
Feijoas
Not a lot of people (including me just today!) know that Feijoas need chill hours! Feijoas (Acca sellowiana) generally require 50 to 200 chill hours, depending on the variety. Chill hours refer to the time spent in temperatures between 0°C and 7°C in June-August, which are necessary to trigger proper fruiting. Without enough chill hours, flowering and fruiting may be poor. ATM, Perth averages aroung 250-400 chill hours annually. For example, some varieties thrive with as few as 50 chill hours, but 100-200 hours is considered optimal for better fruit production. Feijoas typically fruit once a year, usually between late autumn and early winter (April to June in Perth). However, there are occasional reports of out-of-season flowering, That's why I did some quick research as my White Goose has flower buds now! This is not common btw. In terms of growing season, feijoas prefer cool winters and mild summers (around 25-33°C). They are suited to subtropical to temperate climates and can tolerate a range of soil types, as long as waterlogging is avoided. For fruiting, feijoas benefit from cross-pollination, although there are self-fertile varieties available. If planted in full sun with good moisture during the fruit development stage, feijoas will remain productive for over 30 years, making them a long-term investment for the garden.
Blueberries in the ground in Perth?
Mineral Magic

Spinach & Teas
The term "spinach" is often used to describe various leafy greens that generally require light cooking. While some of these greens can be eaten raw in small amounts, they are usually considered salad greens when consumed this way. Examples of such greens include Sisso spinach and young passionfruit leaves. Spinach as a General Term "Spinach" is not limited to the common spinach plant but can refer to many different types of greens, even those from other plant families. Amaranth and chard, for example, are often considered "spinach" in some regions. This broad definition allows for a wide range of leafy greens to be used in cooking. Fruit Tree Leaves for Consumption and Tea In addition to common greens, many fruit tree leaves can also be used for culinary or medicinal purposes, particularly in teas. These leaves are packed with nutrients and have long been used in traditional remedies. Famous tea leaves: - Guava leaf, known for aiding digestion and lowering blood sugar levels, with a mild taste - Coffee leaf, less common but offering a tea with lower caffeine than coffee and a pleasant, mild flavour - Mango leaf, traditionally used for blood sugar regulation and gut health, with a slightly sweet, earthy taste Leaves Commonly Used as Edible Wraps Large, broad leaves are often used as wraps in various cuisines, adding subtle flavours to food during steaming, grilling, or baking. Examples include: - Grape leaf, commonly used in Mediterranean dishes like dolmas, with a tangy taste - Banana leaf, often used in Asian and Latin American cooking for wrapping food during steaming or grilling, imparting a mild, sweet flavour - Papaya leaf, used in some cultures for wraps or in curries, with a slightly bitter taste and medicinal properties - Mulberry leaf, high in nutrients and used in wraps, particularly after being steamed or boiled to soften Other Edible Leaves Some leaves, though not commonly eaten, are nutritious and can be used in teas or cooking. Examples: - Strawberry leaf, often used in tea, contains tannins and vitamin C, known for aiding digestion and reducing inflammation - Passionfruit leaf, young leaves are edible and can be added to salads or cooked, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine My Favourite Spinach Varieties Right now, my two favourite spinach varieties are: - Longevity spinach, also known for its medicinal properties, often used in traditional remedies to help with blood sugar control and inflammation. It can be eaten raw or cooked and thrives in warm climates - Brazilian Sissoo spinach, a perennial green with a mild, earthy taste. It is easy to grow and is often used in stir-fries, soups, or salads These greens offer a rich variety of uses, both for their nutritional value and their culinary versatility. Have you tried any of these, or do you have a favourite green you like to cook with?
For those wondering why the Indian Blackboy Peach is named as such?
The name Indian refers to American Indians, while peaches aren’t native to the USA, they arrived so early that settlers believed they were. Spanish explorers introduced the peach, and by 50 years after Cortez, they were widespread in Mexico and grew in St. Augustine, Florida by 1565, thanks to missionaries. John Lawson, traveling Carolina in the early 1700s, described the “Indian Peach,” a large, juicy fruit with reddish skin and a thick stone, believed to be native. This hardy peach, known as the "Vinegar Peach," was valued for its resilience and ability to withstand harsh conditions. French settlers in Louisiana encountered peaches in 1698, likely from Spanish influences. The Indian Peach reached South Carolina by 1806 and was prized for its deep brown skin and unique ability to grow true from seed, unlike most peaches. Although this variety faded from markets by the late 1800s, some nurseries still offer what they call “Indian Blood Peach,” though its authenticity is uncertain. Those interested in heirloom fruit trees may find joy in seeking out the closest relative to this historic peach. Yes I'm stocking these currently 😊




