A most useful perennial culinary herb in dips, salads, soups, casseroles. Contains iron. They are

                 reported to have beneficial effects on the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems.  

 

 

Cos lettuce is loaded with nutrition and has a crispy texture and fresh flavor. Romaine lettuce makes an excellent base for salads, a great topper for sandwiches and an ideal "wrapper" that can be filled with anything from hummus to chicken salad  Notable Nutrients: vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, manganese, chromium, fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, potassium, molybdenum, iron, and phosphorous  Cos lettuce is also considered to be the most nutritious among all varieties of lettuceHealth Benefits: Cos lettuce helps protect the heart, particularly by supporting normal cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Rocket –this leafy green with rich and strong peppery taste has excellent love-inspiring properties and aphrodisiac powers, rocket is also considered one of the most useful and healthiest natural superfoods. It is very low in calories and can be a great source of dietary fibre, vitamins C, A, K and P, iron, potassium and other nutrients and minerals we all need. Experts say that one of the most significant health benefits of Rocket is to improve our blood quality. It is a very effective stimulant, it gives power and energy, and can stop coughs, for soothing sore throats, laryngitis and tonsillitis, dryness of the lungs and digestive upsets.

 

Spinach—Pick outside leaves as required. High in nutrients.  An excellent source of antioxidants. High in lutein, nutrients in spinach help lower blood cholesterol. It also contains carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and folic acid. For best nutritional value, eat raw or

slightly cooked.

 

Coriander -has so many benefits that a book can be written on them. It has eleven components of essential oils, six types of acids , minerals and vitamins, each having a number of beneficial properties. The rest is given below. The health benefits of coriander include swellings, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, Mouth ulcers, anemia, digestion, menstrual disorders, eye care, conjunctivitis and skin

Dragon Carrot.  Sweet, almost spicy flavour said to resemble a mix of chocolate & chilli. Don’t just eat the carrots Carrot tops -may be mixed in with a mixed lettuce salad. You may also use it for garnish. Carrot greens are high in vitamin K, which is lacking in the carrot itself. Pop them in your juice.  Carrot tops are an outstanding source of chlorophyll, the green pigment that studies have shown to combat the growth of tumours. Chlorophyll contains cleansing properties that purify the blood, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands. Scientists have been unable to synthesize chlorophyll in the laboratory, but green plant foods contain sufficient quantities to protect the human  body.

Broadbeans/Fava Beans

 

Broad beans grow like crazy through winter and their beautiful white and black, pea-shaped flowers appear in winter and early spring. While young, broad beans are self-supporting, but as they get taller they will get very top-heavy with pods. Planting in double rows is helpful as the plants can lean on each other Fava beans are especially high in fibre (85% of the RDV), and also high in iron (30% of a day's requirement), and very low in sodium. Additionally, they contain no cholesterol and are low in fat.

 

Bush BEAN—Stringless  BEAN, vigorous, productive,  pods to 16cm.

 

Bok Choy—Important health benefits that have been associated with consuming bok choy include its abilities to aid in healthy digestion. It is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium and dietary fiber. The leafy vegetable is lowfat, low calorie, and low carb, and also contains potassium and vitamin B6. Some of the vitamins found in bok choy are also powerful antioxidants, making this tasty cabbage an extremely healthy treat.  The rich amount of beta-carotene inherent in bok choy can help to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Beta-carotene has also been known to reduce the risk of cataracts. Bok choy is also an excellent source of folic acid, and can also contain other healthful nutrients like iron, depending on where it was grown.

LEEK

Originating from the Middle East and cultivated in Europe since pre-historic times. Richer than onions in vitamin C, sulphur, potassium and calcium. Eat in salads, stews, quiche and soups. Likes deep, rich soil. Stems are hilled with soil to blanch. Start harvesting at 2cm thick, stores well in fridge. Plant Autumn to Spring in warmer areas.

Thyme

Thyme has a long history of use in natural medicine in connection with chest and respiratory problems including coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. Only recently, however, have researchers pinpointed some of the components in thyme that bring about its healing effects. The volatile oil components of thyme are now known to include carvacolo, borneol, geraniol, but most importantly, thymol. .  Attracts bees to the garden. 

 

Lettuce has been around for 2500 years, it’s made a place for itself in salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers. Cooked lettuce is a part of Chinese cuisine. Also one of the most healthy foods, and has very high nutritional value, which is why it is a recommended part of a balanced diet, even for those who are trying to lose weight. Lettuce cannot be preserved, and should be eaten fresh, to be enjoyed, and to gain the maximum nutrients from it. It has a good source of chlorophyll and vitamin K. An excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, folic acid, manganese, chromium, and  provides a good source of choline. It is important to know that the outer leaves may contain fifty times more nutrients than the stem, so eat everything.

 

Rainbow Chard - Heirloom from New Zealand dating back to 1849 Chard's vitamin K levels are almost shocking in their excess. There's enough vitamin K in one 150g serve of rainbow chard or silverbeet for six times your daily requirements. It's also packed with vitamins A, C and E. It is high in fibre and contains riboflavin and B6. It has high concentrations of manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and other minerals. All of this amounts to a great food for preventing premature aging, colds and flu and aneamia. Chards are also high in beta-carotene, a strong anti-oxidant that helps to protect the eyes against sun damage and helps prevent heart disease and cancer.

Use: Chard may be steamed, sautéed, or braised, and it can be added to soups, stews, and casseroles. The leaves and stems may be cooked and served together, or prepared separately as two different vegetables. The Italians make an egg frittata with chard. For salads and sandwiches, it’s best to use young, tender leaves. For a simple side vegetable, leaves of medium size can be quickly sautéed—the stalks can be prepared this way, too. Older leaves and stalks are best steamed, boiled, or added to soups, as the stems require a longer cooking time to become tender than the leaves do.

 

                       

Oregano, whose name means ‘mountain joy’ is just loaded  with health benefits! It also happens to be delicious with a warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor that makes it the perfect  addition to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines.  Oregano is a effective anti-bacterial. It also has potent anti-oxidant activity. Oregano contains numerous phytonutrients – including thymol and rosmarinic acid – that have also been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body.

 

Onion ‘Deep Purple Welsh’      

Deep Purple is a unique bunching onion that retains its red-purple colour even in warmer areas. A versatile plant with tube-like hollow leaves; it will grow from cold regions right through to hot, tropical areas. They prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil but are also extremely hardy and pest resistant; grow them in full sun. The flowers are attractive to bees and other useful insects.

 

Fertilize your box twice a week, and check daily for moisture levels and pests.

Pests you may encounter-

 

· Caterpillars—the little ones may be hard to spot,  they are usually bright green and the smaller ones sit along the veins of the plant making them extremely difficult to see.  Caterpillars begin as eggs, mainly on the back of leaves you’ll see little eggs, you have a few days to find them all and take them off before they hatch and start chomping.

· Slugs and snails—like to sit a the bottom of plants where they all join up near the ground.

· Aphids—are tiny little thing that sit on the back of young leaves, just squash them with your finger

· Grass Hoppers—these are difficult to control only via nets or chickens enjoy the game of catching them and gobbling them up

· Possums—cover plants with a barrier: wicker baskets look great, milk crates are easy to come by and work well

 

The best way to keep these out of your garden is to check your plants daily and take them off manually. You can also spray your plants with neem oil, chili or garlic sprays .