Next meeting: Wednesday 10 December, 2014 ROGI News

Salvation Army Church Page Cnr McDonald Rd & Inside this edition Macarthur St Jill’s Jottings: notes from our president 2 ALEXANDRA HILLS Upcoming events/Feb Guest speaker 3 Admission Members: Gold coin Admission Visitors: $5 Harvest feast/Marigolds/Gerberas 4 Doors open at 6.15 so you can visit the Thai Basil/Growing Tomatoes 5 library, shop or seed bank or just have a chat before the party begins. Summer spinach alternatives 6-9 Garden Visit—Rhonda 10 SPECIAL CELEBRATION How hardy are our people? 11-12 Gardening Trivia Night Planting Guide 12 with prizes & surprises Snake Beans/Holiday activity/Punnets 13 Please bring plate of (home- Library News 14 made) food - savoury/sweet or Article request/Deadline/ Clinic 15 nibbles. Tea/coffee/fruit punch ROGI Shop products and price list 16 provided. No alcohol on prem- ises (you need your wits). ROGI Committee Details/Request 17

Please bring a plant or garden- How’s this for a plant label? Just use the ing item as a Christmas gift for original seed packet, a bamboo stake another ROGI member. and upturn one of those glass jars you don’t want to throw away.

everal weeks ago we had a workshop embership of ROGI continues to

Jill’sJill’s JottingsJottings S where we filled the Salvos’ raised gar- M grow and we want to ensure that den beds using the ‘no-dig’ method. Since your expectations are satisfied. Why did Hello fellow gardeners then, we planted some seedlings and you join ROGI? Less than a week to our final meeting of some of these are doing okay, but many Please let us know if there is anything else the year—and what a night it will be! have failed. So we did a pH test. It was 8— that you think ROGI could do to help you very alkaline! There’ll be all the usual attractions of the grow as much of your food as possible. show—plant giveaways, affordable , Regular applications of sulphur and re- That is the reason ROGI exists. Next year we seedlings and produce for sale, ROGI Li- testing will happen until the pH is down to will continue with the popular ROGI Gar- brary with its new books available for bor- about 6.5, then it will be time to plant out den Visits, there’ll be another Garden rowing, ROGI Shop with myriad products, with seeds/seedlings suitable for autumn. Makeover Competition, and we’re looking ROGI Seed Bank with over 90 seed varie- The food grown will be given away as part into a couple of practical hands-on work- ties, and lots of people with whom you can of the Salvos’ commitment to helping shops and some field trips. If you have sug- eat, drink and talk. those in need. gestions for guest speakers or topics, work- shop ideas, a place for us to visit as a field Instead of a guest speaker, there’ll be a Would you have an hour or two to spare trip, or anything else, please tell us. fun gardening trivia session where you’ll every now and then to help out with seed- have a chance to win prizes and maybe sowing, fertilising, harvesting and planning We are investigating the feasibility of doing even learn something new as well. You will this garden? If you can help, please get in a field trip to Borneo in 2016 and already be in a team of eight sitting at a table. On touch with a committee member or Darren have several names on the list. If you’re this occasion you may bring food as well or John from the Salvos (they’re at the possibly interested, be in touch. as your drinks into the hall, so you can feast sound desk on meeting nights). on the delights while stretching your brain. s I write this we’re expecting rain for

We want everyone to bring along plants or A the whole weekend. I hope the fore- a gardening-related items as Christmas ‘ROGI exists to encourage as many cast is right—we really need it, don’t we? people as possible to grow as much gifts to swap with other ROGI members. May all your plants survive the dry weather of their food as possible— until then, and then survive the deluge. organically—and enjoy doing it. Come along in your festive season glad- Gardening—you gotta love it! Everything we offer to members and rags bearing a plate of delectable delights the public is to further that aim.’ and be prepared to enjoy yourself. See you on Wednesday night. Jill 2 3 UPCOMING EVENTS

December: Sun 7 Garden Visit – Danny Bonney—see p10 11 February Wed 10 ROGI Meeting fun night– see p 2 January Wed 14 School holiday activity—see p 13 February Wed 11 ROGI meeting—see this page Guest Speaker

Date claimer: Redland Good Gardening Expo – Saturday 11 April 2015

John Klumpp, author of the highly- MEMBERSHIP FEES regarded book Australian Stingless  Cash payment at ROGI meeting  Cheques made payable to “Redland Organic Growers Inc.” pay at Bees: A Guide to meeting or by post (PO Box 1257, Cleveland 4163)  Direct Deposit BSB 633-000 A/C No. 136 137 296 (Bendigo Bank— Sugarbag Beekeeping. Capalaba Central Branch)

VERY IMPORTANT! Reference - Your initials and surname are essential to identify who has paid. This is our only way of knowing it’s YOU. John is one of Australia's most Please bring your membership application form to the next meeting. creative and talented stingless Email [email protected] for application form. bee keepers. His innovative de- signs have added a new di- Membership fees for 2015 are now due. mension to the beekeeping Please renew at the December meeting, the February meeting or techniques used in Australia's online at your convenience. stingless bee industry. Please ensure that you complete a new membership form when John has been keeping stin- gless bees since 1998 though you are renewing. his interest in these bees started long before that, in the 1950s. Fees New member/s joining in... He currently has 60 stingless Member Oct-Dec of Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep bee hives and adds to their Category following year numbers by splitting them using Single $30 $22.50 $15 $37.50 the Eduction Method. Family $50 $37.50 $25 $62.50 Don’t miss this meeting where Pensioner Sin- $20 $15 $10 $25 you’ll learn about the impor- gle Pensioner Cou- tance of these precious little $30 $22.50 $15 $37.50 ple creatures and how to ensure Admission to ROGI meetings: Visitors: $5 Members: Gold coin donation you have them in your garden.

3 Celebrating a Marigolds are great community harvest multi-purpose plants: About 20 ROGI, FoodConnect and community help- They have a sunny disposition and brighten up ers celebrated a new and productive relationship any garden; they have a reputation for deter- with the last Birkdale organic farmer Franco Cencig ring pests so are often used as companion at a harvest dinner celebration recently. plants, and their flowers are edible. Since September, early every Monday, locals have The plants prefer a warm sunny position with light been helping plant, harvest and prepare vegetables for market at Franco’s Quarry Road farm – and en- well-drained soil. Water well and feed if the foli- joying fresh produce in return. age is at all yellow. Deadhead the plants fre- quently to ensure continuous flowering, but Local councillor Paul Bishop, who has been coordi- leave the occasional out-of-sight bloom to nating this initiative, organised the pot-luck dinner, which showcased Franco’s biodynamic vegetables. shrivel up so you can collect the seeds. Sprinkle Each person described the dish they had brought the seeds around and many will come up in their and this showed that there are many ways to pre- own good time. pare beetroot, carrot, potato and beans - the main crops harvested. Other produce was used as well. Paul showed one of his videos documenting the jour- ney of this new community/farmer connection.

Paul has a big vision for local food and is focused on WANTED: growing this relationship to keep Franco farming in an area that could easily be concreted over with new development. He sees it as the first stage in de- double veloping a new model to keep this organic farm vi- able and valuing what it provides the community. Do you want to get involved? Call Paul Bishop on 0478 836 286 to discuss your ideas. gerberas

The Bauer family, late of Bundaberg, devel- oped a double gerbera and towards the end a gerbera with a curled leaf that did not wilt in the sun. If you have either of these and wish to sell spare plants when you break them up next year, or if you know someone who can help, please phone Garry Bromham on 0417 824 095.

4 Some people bought tomato seed- have a saucer to hold the runoff Thai basil is a wonderful aniseed- your garden to flower. Sending up lings from Marion at the last ROGI when I water and I only water again scented herb that is used in Thai a flower stalk will cause less en- meeting. They were so impressed by when the saucer is dry. Saves wasting cuisine and is also effective at re- ergy to go into producing leaves, the health and robustness of the water. pelling insect pests on your per- so nip the buds off the other half plants that they asked Marion her se- son. Phil Ryan who was our guest of your plants so they can be cret. Here it is ... NOTE: Bio-aloe is Organic Aloe Vera speaker in September carries a used in the kitchen. Based Liquid Bio-Fertilizer. It is avail- piece around in his pocket to able from ROGI Shop: have a chat keep away flies and mosquitoes. Thai basil can be grown from cut- with Marion and Frank while you’re tings or seeds. Check out the there. This is how Bees LOVE Thai basil, so make seed bank. sure you allow half the Thai basil plants around I grew Pinch out the tip to keep leaves growing. amazing tomatoes from seed

I squeezed a tomato on to a couple of punnets of our own potting mix comprising worm castings, bio char, Allow some to flower to attract bees. compost and rock dust, I kept it moist and grew about 20 seedlings, which were fertilised with brewed worm tea (not the leachate that comes from the bottom of a worm bin) and some bio aloe fertiliser. When they were big enough, I trans- planted them into the pot using the same potting mix, planting them deep and covering the first leaves, Then I just gave each a dressing of Organic Xtra and a drink of bio-aloe, kept them moist and that’s it.

One tip I use, now that it is so dry, is to Thai Basil Thai 5 6 Summer Spinach Alternatives When temperatures soar, spinach wilts and is no more. However, all is not lost. Many spinach alternatives thrive in our warm wet summers, so you can still have Summer your leafy greens every day. Most of these cannot be bought from a shop, or even a market, so the best idea is to grow your own. There’ll be seeds, seedlings and cuttings available at the next meeting. Why not give them a go? Spinach Notes: Here is a summary. More details on each in the following pages.

Name Latin name Comments All leafy greens benefit from regular application of nitrogen fertilis- ers. Diluted fresh urine applied to the soil works very well. Pacific spinach; manihot Propagate by cuttings. Perennial. Aibika Mucilage. Oxalates in large leaves. Mild flavour. Raw and cooked. Propagate by cutting: Take 15-20cm cuttings. Strip bottom leaves off. Bury half their length in a hole. Keep moist. Brazilian spinach Alternanthera sisoo Propagate by cuttings. Perennial. Good taste. Crisp leaves. Raw and Scarify the seed with a file, sandpaper or even a knife to speed cooked. germination, which could take up to 3 weeks

Malabar spin- Basella alba (green) Propagate by cuttings or scarified Oxalates are naturally-occurring substances found in plants, ani- ach; Ceylon Basella rubra (red) seeds. Self seeds readily. Perennial. mals, and in humans. Our bodies always contain oxalates, and our spinach Tastes of citrus and pepper. Muci- lage. Raw and cooked. cells routinely convert other substances into oxalates. For example, vitamin C is one of the substances that our cells routinely convert Water spinach; Ipomoea aquatica Propagate by cuttings or seeds. No into oxalates. In addition to the oxalates that are made inside of Kangkong Ching Quat – green stem bitterness. Raw and cooked. our body, oxalates can arrive at our body from the outside, from Pak Quat – white stem certain foods that contain them. Consumption of foods high in ox- NZ spinach; Tetragonia expansa Propagate by cuttings or seeds. Per- alates should be avoided or limited by those who have kidney dis- Warrigal greens; (Australian native) ennial. Oxalates. Texture like spinach. orders, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Raw and cooked. Although many foods contain oxalate, only nine foods are known Egyptian spin- Propagate by cuttings or seeds. Self- to increase oxalate in the urine and kidney stone formation. They ach sows. Annual. Mucilage. Raw and cooked. are: beets, spinach, rhubarb, strawberries, nuts, chocolate, tea, wheat bran, and all dry beans (fresh, canned, or cooked), exclud- Suriname spin- Talinum fruticosum Propagate from cuttings or seeds. ing lima and green beans. my.clevelandclinic.org/services/urology- ach; waterleaf Short-lived perennial. Oxalates. kidney/treatments-procedures/kidney-stones-oxalate-controlled-diet

Betel leaf -not Piper sarmentosum Propagate from cuttings. Perennial ‘betel’ for creeper. Raw and cooked. To blanch: sit leaves for 3 minutes in boiling water, then rinse in cold chewing water before using. This dissolves the oxalates. The water used for Mushroom leaf Rungia klossii Propagate from cuttings. Perennial. blanching should be tipped out (ie put on the garden) and not plant Mild mushroom flavour. Crisp leaves. used in the cooking. Raw and cooked.

6 Suriname Spinach Kangkong; Water Spinach Brazilian Spinach Talinum fruticosum Ipomoea aquatica Alternanthera sissoo Tender perennial that grows erect, reaching a Semiaquatic, tropical vegetable grown for its Perennial low-growing bright green crinkled tender shoots and leaves. Found throughout height of 30 to 100 cm. It bears small, leaves, forms a dense clump to 30cm high. tropical and subtropical regions. It's delicious, it pink flowers and broad, fleshy leaves. Widely Grow as an edible ground cover or an attrac- grows fast and you can pick it all year round. grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable. tive low-maintenance garden edging. Propagate by cuttings or seeds and fertilise regu- It prefers moist humus-rich fertile soil, but will tol- erate poor soils. pH 5 – 6.5. Propagate from larly as it is very hungry. Kangkong likes to grow in very damp soil or even in water. Full sun to semi shade. Loves warmth and mois- cuttings which root readily or from seed (it will ture, but not wet feet. Prefers rich loam. Propa- self-seed). Germination takes place after There are two major cultivars: gate by cuttings 60cm apart. about 5 days and subsequent growth is very Ching Quat (aka "green stem") has narrow, pointed leaves and white flowers and is adapted rapid if adequate water is supplied. Good alternative to spinach in our hot summer. for moist soils. Grow in garden beds and pots, Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw, but this Nice taste without mucilage. Steam or use in and provided plenty of moisture. plant does contain oxalic acid, so be careful stir-fries or curries – maintains its crispness when Pak Quat (aka "white stem") has broad, arrow- not to eat too much. It has a light bitterness shaped leaves and pink flowers. It likes aquatic cooked. Can eat raw – it contains very minimal that adds a nice variation to a mix of salad conditions so can grow in a tub of water with liq- amounts of oxalates. greens...and the flowers in a salad are lovely. uid fertilisers. Cook like regular spinach and discard any Like most greens, kankong is high in iron, but it's not the slightest bit bitter. Use the thin stems and cooking liquid because of oxalic acid. Best the leaves in salads and stirfries (add the leaves lightly steamed, they should not be over- at the end). cooked or they will become excessively soft and mucilaginous. Rich in iron, calcium, vita- mins A and C.

7 Egyptian Spinach Malabar spinach; Ceylon Native Spinach; Warrigal Corchorus olitorius spinach greens; New Zealand Hardy fast-growing annual to 1 metre. Once known Basella alba (green) Basella rubra (red) as the food of the Pharaohs, it has been cultivated Spinach for thousands of years and recognised for its me- Perennial twining vine with rounded dark green dicinal and nutritional qualities. leaves that vary in size with age. Needs vertical sup- Tetragonia expansa ports and hot temperature to thrive. Leaves are mu- Sow seeds in summertime and keep moist. Self sows cilaginous and high in calcium, vitamins A and C. An Australian native, it is also known as Botany Bay readily once established. Prefers very fertile soil and greens, native spinach and New Zealand spinach. hot humid climate. Tolerates both wet and dry soils It prefers a moist fertile soil with plenty of organic Long-lived, it has a sprawling habit and has weed and needs full sun. Has weed potential, so take matter and a pH of 6.5 - 6.8. Can be grown in part potential as it self-sows readily. The triangular green care. shade, which increases leaf size, but prefers heat, leaves are fleshy and succulent. Tolerates heat, humidity and full sun exposures. Keep very moist to drought and frost – very hardy, and pest and dis- The youngest leaves and immature fruits are used in prevent flowering which makes leaves bitter. salads and the older leaves cooked as spinach. It is ease resistant. mucilaginous when cooked. The dried leaves can Propagate by stem cuttings – just stick them in the be used as a thickener in soups. Tea is also made soil and wait. Self sows from seed, or plant seeds Prefers loose well-drained soil in full sun, although from the dried leaves. High in protein, iron, calcium, after scarifying—see notes. semi-shade is preferred in very dry areas. Mulch well. Self-sows readily. Grow from seeds – soak first folic acid and vitamins A and C. Eaten raw in a salad it has juicy, crisp flavours of cit- to soften outer skin. Propagate by cuttings. rus and pepper. Cook it in soups, stir-fries and curries

where it holds up better than regular spinach and Cook young leaves & stems as for spinach, which it doesn’t wilt as rapidly. looks and tastes like. It has high oxalate content, so not for eating raw.

8 Aibika; Pacific Spinach; Mushroom plant Betel Leaf; Wild Pepper

Queensland Greens Rungia klossii Piper sarmentosum (not to be confused with ‘betel’ Abelmoschus manihot (was manihot) A superb tropical green. It is a low-growing per- for chewing - Piper betel) Many types – different leaf shapes. ennial to 60cm and will tolerate partial shade. It Evergreen, perennial creeper to 1 metre high. It gets its common name from the slight mushroom has glossy heart-shaped leaves to 15 cm with This tropical leafy green plant is the most popular flavour of the leaves. The dark green, thick and small white flower spikes. A vigorous grower, it is green vegetable eaten throughout the Pacific— crunchy glossy leaves are ornamental with a useful as a groundcover although it can be diffi- ideal for northern Australia. Attractive planted in lighter green marking. Pretty blue flowers in cult to remove because of its suckering habit. A groups or as a hedge in the garden where it pro- spring. pot may be more suitable in hot wet climates. vides a cool microclimate under its large leaves. Propagate from cuttings and plant at 60cm inter- Two main types grown locally— either finger-like Grows best in rich, well-drained soil in semi-shade. leaves or a tri-lobe form. vals. It will tolerate most soils but prefers rich moist Keep moist but not soggy. Propagate from cut- Large leaves contain oxalates—see notes. loam that is not soggy. Happy in semi-shade to full sun and grows profusely when well-watered tings in summertime and plant up to 1 metre Easy to grow in full sun or part shade, but prone to and fertilised. apart. insect attack - grasshoppers and leaf curl caterpil- lars find it delicious. Growing it under chillies and/or Use young leaves and stems raw in salads and Leaves have a mildly spicy taste and can be interplanted with basil helps to protect it. sandwiches, quiches and omelettes. As a green eaten raw sliced when young or used to line plat- Like all hibiscus, it should be mulched regularly with vegetable, its crisp leaves can be added to ters or for wraps. Edible green/brown jelly-like compost and pruned down to about 1m– it can soups and stir-fries at the end of cooking to en- fruits develop from the white flower spikes. reach a height of 4m – to prevent it toppling and sure full flavour. Rich in calcium and contains iron damaging neighbouring plants. and vitamins A and C.

The large leaves, hibiscus-like flowers and stalks can be eaten. Stalks have a crisp celery-like flavour eaten raw or cooked. The leaves if overcooked are mucilaginous which helps to thicken stews. Use as a spinach substitute. High in protein, folic acid, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Ideal vegeta- ble for toddler’s food as it is soft and easily digested.

9 Garden Visit: Rhonda & Peter Binns

I would like to thank the ROGI members who visited our garden in early November for your ROGI’s next garden visit attendance, enthusiasm, words of encourage- ment, tips, suggestions and gifts of plants (and is to Danny’s garden on a little mouse melon). Sunday 7th December. Our garden had been neglected in some parts for some time and was in much need of rejuve- Danny's garden is a good example of what nation and I knew that if I put my hand up for a someone can achieve despite major health visit, I’d have to give some attention to those issues. Danny had surgery in 2010 that left areas that had been neglected. So it is a big him crippled in one leg. He was determined thank you for the incentive to go the extra not to let this stop him living a full life and mile! decided to overhaul his yard.

The butterfly garden is flourishing as are the Danny has raised garden beds for an edible new raised vegetable beds especially with a garden in the backyard, measuring 2.3 x 1.2 most welcome shower or two of rain. The three metres and 800cm high. There is a chook blueberry bushes have given us a bumper crop house, and an area with hanging baskets and the grass is coming back. Everything is for flowers. The former barbeque area has lovely and green. been turned into a working space. Food, oh and the food brought by members made for a delectable afternoon tea. The front yard has a had a makeover with three garden beds measuring 500cm x 13 I highly recommend opening your garden to metres filled using the no-dig method, our members, not only will you receive advice and planted out with flowers and shrubs. from our most experienced gardeners, but you will gain satisfaction and pride in showing off This has been a labour of love over the last your hard work, so you’re a winner and the at- three years, so come along and be inspired tendees are winners also. They will arrive as by this garden see what can be done de- ROGI members, but leave as friends. spite a major injury.

Thank you again, and Peter and I would like to Email Bernadine on [email protected] if wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope to you would like to attend. see you in your garden next year! Katie, my little fairy at the bottom of the garden. Rhonda 10 Here is the second instalment of the summary of the talk given by Steve Capeness at our October meeting. How Hardy Are Our People?

 Our children’s health is a guide to the success of  These variations shown above are largely concern. a society. caused by a combination of soil mineralisation  Fresh peas lose 50% of their nutrients within a  In a study looking at the presence of the 13 most and chemical usage. week of harvest. commonly-used farm chemicals in the bodies of  Spinach stored at room temp loses between 50% 1,400 US school children, researchers found un- and 90% of its vitamin C within 24 hrs. acceptable levels of all 13 chemicals in the urine  Time and light exposure destroys folic acid in and tissues of all 1,400 children. leafy vegetables. B group vitamins, and vitamins  Those who have children now belong to the first E and C are the first transport casualties and, generation in human history who are expected when picked green for long distance transport,

to live longer than their children due to degen- these antioxidants are already at low levels.

erative disease that worsens with each genera-  The solution is to support farmers markets and/or

tion (See about Pottenger’s Cats on next page). grow your own.  In a comprehensive study called “Nutrition and Disease”, WHO could not find a disease that did It Matters How We Cook Our Food not have a nutrition link!  They also identified what they called Type A mal- Vegetable Nutrient Method Nutrient nutrition in much of the developing world and Loss % identified Type B malnutrition in many in the de- Broccoli Vitamin C Blanching 47 veloped world.  It has been suggested that our food contains just Carrots Folate Boiling 79 20% of the nutrition found in the food consumed Carrots Beta caro- Canning 27 by our grandparents when they were young. tene  How did we lose so much in just three short gen- Cauliflower Folate Boiling 69 erations? Grapefruit Folate Canning < 5  We have never produced so much food...but juice metabolic diseases are on the increase. It Matters How We Transport Our Food Milk Vitamin B12 Boiling (2-5 30 mins) It Matters How We Grow Our Food!  ‘Food miles’ is a term used to describe the dis- Mixed veges Vitamin C Blanching 25 tance travelled by food between production (3-5 mins) and consumption and has obvious implications Mixed veges Vitamin C Boiling (10- 55 re: greenhouse gas emissions. 20 mins)  The air transport of just 200 grams of Chilean Mixed veges Vitamin C Canning 67 grapes generates greenhouse gases equivalent Mixed veges Vitamin B5 Canning 20-35 to leaving on a light bulb all weekend.  The loss of much needed nutrients is of equal Mixed veges Vitamin B6 Canning 40-60 11 An Exercise in Nutrient Removal veloping foetus and at much lower rates. The  The intense processing of cereals removes most foetus has a faster metabolism (which magnifies nutrients. Cereals can contain 30% sugar. • the effect) and is not yet equipped with protec- PLANTING  White bread is an anti-nutrient - there is a net loss tive mechanisms like DNA repair systems, im- of nutrients each time it is eaten. mune competency, detoxifying enzymes, liver  80% of nutrition is lost during processing from metabolism and the blood brain barrier. wholemeal to white. GUIDE: The Solution – Grow your Own Food  Hybridised grains contain far less nutrition than December January Feburary open pollinated varieties i.e. spelt.  Growing your own ticks all the boxes – so long as Asparagus Asparagus Asparagus  Margarine is the ultimate non-food: in fact it is you do it with no chemicals. If you don’t have time, pay a retired person to Basil Basil Basil toxic ‘crap’ that bears absolutely no relationship  grow for you or enlist children. Pay them for the Bean—Lab Lab Bean—Lab Lab Bean—Lab Lab to butter. Margarine is implicated in everything & Madagascar & Madagascar & Madagascar vegetables at market rates and there is a suite of from heart disease to strokes and eye problems. Beetroot Beetroot Beetroot  Store-bought jam is sugar-packed and laced potential benefits. Capsicum Capsicum Capsicum with microbicides (stabilizers)  There is no greater gift from a parent to a child Choko Choko Choko  Annual sugar consumption has gone from 5kg than to encourage a love of the soil and home Cucumber Cucumber Cucumber each in 1910 to 75kg today and is a major cause food production. Eggplant Eggplant Eggplant  Children can develop entrepreneurial skills with Jicama Jicama Jicama of heart disease. this, their first business venture. Lettuce Lettuce Lettuce  Pasteurised, homogenised milk loses much of its inherent value, i.e. vitamins and enzymes are  Children may discover a love and appreciation of nature and the sacred production of food. Pigeon Pea Pigeon Pea Pigeon Pea destroyed in the heating process. Pumpkin Pumpkin Pumpkin  Exercise and fresh air, punctuated by nutritious Radish Radish Radish Chemical Residues Reduce Resilience vegetable snacks, beats sitting at a computer or Rockmelon Rockmelon  Even though there is a rough adherence to mini- games console. Rosella mum residue requirements there has been no Sweet corn Sweet corn Sweet corn consideration of bio-accumulation. Dr F M Pottenger was an original thinker and keen ob- Snake Beans Snake Beans Snake Beans  When the liver cannot process a foreign con- server who questioned official dogma. Dedicated to the Spinach Spinach Spinach taminant, it shunts it off to the fat where it accu- cause of preventing chronic illness, he contributed to the (Brazilian, Egyp- (Brazilian, Egyp- (Brazilian, Egyp- mulates and can become a serious liability. This is understanding of the role of nutrition in maintaining good tian, Malabar, tian, Malabar, tian, Malabar, Warrigal, Warrigal, Warrigal, Kang what you often smell on the towel following a Far health. Kangkong etc) Kangkong etc) Kong etc) In his experiments in cat feeding, he studied over 900 cats -infra-red sauna. Squash Squash Squash over 10 years. He found that only diets using raw milk and  This is a good reason not to eat the fat of con- Spring Onion Spring Onion fined animals because it is payback time! raw meat produced optimal health: strong bones, wide Sweet potato Sweet potato Sweet potato  Many conventional vegetable growers have palates with plenty of space for teeth, shiny fur, no para- Tomatoes Tomatoes Tomatoes their own plot for their family! sites or disease, reproductive ease and gentleness. Watermelon Watermelon

Cooking the meat or using heat-processed milk caused Yacon Yacon Yacon The Contamination Begins Before Birth Zucchini Zucchini Zucchini physical problems increasing with each generation. Vermin  20 million US toddlers are now obese and there and parasites abounded. Skin diseases and allergies in- appears to be a link to endocrine-disrupting Keep in mind that this is only a guide. Be aware that mi- creased from 5% to over 90%. Bones became soft and pli- cro-climates and weather conditions may mean that chemicals. able. They died out completely by the fourth generation. certain seeds may be sown before or after the recom-  Chemical residues on food can wreak havoc mended times. with hormone systems which are key players in The changes he observed in cats paralleled the human de- The ROGI Seedbank is available at ROGI meetings and managing metabolism and controlling weight. generation that Dr. Weston Price found in the 1930s in Garden Visits.  The negative effects are more harmful in the de- tribes that had abandoned traditional diets. $1 per packet for members. $2 for non-members.

12 13 Have fun and help some kids do Recycling some gardening. Did you Ruth, who runs the environmental education programs at Strawberry IndigiScapes, has asked ROGI to host an activity during the January holidays to give children the opportunity to get Punnets know? their hands dirty playing in ‘mud’ while doing a spot of gar- We need a constant supply of dening. The best beans to grow 250gm cube-shaped straw- We’d love it if you could come along and help – it would be in our subtropical sum- berry/cherry tomato punnets good to have an extra helper or two. Please contact Kathy for use at our public events. mers are snake beans. 32061267 or [email protected] Unlike regular beans, One of ROGI’s main activities is they’re resistant to bean This is what the parents and children will read about it: to show people how to make a seed-sowing pot out of news- fly and rust, and relish Make your own mini salad and herb garden at paper. After making this pot heat and humidity. IndigiScapes they sow a seed into it and then carry it home in a straw- Snake beans are fast Members of the Redland Organic Growers Inc will show you how to make your own mini salad and herb garden berry punnet for safe-keeping. growing climbers and using small polystyrene boxes. You will get your hands dirty At Redlands Good Gardening can reach lengths of and plant a mix of seedlings to take home and nurture. Expo and Indigi Day Out each 70cm, but you can har- Date: Wednesday 14 January year, we use thousands of vest them shorter. Time: 9.00am – 10.30am them, so please bring them Cost: $12 per person Some have light green Age: 6 – 12 years along to every meeting and Notes: Gloves and face masks will be available as we will pods with brown seeds, we’ll store them until they’re be using potting mix. Wear old clothes and closed shoes. needed. and some have pods Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent/ with a reddish tip and guardian. dark red seeds. They This is the sort of garden we’ll be making. have a slightly sweet flavour and crunchy texture and they’re so long that you don’t need many for a meal.

Now is the time to sow the seeds. They’re very rewarding, so give them a go.

13 14 LIBRARY NEWS

Hello to all our members. the drought and the floods. I am now tory, bulbs, seeds, flowers, varieties, me- I highly recommend this little book as a Please visit us in the library at the next and planting more seeds at a time to allow for dicinal uses & comes with recipes using reference that you will be looking at final meeting for the year. You will be the weak ones so I have a few more garlic. again and again. $7.00 - what a great able to stock up on some holiday reading stronger plants growing each time. It seems that we need to judge the sea- buy! as the books will not be due back until 11th son and plant once the soil is cold and I am always February 2015. For those who have books Genetic diversity is crucial to food secu- the cool nights are here as garlic needs referring to out, please return same and get some- rity. If you grow heirlooms well, the flavour cold to set the bulbs In spring we need to the sub- thing new out. I have quite a few remind- will always outdo the F1 hybridised vegie cover heavily in mulch as the warmer tropical rec- ers that I will be emailing closer to the seeds. He talks about hybridisation, GM weather can make it shoot. There seems ommended meeting date for those of you who have crops, public vs private ownership, F1 hy- like we can grow a few varieties. seed planting an overdue borrowed book. We have brids etc and sorts out some of the myths As Australian organic garlic can get very times and find some new books in the library and they on these subjects. expensive, it is worth reading this book I have had are as follows: This book is then about families, ie pea and giving it a go to grow. I think we much more family, gourd family, carrot family , cab- would all use garlic for taste and health success in the HEIRLOOM bage family, the nightshade family, daisy benefits. garden since family and the amaryllis family. ——— using this VEGETABLES by Another thing I learnt from him is that zuc- book. Thanks Simon Rickard chini plants ie Black Beauty do suffer from ROGI has also purchased 10 copies of the Bob for one of This book is a guide to white powdery fungi as they mature. By Queensland Planting Guide by BOGI – your many history and varieties the time this happens you will probably Brisbane Organic Growers Inc. We will be great tips. and well written by have had a good crop so just pull out and selling these at our shop for $7.00 each to Simon who has replace. So I might stop stressing about members which is cost price plus postage worked at the Diggers trying to stop the fungi. to us from BOGI. Non-members will pay QUEENSLAND PLANTING GUIDE club house of Elsworth This book is great reading and probably $10.00 So get in early. If they prove popu- by BOGI – the Way to Grow and Heronswood. one that you would need to read again lar we will restock in the new year. Heirloom vegetables are those grown pre and again. Bob Cosgrove (from ROGI AND BOGI) rec- ——— WWII and the seeds have been handed GARLIC ommended I purchase this book when I down through families and friends. They joined ROGI in 2009. are like treasures to those who grow them. by Penny I refer to this book all the time and keep it We have also ordered a few books by Tim What a fabulous insight into heirlooms. It Woodward in my gardening bag. It is only small but all Marshall of Gardening Australia. They made me feel better about my efforts, as An organic guide to the information in it is exactly what you could arrive in time for our next meeting he explained that because heirloom knowing, growing need to know when starting organic gar- and if they do we will display them on top vegetable plants are open pollinated, and using garlic from dening, making a new garden, preparing of the shelves. you will get some great plants, some okay Australian whites & and maintaining an existing garden, plants and some that make you wonder Tasmanian purples to growing in raised gardens and growing in Joh and I would like to wish you all a very where you went wrong. This is just the na- Korean Reds and containers, building a no dig garden. Also Merry Christmas (if you do Christmas) and ture of being open pollinated and that Shandongs. I have has good info on growing from seed and Happy Holidays to those who don’t cele- you should always keep the seeds from long ago given up seed planting guides, preferred pH levels, brate Christmas and a very happy and your best plants (something our vice presi- on growing garlic. I making a herb spiral, making compost healthy New Year for 2015 to everyone. dent, Terry, has told me). Over time, and am now going to try and liquid tea fertilisers. through families, these seeds become it again. You would not believe a book A monthly guide for what to do with your May your gardens flourish. stronger, more disease resistant and more solely on garlic could be so interesting as it fruit trees and some recipes for herb and Mandy suited to your environment, the heat and covers all aspects of garlic, including his- organic sprays.

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ROGI is a beneficiary of the My IGA Card Program for the Cleve- Request for land IGA store. This is how it works: Articles Plant Clinic  Pick up a My IGA Card next time you are in the store What can you share?  Register online It could be: Puzzled by a pest?  Tick ROGI as the community  an article about your group you wish to support Not sure if your plant is a weed or a ‘goodie’? garden Then, every time you shop in the  a photo Does it have a deficiency or is it a disease? store and use your card, not only  an unusual plant do you receive discounts, you That’s what Plant Clinic is about. are also helping to raise funds for Bring along your plant, fruit, leaf, root (as many parts of ROGI.  something in relation to gardening or nutri- plant as you can) in a sealed plastic bag (if it’s a dis- ROGI uses its funds to help pro- tion eased plant) and fill in the form. vide more services to members such as new library books, dis-  a great recipe Place the plant parts together with the form on the ta- counted gardening products, ble below the Plant Clinic sign well before the start of paid expert speakers, and free or  a current affair of rele- the meeting. low-cost field trips and workshops vance to ROGI mem- bers..... Someone will have a look and may be able to answer your questions. Send your articles to keep the newsletter interesting:interesting: [email protected] Newsletter Deadlines

Please send your contributions to the newsletter editor by 28 January for the February edition.

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Deposits on Containers

The flimsy plastic bags and ROGI Shop Products parcels we were using to sell and transport our goods, did PRODUCTS Dry 3Kg 1Kg 500g 100g Each PRODUCT Wet 5 Lr 1 Lr 500ml 150ml 100ml not sit well with our way of life - Recycle Everything - Soil Conditioners Soil Conditioners thus we now use glass jars Blood & Bone $8 $4.00 $2.50 Eco-Aminogro $18 $10 and food-grade plastic pails that can be used many DE Fine Food Grade $20.50 $8.00 $4.50 Ecofish $32 times over, be it by us or DE Pet & Garden $17.50 $7.00 $4 Eco-Naturalure $15 yourselves. So we have a small deposit charge on all Dolomite $5 $3.00 $2 Eco-Neem $16 packaging that will be re- Eco88 $8 $4.00 $2.50 Eco-oil $22 $16 funded on their return to us, Gypsum $5.50 $3.00 $2 Fish & Kelp solution $13 but please keep them clean and in good repair. Humic Acid $3.50 Potasium Silicate $3 Organic Booster $5.50 $3.00 $2 NEW PRODUCT Organic Extra $6 $3.50 $2 Pest & Weed Control Wild May proved to trap Rock Dust # One Mix $7.50 $3.50 $2.50 Burn Off $9 the most fruit flies in our Rock Dust BCM $6.50 $3.00 $2 Eco-Pest Oil $10 recent trials of low-cost traps. Sea Mungus $3 Naturasoap $17 You can buy it in small Turf Master $5.50 $3.50 $2 Pyrethrum Spray $20 amounts from ROGI Shop. 200ml Wild May for fruit fly $2 $4 Pest & Weed Control Aloe Vera Eco-Rose $11 Aloe Vera Raw Material $33.50 $9.50

Tools & Equipment Aloe Vera Raw Bio Vertilizer $37 $10 Soil PH Test Kit $13 Banana Bags $3.50 Only ROGI members may purchase items from Fruit Fly Excl Bag Set 4 $5 the ROGI Shop. Please wear your membership Wooden newspaper badge at every ROGI meeting. $28 Pot Maker

For any pricing or technical advice, or if you have a suggestion, please refer to Frank on 3390 2277 16 17 EXECUTIVE TEAM Christmas Presents President Jill Nixon 0418 717 735 [email protected] Treasurer Lindsay Peel [email protected] What to give a gardener? Secretary Margaret Sear [email protected] Here are some ideas: Membership Jenny Sando [email protected]  Membership of ROGI  Short gardening course

TECHNICAL TEAM  Seedlings; seeds; plants – labelled and with de- Seed bank Angela Stafford [email protected] scription and growing in- structions COMMUNICATIONS TEAM  Garden tools, items, PR & Marketing Kathy Petrik 3206 1267 [email protected] equipment – hand tools; Club Events Bernadine Carroll [email protected] watering can; tubs;

Newsletter Position vacant [email protected] gloves; stakes; bags of manure/mulch/compost; netting; trellis; shade- MEMBER SERVICES TEAM cloth; garden ties; fertil- Shop Frank Huysing 3390 2277 [email protected] iser; home-produced pest control or worm Library Mandy Harrison 3824 3222 [email protected] juice; shoes; apron; hat; [email protected] Supper Yolanda Sampson [email protected] garden bed kit; coir pots; www.rogi.com.au test kits; watering wand

 Gardening books PO Box 1257 The views expressed in ROGI NEWS are  Magazine subscription Cleveland 4163 those of the editors  Offer to help with weed-

and submitters, not Join Us ing; watering; seed- www.facebook.com/ necessarily those of See page 3 for current collecting; pot-cleaning groups/ Redland Organic redland.organic.growers Growers Inc membership fees

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