The Diggers Club Garden 2013/14 Garden Annual by The Diggers Club

GARDEN ANNUAL 2013-2014 seed sowers manual

Vegetable seeds, fruit, flowers, tools and books for the heirloom gardener

Issue 4, 2013

Contents

Resistance is fertile – plant the seed At the Adelaide Botanic Garden last February we repeated our tomato taste test, first introduced twenty-one years ago. It was a huge success with Pietro Demaio doing cooking workshops, a Long Lunch of a hundred people under a wisteria arch with chef Simon Bryant and a highly provocative debate on whether heirlooms were better than supermarket hybrid tomatoes. Maggie Beer, myself and Pietro Demaio were carrying the torch for heirlooms against strident opposition. It was clear from the taste test (see page 6 for results) and from overwhelming public support at the debate that supermarket hybrids were thoroughly despised. The Australian Conservation Foundation estimates that conventional monoculture farming is responsible for almost 25% of Australia’s carbon emissions. This is mainly due to the adoption of the American industrial agricultural methods that support multinational seed companies and rely on fertilisers, petrochemicals and the consumption of oil. When we compare this American monoculture industrial farming system (adopted in Australia) with Cuba’s community organic farming we get startling results. Life expectancy in Cuba is equal to that of the US. While the Americans spend billions on health care resulting from their meat-based, fast food-orientated diet, the Cubans have reached the same life expectancy with a diet derived from fresh produce from community organic farms combined with exercise from gardening and bicycling. Cubans have also reduced their financial deficit by virtually eliminating conventional agriculture costs such as fertilisers, pesticides and fuel for machinery. Surely growing your own is an economical win, a win for our climate as well as our health? Unfortunately Australia is following the American system which results in 2 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

It’s 21 years since we began rescuing heirloom seeds

high deficits, declining soil fertility and unsustainable energy waste. We even copy the American trend to bigbox warehouses that utilise the most carbon intensive materials – steel, concrete and bitumen – with barely a green living thing in sight. Please, we encourage you to grow your own food. After all these years Diggers now have a bigger range of vegetables ... • Than you will find in a box warehouse, • With a greater range of varieties than the best fruiterer, and • Tastier heirlooms than found in the best and most expensive restaurants. Resistance is fertile – just plant the seed and you are sure to be healthier and live longer! Founder & Executive Chairman

Diggers Garden and Environment Trust The Diggers Club is owned by the Diggers Garden and Environment Trust, a not-for-profit charitable trust – see more on page 71.

New and exclusive ............................................. 3 Diggers heirloom legends ............................. 4-5 Tomato legends ............................................... 6-7 Italian culinary legends .................................... 8 Diggers culinary legends .................................. 9 How to plant what, where and when ......... 10 Vegetable seeds .................................... 11-35, 42 Order form ........................................................ 37 Tomato seeds .............................................. 38-41 Discount seed collections................................43 Diggers books .................................................. 44 See sowing made simple............................45-47 Herbs ............................................................ 48-50 Flowers for good bugs......................................51 Green manures ................................................. 52 Flowers ......................................................... 53-62 Lilies.....................................................................63 Asparagus and rhubarb....................................64 Potatoes...............................................................65 Hardware, tools and books ..................... 66-69 Life leads up to lunch!......................................70 The Diggers Garden and Environment Trust...........................................71

03 5984 7900 03 5987 2398

www.diggers.com.au info@diggers.com.au PO Box 300 Dromana, 3936, VIC 95 112 026 383

Garden shops and cafés Heronswood 105 Latrobe Parade, Dromana, 3936, VIC Shop: 03 5984 7321 Fork to Fork restaurant: 03 5984 7318 Lunch bookings recommended Melway 159 C9, 60 minutes from CBD

St Erth Simmons Reef Road, Blackwood, 3458, VIC Shop: 03 5368 6514 Fork to Fork café: 03 5368 6520 (Thu-Mon) Melway 909 E11, 75 minutes from CBD

Adelaide Botanic Garden North Terrace, Adelaide, 5000, SA Shop: 08 8232 8671 The gardens of Heronswood and St Erth are both organically certified – an Australian first.

NEW and exclusive for 2013! Welcome to our 2013-2014 Garden Annual These selections highlight some of the best varieties we trialled over the last season. Each has been chosen for outstanding flavour, yield and vigour. By growing our artisan heirlooms you’re helping to preserve our garden heritage for future generations!

pumpkin

Tomato Red and Black As black as a blackberry on the outside, then slice it open to reveal the glowing red juicy flesh within. Unlike any other tomato, its indigo blue skin ripens to jet black, these rich colours harbouring powerful antioxidants. This most striking artisan tomato packs a real health-giving punch, akin to superfoods like blueberries and strawberries. Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant and yields 8kg of fruit per plant.

5 seeds

club members only $3.95

code S2993

zucchini

Big Beryl’s Whopper

Lakota

Long Florence

Shouldn’t all good eating pumpkins also be decorative? These bright orange pear-shaped pumpkins have striking dark green markings and sweet 2-5kg fruits, not too big for table displays and ideal for storage. An heirloom that pre-dates European settlement of North America, that’s over 400 years ago! 5 fruit per plant.

Picked with its flower attached “before it’s out of the cradle”, this olive-green ribbed zucchini from Italy is the best selection for long harvest (4 months). The flowers of this zucchini are by far the biggest we have seen, with plenty of room for your favourite summer fillings. Make your own Mediterranean delicacy!

10 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S1852

capsicum

15 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S3752

Padron

This Italian sweet pepper is huge and blocky, ripening slowly from green to yellow as it becomes sweeter. Thick, crisp and chunky – these are the biggest we’ve ever grown at Diggers. 15 fruit per plant at a whopping 250 grams per fruit!

A favourite in Spain for tapas, traditionally served sautéed in olive oil and salted. Play a game of Russian roulette with these peppers — 1 in 20 of the green ones are seriously hot! The heat increases as they turn red so harvest them when still green and only about one to two inches long. 80 fruit per plant, 30 grams per fruit.

retail $3.95

40 seeds

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S2302

capsicum

Quadrato d’Asti Giallo

30 seeds

This backbreaker is big enough to roll down from Parliament House and scare the “budgie smugglers” off politicians like Tony Abbott. On the campaign trail against misogynist slurs, Big Beryl is definitely not sterile, she is self pollinating! Gigantic goldyellow flesh with just the faintest red blush. She’s a “who do you trust” whopper tomato!

club $3.45

code S0632

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

Shop online for our complete range of seeds and much, much more!

code S0662

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 3

Diggers heirloom legends Diggers pioneered the rescue of heirloom vegetable seeds in Australia in 1992. Enjoy growing these proven classics, for what’s new is old!

Lazy Housewife Bean

carrot

Heirloom Carrot Mix Exclusive Diggers mix of heirloom colours from red to white and purple, orange and yellow. Succulent and sweet, these carrots hold their colour when cooked, adding an exciting dimension to meals and salads.

500 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S074 5500 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S074F

beetroot

Chioggia

This is our oldest climbing bean and dates back to 1802. Described in Burpee’s 1888 Farm Annual as being “broad thick and very fleshy and entirely stringless ... and being peculiarly luscious ... it derived its name which seems discourteous from its immense productiveness”. Yields 1kg per plant. Limited stock.

10 seeds

watermelon

Moon and Stars

club only $3.95

code S019

corn

35 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S2511

carrot

Golden Bantam

organic

The poster child of the American Seed Savers Exchange that started the heirloom rescue movement. Luminous moons and stars are sprinkled over the foliage and fruit. Harvest from 14 weeks. Yields 3-4 fruit (25kg) per plant.

organic

Purple Dragon

Concentrically eccentric, this was traditionally grown This is the ‘corniest’ of sweet corn with true flavour. The original Afghan 3-colour carrot from which orange outside Venice where it has been part of the cuisine Rich yellow cobs on 1.5m stalks. Heirloom favourite varieties developed. Superior carotene and antioxidants to other carrots. A subtle and sweet, yet spicy flavour. since 1902. Non-hybrid. Not for TAS/WA/NT. since 1583. 60g roots at an 8 week harvest.

120 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S033

beetroot

35 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S113

watermelon

Blacktail Mountain

Green and red ribbed leaves make a colourful addition to salads, while their roots provide a unique sweet taste. This 4-colour heirloom mix includes Chioggia, Bull’s Blood, Golden and White Blankoma.

The most cold tolerant of watermelons, this is the one for cooler southern climates. Yields glassy, dark, cannon ball-like 5kg fruit. The colour contrast of the sweet red flesh and near-black skin is picture perfect. 15 weeks to harvest. 4 fruit per plant, 5kg per fruit.

4 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S073

capsicum

Heirloom Beetroot Mix

100 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S035 2000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S035F

850 seeds

organic

club $3.45

code S249

Seven Colour Mix Why grow plain green capsicums when you can grow a rainbow of colours! These varieties are the best heirlooms for colour and sweetness. Mix includes Sweet Chocolate, Purple Beauty, White Diamond, Yellow Marconi, Chinese Giant, Red Cubanelle and Orange Bell.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S064

Silverbeet Five Colour Mix

organic

Our Five Colour Silverbeets are the ultimate ornamental edible. Dazzling, colourful and extremely nutritious. Midribs of red, orange, yellow, pink and white make this the perfect fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegetable garden. Listed in Vilmorin’s Vegetable Garden in 1888 and also called Rainbow Chard, Diggers originally grew this for its introduction into the US where it became a best seller and a signature plant for the heirloom movement.

45 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2091 550 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S2091F

Heirloom Radish Mix

Heirloom Lettuce Mix

A kaleidoscope of healthy bright round radishes, from golden Helios to scarlet Round Red, to add a spicy punch to salads and sandwiches.

A splendid mix of colour and flavour. Includes Tennis Ball, Rouge d’Hiver, Freckles, Tango and Red Leprechaun.

90 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1921

190 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S137

Australian Heirloom Pumpkin Mix We lead the world in pumpkin selections and this mix is a great place to start your heirloom adventure. Includes Jap, Ironbark, Queensland Blue, Australian Butter and Triamble.

25 seeds

bean

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S179

broad bean

Scarlet Runner

Climbing Rattle Snake

Crimson Flowered

The UK’s most popular bean and our “first heirloom” offered in 1978. Brilliant red flowers in just 60 days with wide, flat beans for three months in cooler temperatures. Eat the tasty pods sliced or steamed. The beautifully speckled pink seed can be used as a dried winter bean.

A deep green bean splashed with purple. Tender, tasty and reliable, this bean produces a bumper harvest. Perfect for training up a fence, trellis or teepee to create an edible screen. 19 weeks to harvest, yielding 1.5kg per plant.

A Diggers exclusive and our favourite ornamental edible in winter. Crimson flowers brighten the winter garden followed by succulent pods. Height to 1 metre so give the plant support in windy areas. Broad beans set pods once the temperature reaches 18-20°C.

10 seeds 400 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S024

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S024F

20 seeds 600 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S020

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S020F

12 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S008

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 5

Why supermarket tomatoes come last in every taste test! Since we did our famous tomato taste test twenty years ago at Heronswood with top chefs (including Stephanie Alexander), garden writers and seed merchants, we have found two explanations for the complete dominance of heirloom garden varieties over supermarket hybrids. 1. According to US food authorities the modern tomato has the highest dissatisfaction rating of any supermarket item. With these same supermarket hybrids offered in Australia we can be sure it applies in Australia too. Breeding for shelf life always supersedes flavour. 2. Considering that modern plant breeders have integrated a slow ripening gene into the supermarket hybrids, the fruit can never develop sugars and ripen but the fruit still looks red, shiny and impressive – like an ageless celebrity film star. The 1993 taste test was won by Tommy Toe. In our 2013 taste test (see table below), fifteen varieties were regarded as better than the garden standard Grosse Lisse – ten of these superior varieties having been introduced in the last few years. Because a taste test of thirty varieties can be wearying on the taste buds, Amish Paste, Mortgage Lifter and five other top tasting tomatoes were excluded which, had they been listed, would take the list of superior heirlooms to between twenty and twenty-five.

Top tasting tomatoes Equal 1st

Hungarian Heart

Equal 1st

Jaune Flammé

Finally, if every publicly owned heirloom variety tastes better than the supermarket hybrids that make up 95% of supermarket tomato sales, what has this got to say about modern plant breeding over the last fifty years?

The 2013 tomato taste test by 16 chefs, garden and media experts

Held in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, February 2013 Ranking Overall score Variety =1 =1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

77.40% 77.30% 74.50% 74.00% 73.00% 72.30% 72.07% 70.70% 68.80% 67.40% 66.80% 66.50% 66.30% 65.90% 65.50% 65.20% 64.40% 64.00% 63.07% 61.00% 60.70% 60.20% 57.30% 54.36% 54.07% 54.00% 54.42% 42.46%

Hungarian Heart Jaune Flammé Tommy Toe Black Cherry Wild Sweetie Wapsipinicon Peach Lemon Drop Ananas Noir Black Russian Periforme/Granny’s Throwing Purple Smudge Green Zebra Rose de Berne Green Grape Black Krim Violet Jasper Grosse Lisse (standard) Tigerella Brown Berry Tondo Piccolo Brido (Franchi) Redunda (Franchi) Beams Yellow Pear Roma Virus Free Swanson Marglobe Malinche (Monsanto) Nepoline Supermarket F1

HL = Heirloom introduced by Diggers. F1 = Commercial supermarket variety. OP = Open Pollinated

See Diggers Winter Garden 2013 for the full taste test story! 6 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

1993 Rank Colour — — 1 — 14 — — — — — — 16 — — — — 15 12 — — — — — — — — — 29

Pink Orange Red Red Opaque Lemon Yellow/black Black Red Orange Yellow/green stripe Pink Olive Black Black Red Yellow/red stripe Brown Red Red Yellow Red Red Red Red Red Red

Average Heirlooms Average Commercial

Size Oxheart Apricot Apricot Cherry Pea Apricot Grape Beefsteak Apricot Large pear Beefsteak Apricot Apricot Grape Mini beefsteak Apricot Large Apricot Cherry Apricot Obvate Cherry Plum Obvate Obvate Obvate Obvate Obvate

Type

Intro date

HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL HL F1 F1 HL F1 F1 OP F1 F1 F1

2007 2001 1993 2011 1994 2005 2005 2012 1992 2012 2012 1991 2012 2007 1996 2012 — 1992 2007 — — — — — — — — —

2013 – 68.90% 1993 – 60.93% 2013 – 49.70% 1993 – 49.80%

2nd

Tommy Toe

3rd

Black Cherry

4th

Wild Sweetie

5th

Wapsipinicon Peach

6th

Lemon Drop

Diggers tomato legends

The dates shown indicate the year Diggers introduced these heirlooms.

Tigerella 1992

Green Zebra

The best yielding tomato we have ever grown, producing enormous crops of delicious red-yellow striped tomatoes with exceptional flavour. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant and continues to yield for months, up to 20kg of fruit per plant. The flavour is excellent!

Green Zebra has an in-built colour marker that produces yellow stripes indicating when it is ripe. Bred by the creator of hundreds of “modern heirlooms”, Tom Wagner. Firm, crack resistant fruits have zingy flavour. It’s early and the colour confuses the pests. One of the most beautiful modern heirlooms, now considered a classic. Fruits in 11 weeks from transplant. Yields 13.6kg per plant.

40 seeds 800 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S239

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S239F

30 seeds

organic 1991

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S227

Tommy Toe 1993 Winner of our taste test back in ‘93 – Victorian garden guru Kevin Heinze said it was the best he’d tasted in 50 years! From mislabelled Seed Savers stock it grew to rave reviews around the world. Sweet, 3cm fruit produced from January to May. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant and yields 11kg per plant.

50 seeds 800 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S240

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S240F

Wild Sweetie 1994

Wapsipinicon Peach 2005

Jaune Flammé 2001

The world’s smallest and sweetest tomato. In our taste test, Stephanie Alexander and other top chefs preferred this to Tommy Toe. Hundreds of exquisite flavoured fruit ripen in mid summer to late autumn. Fruits 9 weeks from transplant, yields 4.4kg fruit per plant.

Its tiny hairs and soft flesh are reminiscent of the juiciest white peach only some of us can still remember. Impossible to pronounce but superior to Tommy Toe for flavour. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant and yields 6kg per plant.

This jewel-coloured heirloom from France produces fruit just 7 weeks from transplant. With large amounts of carotene, orange tomatoes have almost as much beta-carotene as carrots. Heirloom tomato authority Dr Amy Goldman’s favourite. Yields 7.5kg per plant.

90 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S228

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S237

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S290

Amish Paste 1992

Black Russian 1992

Mortgage Lifter 1993

World heirloom expert David Cavagnaro rates this 100%, like Grange wine! It has rich, sweet flavour for salads but the shape and hearty texture for sauces and pastes. Is there any other so versatile? Fruits 12 weeks from transplant and yields 15.7kg per plant. 150g fruit.

This variety makes the most of the short seasons with heat absorbing black skin. We procured seeds of the charcoal-fleshed fruit and passed it through Seed Savers and then on to the rest of the world. Fruits in 11 weeks from transplant and yields 7kg per plant.

Creator of Mortgage Lifter, Radiator Charlie, made his income from the clapped out pick-up trucks he repaired. He also bred beefsteak tomatoes, selling plants at $1. He erased his mortgage in six years and so named one of the best tomatoes. Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant. Yields 16kg per plant with 400g fruit.

40 seeds 900 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S219

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S219F

40 seeds 550 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S284

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S284F

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S292

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 7

Italian culinary legends

eggplant

It was Chef-to-the-Pope Bartolomeo Scappi (an Italian, not a Frenchman) who wrote the first cook book 500 years ago. The Italians also adopted tomatoes hundreds of years before the rest of Europe and created revolutionary cuisine from the basic ingredients of wheat, olive oil and tomatoes. Italian pastas and pizzas have swept the world because they are simple, delicious and affordable.

tomato

Listada di Gandia

organic

San Marzano

This fine Italian heirloom is early to fruit, productive “The tomato” that launched a whole cuisine. Superior for and exquisitely beautiful. The 15-20cm fruit are almost peeling, preserving, sauce, paste, pizza and pasta. Coreseedless with fine textured flesh. Yields 3.6kg per plant. less, cylindrical and so productive you’ll never eat an out40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1171 of-season hybrid again! Harvest in 12-14 weeks.

550 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S1171F

zucchini

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S367

tomato

Tromboncino

Periforme Abruzzese

Italian Vegetables

The zucchini with outstanding flavour that doesn’t get too big too soon. Train the quick growing vines up a trellis so it hangs straight. Fruit can reach 1.5m but is best picked at 25cm long. Huge yields, fruits for months.

Pear shaped and outstanding sliced or cooked. Having withstood the test of time through generations of Italian cooking, this juicy old favourite stands alone. Harvest in 12 weeks.

This collection will help you to enjoy the best of Italian cuisine. Includes Italian Romano Beans, Italian Fryers Mix Capsicums, Lollo Mix Lettuce, Sweet Basil plus Periforme and San Marzano Tomatoes.

18 seeds

club members only $3.95

code S192

kale

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S365

bean

Tuscan Kale

retail $19.00

club $17.50

code S264

bean

Italian Romano

Borlotti

With the highest antioxidants of any vegetable, this Gaining popularity in Australia, this wide and flat An old Italian favourite for using as dried beans from late classic Italian kale is the staple ingredient in Tuscan 12cm bush bean is delicious as a green bean and also summer to winter. Perfect for minestrone soup! A semi climber that’s ideal for growing up teepees and trellises. cooking and is fantastic in soups and casseroles. provides the dry seeds used in casseroles and soups. Harvest in just 8 weeks. 45 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S011 55 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S022

120 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S121

8 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

1000 seeds

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S011F

650 seeds

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S022F

Diggers culinary legends Mexican Sour Gherkin

Bean Flageolet Flagrano

This heirloom micro-sized climbing cucumber tastes both sweet and sour, just like a gherkin without the work! Prolific fruiting and a first rate screening plant. May self seed. Not for NT/WA.

Considered the caviar of beans and the French favourite for fresh shelling. The succulent and sweet seeds can be eaten like fresh peas or left to dry for hearty winter soups. Harvest in 9 weeks, yields 500g per plant.

30 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S103

50 seeds

Dan Hunter, Executive Chef at the highly acclaimed Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, was awarded 3 Chef ’s Hats in 2012 and 2013 and Chef of the Year in 2011. Dan grows lots of his vegetables in his own kitchen gardens and features many of Diggers heirloom vegetable varieties. Supporting local producers, he ensures his food is seasonal and regional. Lots of other chefs are following his lead!

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S018

tomato

Celtuce

Chervil

Schimmeig Creg

Chinese, Stem or Asparagus Lettuce is a delicacy we enjoyed in a 5 star restaurant. Grow and harvest young leaves as a lettuce then cut the succulent stems when they run to seed, reaching 30-40cm high. Harvest in 21-24 weeks.

This anise flavoured leaf is a favourite of French chefs to add piquancy to salad greens. Ideal for growing during the short day lengths of the winter months. Its white flowers are like a delicate Queen Anne’s Lace. Harvest in 9 weeks.

A stunning firm-fleshed Tom Wagner tomato that holds shape for stuffing. As beautiful as Tigerella, with pink skin streaked with yellow. Very productive and it looks stunning on a plate! Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant and yields 13kg per plant. 120g fruit.

70 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S089

350 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S311

25+ seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2351

tomato

Rainbow Beefsteak Mix

Sugarbeet

Salty Ice Plant

Juicy and delectable, this amazing mix of colours is the ultimate in heirlooms — multi-coloured (Ananas Noir), green (Aunt Ruby), red and yellow (Big Rainbow) plus Black Krim and Mortgage Lifter. Harvest late for maximum ripeness and flavour. Yields 7-16kg per plant.

Vilmorin perfected sugarbeets in Europe 150 years ago and replaced tropical sugar cane. With 20% sugar content it is both a roasted sweet beet or dessert as top chefs have proven. 600g roots. Harvest in 13 weeks from transplant.

Glistening, succulent leaves covered in frozen icy bumps. The ultimate salty garnish that chefs use for fish dishes and to balance sweet flavours. Highly ornamental, with a prostrate growth habit that’s great in a pot. Rare and exclusive. May naturalise in coastal areas. Not for SA.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S2214

180 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S372

900 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S601

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 9

How to plant what, where and when A guide to the growing zones, instructions and symbols used in this Annual Here at Diggers we’ve divided Australia and New Zealand into three simple sowing zones — Cool, Warm and Hot — by using the number of growing weeks above 15°C.

Growing Zones/ Weeks above 15°C Cool Zone / 9-20 weeks

This tells you at a glance what time of year to sow your seeds for the best results in your area.

Warm Zone / 21-38 weeks Hot Zone / 39+ weeks 36 Weeks by city

52 46

If you want to know more about climate factors, visit the Help section of our website and click on ‘Climate Maps’.

30 26

17 26

Notice something different with the map?

We’ve extended the Warm Zone from 21-24 weeks to 21-38 weeks.

We have made this change thanks to the valuable feedback of our members living in the mid-latitudes of Australia. Expanding the Warm Zone means that gardeners in places such as Perth and Alice Springs, that have cool winters, are differentiated from the northern latitudes where warmer winters are a greater determinant of sowing times.

All growing zone information, instructions and symbols are © The Diggers Club 2013.

Reading the vegetable & culinary herb key How to sow

When to sow by growing zone Nov-Jun Dec-Apr

Jan-Apr

H 18-25 weeks Y 6-9kg/metre Plant type Weeks until Yield per harvest plant

Sunlight needed Water needed Height of 50cm mature 20-30cm plant Plant spacing

How to Sow

Reading the flower & herb key How to sow Plant type

Aut-Spr

When to Sow Sowing months in the Cool Zone, less than 21 weeks of 15oC+ temperatures.

Grow seedlings to transplant later (see page 46).

Sep-Nov

Sowing months in the Warm Zone, 21-38 weeks of 15oC+ temperatures.

Grow seedlings, then pot on to transplant later.

Jul-Oct

Sowing months in the Hot Zone, over 39 weeks of 15oC+ temperatures.

Weeks until harvest from sowing/transplant. Amount of produce yielded per plant. Height of mature plant.

Flowering Months from sowing to flowering. 10 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Sunlight Full sun.

Part sun / part shade.

Sunlight needed Water needed 4 months

80cm

Height of mature plant

Months until flower

Plant Types

Sep-Nov

Growing Information

40cm

Plant spacing

Sow directly into the soil (see page 45).

Minimum distance between seeds/seedlings when planting.

When to sow by season

Shade only.

Watering Drought tolerant once established. Seasonal watering as necessary. Thirsty plant, perpetually moist soil. Organic listings are Australian Certified Organic (Diggers Certification Code 10482W).

Hardy Annual: Frost hardy. Flowers, fruits and dies in 1 year. Hardy Perennial: Frost hardy roots. Annual flowers for over 2 years. Tender Annual: Frost sensitive. Flowers, fruits and dies in 1 year. Tender Perennial: Frost sensitive. Annual flowers for over 2 years. Biennial: Needs a cool winter to induce flowering in spring. Tropical: Suitable for the tropics. Evergreen

Deciduous

F1 – 1st generation of breeder controlled pollination. Cannot save seed. GM – Genetically Modified. Transfer of genes cross species. Corporately owned. Heirloom (op) – Open Pollinated. True to type garden varieties. Publicly owned. Can save seed.

Vegetable seeds Our vegetable selections are almost entirely heirlooms from the rich gardening traditions of Italy, France and America as well as here in Australia. Through years of trialling in our gardens and the backyards of our club members, we present the very best heirlooms. Disease resistant from standing the test of time, they all have exceptional flavour, high yields and long harvest seasons. All vegetable seeds require full sun and constantly moist soil and the few hybrids we list are marked as F1.

Broad Bean Crimson Flowered S008

Asparagus

Artichokes

Broad Beans

Asparagus officinalis — Plant in a separate bed with lots of organic matter dug in. A light yield of tender spears in 2 years, increasing for the next 20 years.

Cynara scolymus — Plant this perennial in a separate bed. It can also be grown as an ornamental plant.

Vicia faba — A high protein, cool season, nitrogenfixing legume, best shelled for steaming or eaten raw when young. Early sowings need wind protection by supporting stems with string tied to posts. Sets pods once the temperature reaches 18-20°C. Not for NZ.

Sep-Nov Mar-Sep

May-Jul

H 104 weeks Y 12 spears/plant

30cm

1.5m

Fat Bastard (F1) Has fatter spears than other varieties and a much higher yield. Allow 2 years for the crown to develop then enjoy this early spring treat.

20 seeds

club members only $3.95 code S0071

Sweet Purple (F1)

Sep-Nov Sep-Nov

Jul-Oct

H 25 weeks Y 20 buds/plant

1.6m

Imperial Star (PVP) organic

Mar-Aug

6-8 large buds per plant in the first year, then cut back after flowering for increased yields in following years. Offsets can be divided to propagate new plants. Delicious flavour with smooth buttery texture.

H 15-20 weeks Y 250g/plant

15 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S0011

Purple

Apr-Jun

Apr-Jul 20cm

1.5m

Crimson Flowered A Diggers exclusive, the crimson flowers brighten the winter garden followed by succulent pods. Height 1m.

12 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S008

From northern Italy, this violet artichoke produces fat With a 20% higher sugar content than the green fleshy hearts that are considered both decorative and Aquadulce asparagus this purple asparagus has a wonderful mild good eating. 2-3 buds per plant in the first year and 16- A heavy cropping early strain with fragrant black and 32 the next year. white flowers and wonderful emerald green beans. earthy flavour when cooked or eaten raw.

20 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S0072

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S032

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S009

Soybeans Glycine max ‘Bunya’ — Small fuzzy pods containing nutty tasting, nutritious soy beans. Eaten as a tasty snack in Japan (try making your own tofu), they are also an ideal summer green manure crop. Not for WA. Oct-Nov Sep-Nov Dec-Jan

50 seeds

H 13 weeks

20cm

80cm

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S030

Broad Bean Aquadulce S009

Artichoke Imperial Star (PVP) S0011

Asparagus Fat Bastard (F1) S0071

Asparagus Sweet Purple S0072

Artichoke Purple S032

Soybeans S030 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 11

Beans Phaseolus vulgaris Whatever you call them – French, pole, string, snap or bush beans – they all have the same origin and are definitely not just green. Beans are ideal to plant after the hungry coolseason crops of brassicas, as their roots can fix nitrogen to enrich the soil. Climbing beans outcrop bush beans producing three times the yield, but require extra trellising for support. These fast growing annuals should be direct sown or planted out after all risk of frost. Pick daily for highest yields. Beans are not available to NZ.

Climbing Beans Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

Blue Lake

Lazy Housewife Bean

All year

H 9-19 weeks Y 1-2kg/plant

15cm

Australian Butter Bean S0112

Lazy Housewife Bean S019

Australian Butter Bean A climbing butter bean that ticks all the boxes. The long round beans are golden yellow and have the taste, texture and appearance of having already being daubed with butter. Prolific and producing for months, this one is a real winner.

Our oldest climbing bean dates back to 1802. Described in Burpee’s 1888 Farm Annual as being “broad thick and very fleshy and entirely stringless ... and being peculiarly luscious ... it derived its name which seems discourteous from its immense productiveness”. What more can you say except they suit house-husbands just as well! Yields 1kg per plant. Limited stock.

This bean received an exceptional rating in our taste test. Long fat pods that can be harvested for over 3 months. 9 weeks to harvest. Yields over 1kg per plant.

60 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S017 1000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S017F

Haricot

Just like Champagne, this gourmet bean has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) so it can’t be called by its original name, Haricot Tarbais, unless it is grown in a specified region of France. The Rattle Snake 20 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S0112 plump, creamy white beans are a key ingredient for A deep green bean splashed with purple. Tender, tasty the classic cassoulet and the young beans can be eaten and reliable. 11 weeks to harvest, yields 1.2kg per plant. Purple King fresh and green – but leave plenty on the vine for Ornamental dark pink flowers followed by crisp purple 20 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S020 harvesting, shelling and drying! Soak for 6-8 hours beans. Harvest in 13 weeks. Yields 1.2kg per plant. before cooking. Yields 1.5kg per plant.

50 seeds 800 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S021

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S021F

10 seeds

600 seeds

club members only $3.95

code S019

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S020F

Giant of Stuttgart

This giant from the continent produces a bumper harvest. The stringless beans are long, straight and Includes Blue Lake, Golden Wax Pole and Purple King. lose none of their fleshy tenderness as they continue Harvest in 10 weeks and pick for almost three months. to grow ... and grow, reaching 30cm long! Ready to Why settle for just green beans? Yields 1.2kg per plant. harvest in 10 weeks, yields 1.5kg per plant.

Three Colour Bean Mix

20 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S013

20 seeds

retail $4.95

12 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

code S016

Giant of Stuttgart S016

Three Colour Bean Mix S013

Blue Lake S017

club $3.95

Rattle Snake S020

30 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S0152

Snake Vigna unguiculata — Extraordinarily long thin beans with a flavour similar to asparagus. A variety sought after for Asian cuisine. Harvest in 17 weeks, yields 200 grams per plant, with higher yields in warm climates.

20 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

Snake Bean « yard long » S027

Purple King S021

Haricot S0152

code S027

Runner Beans Phaseolus coccineus Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

N/A

H 15 weeks Y 2kg/plant

15cm

Scarlet Runner Dragons Tongue S010

Baby Bean (Sun Baby) S0101

Stringless Pioneer

Bush Beans Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

Brilliant scarlet-orange flowers. First described in 1750. Tasty pods can be used sliced or enjoyed steamed. The pink seed can be used as a dried winter bean.

15cm

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S024F

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S024

10 seeds

retail $4.95

It’s easy to see why these are always a favourite! Crisp succulent beans are ready to eat in 9 weeks and keep Painted Lady on coming for over 2 months. Yields 500g per plant. Ornamental white and salmon flowers are produced in 50 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S015 abundance, followed by long succulent beans.

All year

H 9 weeks Y 210-536g/plant

10 seeds 400 seeds

70cm

Dragons Tongue

1000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S015F

club $3.95

code S025

Extremely beautiful wide succulent pods of pale lemon Sunset Runner streaked with purple. Delicious as both a fresh or dried Sex Without Strings organic bean. Harvest in 9 weeks. Yields 260g per plant. The description from an old seed catalogue reads Gentle salmon-pink flowers. Limited stock. 20 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S010 “Sensuous and tender, the golden curves of this dwarf 10 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S026 butter wax bean are available to all – with no strings 1000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S010F attached.” Yields 310g per plant.

Baby Bean (Sun Baby)

40 seeds

Italian Romano

50 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S023

Attractive round and stringless beans, just as productive Flageolet Flagrano as they are tasty. Crops continuously from 30cm tall Succulent and sweet seeds can be eaten like fresh peas bushes. Harvest in 10 weeks. Yields 350g per plant. or left to dry for hearty winter soups. Harvest in 9 45 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S0101 weeks. Semi-climber to 1.2m. 500g per plant. retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S018

From Seed Savers’ collection of 2000 beans these are the favourite of farm manager David Cavagnaro. Delicious as a green bean and used dried in casseroles and soups. 9 weeks to harvest. Yields 210g per plant.

45 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S011 1000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S011F

Cooks Dried Bean winter mix

Violet Queen

Prodigious crops of deep purple beans last for over 3 months. An outstanding variety, with ornamental purple flowers. 9 weeks to first harvest. 440g per plant.

65 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S028

Magically beautiful beans to dry for delicious winter dishes. Mix includes Red Kidney, Cherokee Wax, Borlotti and French Flageolet.

40 seeds

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S014

Christmas Lima Bean Phaseolus lunatus — Dating back to the 1840s, this climber has beautiful white seeds splashed with maroon. Use fresh for shelling or as a dry bean – they make a healthy addition to soups and casseroles, with much higher levels of folate and magnesium than other beans. Always soak dried lima beans overnight before cooking. Perennial in warmer climates. Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

All year

H 16 weeks Y 150g/plant

10 seeds

15cm

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S0132

Scarlett Runner S024

Painted Lady S025

Sunset Runner S026

Sex Without Strings S023

Flageolet Flagrano S018

Italian Romano S011

Stringless Pioneer S015

Violet Queen S028 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 13

Beetroot Beta vulgaris

Delectable sweet roots topped by tasty leaves to toss into a salad or cook just like spinach. In five colours just like silverbeet, beetroot prefers a rich soil with well decomposed manure dug in. Drainage is important, as is a pH of 6.5-7.0, so add some lime or dolomite while you’re at it. They also tolerate salty conditions. Thin the seedlings as they can be used in salads. Sep-Feb

Jul-Mar

Beetroot Mini Gourmet S042

Apr-Jul

H 7-20 weeks Y 3kg/metre

10cm

30cm

Beetroot Heirloom Mix S035

Bull’s Blood organic

Beetroot Heirloom Mix

Green, yellow and red ribbed leaves make a colourful Remarkably sweet roots with deep purple leaves. addition to salads, while their roots provide a unique Useful for creating a decorative border, as well as for sweet taste. This heirloom mix includes Chioggia, the table! 90g roots at 8 week harvest. Bull’s Blood, Golden and White Blankoma. 90 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S037

100 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S035 2000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S035F

Mini Gourmet Mini beetroots are great for roasting whole. An early variety that is intensely flavoured. More compact foliage allows closer planting. 40g roots at 8 week harvest.

80 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S042

90 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S039

The most popular of sweet roots for roasting or pickling. 80g roots at 8 week harvest.

120 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S036

Beetroot Burpees Golden S039

Cauliflower Green Macerata S080 14 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Cauliflowers Brassica oleracea Nov-Jun Dec-Apr

Jan-Apr

H 18-25 weeks Y 6-9kg/metre

50cm

20-30cm

Chioggia organic

Concentrically eccentric, this was traditionally grown Mini outside Venice where it has been part of the cuisine Harvest early for pure white compact heads. Can be planted closer at 20cm. since 1583. 60g roots at 8 week harvest.

120 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S033

Cylindra

200 seeds

90 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S081

Green Macerata

A uniform and uniquely elongated beet that is perfect for bottling. Just as sweet to eat as its round Burpees Golden organic companions, and ideal for closer spacing as the roots Exceptionally sweet roots and leaves, ideal for salads grow down instead of swelling out. 50g roots at 8 week and messy eaters as it doesn’t bleed like red varieties. harvest. 60g roots at 8 week harvest.

Globe organic

Beetroot Bull’s Blood S037

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S034

Cauliflowers have similar needs to other brassicas. Add some lime to the soil and maintain moist growing conditions to enjoy the tastiest caulies straight from your garden. Best grown in cooler months to avoid cabbage moth.

Beetroot Cylindra S034

We are always on the lookout for vegetables that look good in the garden as well as on the plate, and this one is a winner on both fronts. With a lime green head that glows in the garden and an earthy pea taste, this cauli deserves a place in any kitchen potager.

45 seeds

club $3.45

code S080

Purple of Sicily An Italian heirloom with brilliant purple heads that shine in the vegetable garden and on the plate. A delight to grow and eat, this cauli is packed with antioxidants.

50 seeds

Beetroot Chioggia S033

Cauliflower Purple of Sicily S079

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S079

Beetroot Globe S036

Cauliflower Mini S081

Broccoli Brassica oleracea Heirloom broccoli and broccoletti have succulent stems, easy-toharvest heads and better yields than pick-all-at-once thick stemmed varieties. This most deserving of crops is nutritious, delicious and loaded with antioxidants. They perform best in cooler weather, below 29°C, which is also the best time to avoid cabbage moth. See page 22 for more varieties.

Broccoli Green Sprouting S045

Broccoli Di Cicco S044

Feb-Sep Mar-Aug Feb-Jun H 8-10 weeks Y 1-1.3kg/plant 40cm

60cm

Broccoli Purple Sprouting S050

De Cicco organic Traditional Italian sprouting broccoli. Harvest the central head first to promote vigorous side shoots for up to 6 months. Taste test winner. Harvest in 9 weeks from transplant. Yields 1.1kg per plant.

280 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S044

Romanesco

Broccoli Waltham S049

Cabbages

Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea — The best yielding leaf crop, our varieties will suit every cuisine and taste. Protect from cabbage moth in summer.

Brassica oleracea — Best in frosty areas. Grow through summer for autumn and winter harvest. Prone to white cabbage butterfly. Remove the leaves, as the sprouts form from the base up, and stake well. These heirloom varieties produce smaller, more delicately flavoured sprouts than those large green bullets you buy in the shops!

Aug-Mar Feb-Sep Apr-Aug H 14-22 weeks Y 1.3-6.8kg/head

30cm

50cm

Beautiful spiralling lime green heads with a wonderful taste and texture. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant. January King This semi-savoy variety wraps itself in shades of turquoise, Heads up to 1kg. pink, blue and green leaves. Prefers a little shade. Heads 100 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S051 of ~6.8kg.

Purple Sprouting

Broccoli Romanesco S051

100 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S058

150 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S059

Oct-Feb

N/A

H 20-25 weeks Y 60-70 sprouts/plant 50cm

80cm

Long Island Improved The ultimate cut-and-come-again vegetable, this Red Drumhead broccoli keeps on producing for months. Delicious, Cropping over a long period, this was the sprout to full of antioxidants and visually spectacular with its Magnificently ornamental and loaded with grow before hybrids took over. wondrous spires of deep purple florets. Harvest in 10 antioxidants. A favourite for edible landscapes. Heads of ~3.3kg. 70 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S056 weeks from transplant, yields 1kg per plant. 300 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S050

Mini

Ruby

Buttons of burgundy-red nutty sprouts with lavenderblue leaves. Sprouts turn an intriguing caviar-black The fastest cabbage to form neat, crisp heads in just 18 An Italian variety, the blue-green head is followed by colour when cooked. weeks. Slow to bolt. Heads of ~1.3kg. 20cm spacing. side shoots for up to 3 months. Harvest 9 weeks from transplant, yields 1.3kg per plant. 60 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S061 70 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S055

Green Sprouting Calabrese organic

190 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S045

Waltham organic

Forms large, nutritious heads. The side shoots can be picked for up to 3 months, with a harvest of over 1kg per plant.

350 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S049

Broccoli is easier to grow than cauliflower and, if you plant the sprouting varieties, they can be harvested continually for up to 3 months.

Cabbage Mini S061

Brussels Sprout Ruby S055

Cabbage January King S058

Cabbage Red Drumhead S059

Brussels Sprout Long Island Improved S056 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 15

Capsicum Capsicum annum

Capsicums need warmer summers to ripen than tomatoes, but they grow similarly (without the need for staking).

sweet

Sep-Nov Aug-Dec Apr-Sep H 11-16 weeks from transplant

peppers

50cm

Mini Sweet Mix S065

All Capsicums start green, with a change of colour reflecting optimum sweetness.

Seven Colour Mix

40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S065

40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S064

Why grow plain green capsicums when you can grow a rainbow of colours! These varieties are the best heirlooms for colour and sweetness Mini Sweet Mix and look great in the garden and the kitchen. Short stocky plants covered in sweet yellow, red Mix includes Sweet Chocolate, Purple Beauty, and chocolate heirloom mini capsicums. Munch White Diamond, Yellow Marconi, Chinese Giant, the jewel-like fruit straight off the bush. Red Cubanelle and Orange Bell.

Seven Colour Mix S064

Purple Beauty

Purple Beauty S0682

Mixed Italian Fryers

Sturdy compact plants are covered in fruit that change The best long sweet Italian varieties including red Jimmy from emerald green to midnight black then ripening to Nardello, green Lombardo and golden Bull’s Horn. a beautiful deep purple. Harvest in the black or purple 50 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S066 phase – depending on your mood! – from 11 weeks after transplant. 18 fruit per plant, 55 gram per fruit. Padron 30 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S0682 A favourite in Spain for tapas, traditionally served sautéed in olive oil and salted. Play a game of Russian roulette with these peppers — 1 in 20 of the green ones Alma Paprika are seriously hot! The heat increases as they turn red so Beloved by Hungarians, this thick fleshed capsicum is harvest them when still green and only about one to great fresh or dried. Grind to make the best paprika. two inches long. 80 fruit per plant, 30 grams per fruit.

45 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S071

Alma Paprika S071

30 seeds

retail $3.95

Padron S0662

Chilli

club $3.45

code S0662

Mixed Italian Fryers S066

Chinese Giant organic Listed in 1902 by Burpee’s Seed Co., these huge sweet bells of emerald ripen to ruby. Harvest in 16 weeks from transplant. 1.3kg per plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S062

Quadrato d’Asti Giallo This Italian sweet pepper is huge and blocky, ripening slowly from green to yellow as it becomes sweeter. Thick, crisp and chunky – the biggest we’ve ever grown at Diggers. 15 fruit per plant, 250 grams per fruit.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S0632

Quadrato d’Asti Giallo S0632

Chinese Giant S062

Hellfire Mix S093

Joe’s Long Cayenne S070

HOT

peppers

Capsicum sp. Life needs spice. Our chillies are rated from 1-5, with 5 being the hottest. Chillies must have warm soil to ripen well and mulching keeps the heat in. Sep-Nov Aug-Dec Apr-Sep H 10-18 weeks from transplant

50cm

Hellfire Mix

If you like heat then this mix of flaming beauties 5 will set your mouth on fire! Our exclusive mix includes the Mexican favourite Jalapeño, knock-yoursocks-off Habanero, fiery Red Cap Mushroom and yellow Fatalii. Worth planting for their ornamental value alone. They make the perfect pot plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S093

16 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Joe’s Long Cayenne organic

Classic long, red chilli, ideal for those who like a 3 bit of heat, but not too much. Mild flavour when the seeds are removed – the heat cranks up a notch if they are left in. We use this show-stopper in our pot displays at events and festivals, then pick the fruit and hang it to dry. Harvest in 15 weeks, yields 1kg per plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S070

Fatalii

A relative of the Habanero with a punchy 5 chilli hit. The flavour is complex, starting off as fruity with a citrus-like tang then progressing gradually to the really hot stuff. Very attractive bright yellow fruit that look great in a pot and in the garden. Yields 500g fruit per plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S0942

Carrots Daucus carota

Atomic Red organic Carrots are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and Atomic Red is the deepest red, non-hybrid variety we have found. Red carrots contain the highest levels of the cancer fighting antioxidant lycopene. Eat one a day to keep the doctor away ...

580 seeds

Plant in well drained, weed free, fine tilth soils. Thin seedlings when young and water evenly to prevent splitting. Harvest young sweet roots in 10 weeks or leave for another 3 weeks to mature. Sep-Feb

Atomic Red S0752

Heirloom Carrot Mix

Feb-Nov

H 8-18 weeks Y 2-3kg/metre2

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S0752

Purple Dragon S073

Jul-Mar

10cm

25cm

Heirloom Mix S074

Lobbericher Yellow

Baby

Exclusive Diggers mix of heirloom colours. Succulent A very old variety with long, crunchy yellow roots, Delicious finger length carrots in 8 weeks or grow to and sweet, these carrots hold their colour when cooked, sought after by chefs and gardeners alike. 20cm in another two months. Good for heavy soils. adding an exciting dimension to meals and salads.

900 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S0743

500 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S074 5500 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S074F

Purple Dragon

800 seeds

7000 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S073F

500 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S072

St Valery

The 3-coloured Afghan carrot from which orange An old 1885 French heirloom with long tapering roots. colours developed, with superior antioxidants and Can be harvested early for baby carrots or left in the Paris Market carotene. A subtle and sweet, yet spicy flavour. ground to reach full length. Small, round roots grow well in pots, shallow soil and heavy clay. Best eaten when young. 850 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S073 500 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S077 retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S075

St Valery S077

Paris Market S075

Lobbericher Yellow S0743

Baby S072

Fatalii S0942

Red Cap Mushroom S0912

Fish S369

Tobago Seasoning S0621

Red Cap Mushroom

An attractive plant that produces gorgeous 4 squash shaped chillies that ripen from lime green to bright red. Fruits over a long period and is aromatic and hot. Perfect for those who want a bit of extra spice in their lives. Can grow as perennial in frost free areas.

40 seeds

7500 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S077F

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S0912

Fish

A stunning variegated chilli as productive as it 4 is ornamental. The variegated leaves stand out in the vegie garden, with colourful fruit to match. An heirloom from the 19th century, Fish was commonly used in Creole seafood dishes and is one of the best chillies for making salsa. Harvest 10 weeks from transplant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S369

Tobago Seasoning

Another beautiful chilli that looks stunning in 3 a pot. Collected from a market in Tobago, this is a medium strength chilli that provides some warmth to the palate without blowing your head off ! In the kitchen, use this chilli to season meat dishes that are cooked on the BBQ.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S0621

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 17

Cucumbers Cucumis sativus The fastest and easiest of vegetables to grow, traditionally a sprawling vine, they can also be grown up a teepee or trellis. Cucumbers need a rich soil that does not dry out and has a pH above 6.5. Choose a well ventilated and sunny spot. Pick regularly as soon as they are an edible size to encourage flowers and fruit for 2 months. Cucumbers are divided into regular and burpless varieties. The burpless cucumbers don’t need peeling, ideal for gardeners who want to maximise their antioxidant intake. All but Spacemaster are burpless, which also means that you will only taste them once! late Oct-Dec late Sep-Jan

Sweet and Striped S101

Parisian Pickling S1051

Mini White S099

Spacemaster S102

Jul-Oct

H 7-9 weeks Y 30-40 fruit/plant

Vine to 1m

70cm

Spacemaster (Bush) organic

Sweet and Striped

A compact 60cm vine that won’t overrun your garden. Our sweetest cucumber that can grow to 1 metre long. Produces deep green 20cm fruits ideal for slicing, but Elegantly curled, ribbed and striped. Yields roughly is our only variety that isn’t burp-free. Yields roughly 12 fruit per plant. 30 fruit per plant. 50 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S101

55 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S102

Parisian Pickling The best known pickling variety in the 1890s that can be eaten fresh or used for gherkins. 50-60 days for pickling, the French describe as Cornichons. 70-80 days for eating fresh.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S1051

Mini White organic The Seed Savers Exchange in the US have over 250 cucumbers in their collection and Mini White is one of the most popular. Grow it for yourself and see why. Eat fresh or pickle the 10cm long fruit. Best picked when young. Yields 35 fruit per plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S099

Japanese Climbing Produces early, fine flavoured fruits for fresh eating or pickling. The long burpless cucumbers are prolific – the more you pick, the more it will produce! 28 fruit per plant. Available from August 2013.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S097

Little Potato Little Potato has a texture of aged alabaster, the colour of pomme de terre and a zesty lemon burpless flesh. We think this is the gourmet cucumber par excellence. Harvest in 12 weeks. Yields 3kg per plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S088

Celery / Celeriac

Planting Celery

Apium graveolens var. dulce — Celery and celeriac have shallow root systems that dry out. They need constant moisture and a thick layer of mulch.

Plant Celery seedlings in blocks for the best result. Selfblanching types such as Dorato d’ Asti are less work, as other varieties are best when the stems are wrapped in cardboard a few weeks before harvest.

Aug-Dec

Jul-Nov

Jan-Jun

H 21-24 weeks Y 3 bunches/metre

50cm 20cm

Celery Stringless S090

Stringless organic A stringless strain with nutty flavoured 40cm stems ribbed light green. Feed and water well for the most succulent stems.

700 seeds Celeriac Verona S0911

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S090

Dorato d’ Asti Easier to grow than other varieties, remaining crisp and juicy without the need for blanching. Snap off the limegreen stems from summer to winter. Harvest in 15 weeks. Yields 1.1kg per plant.

600 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S0892

Celeriac Verona

Celery Dorato d’ Asti S0892 18 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

It may not be the prettiest vegie in the patch but it is one of the most versatile! Grow this close relative of celery for its knobbly swollen roots that can be used in soups, salads or gratins. Seeds can take a long time to germinate.

700 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S0911

Safe Seed Pledge

Seeds are the basis on which our lives depend. We will promote their diversity and free availability, and fight all attempts to own or destroy our garden inheritance of open pollinated heirloom seeds. We oppose genetically engineered and hybrid seeds that promote the use of chemicals.

Japanese Climbing S097

Double Yield S0961

Little Potato S088

Mexican Sour Gherkin S103

Lebanese Mini Muncher S104

Armenian « yard long » S096

Lemon S105

Double Yield organic

Lebanese Mini Muncher organic

Well named, this was the highest yielder in our summer trials with a whopping 17kg per plant! The growth is compact and the fruit just keep on coming. Best picked when young.

No need to peel this classic Mediterranean smooth A prolific bearer of tangy fruit that never turn bitter like skin variety. Perfect for salads, pickling or combining Crystal Apple does. Yields roughly 43 fruit per plant. with yoghurt for a traditional tzatziki. Yields 40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S105 ~43 fruit per plant.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S0961

55 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S104

Mexican Sour Gherkin

Armenian

This heirloom micro-sized climbing cucumber tastes both sweet and sour, just like a gherkin without the work! Prolific fruiting and a first rate screening plant. May self seed. Not for WA/NZ.

Cucumis melo — Pale burpless fruit with a refreshing flavour. Drier flesh stores up to one month. Kids boast its yard long size but best picked when about 30cm in length. Sets fruit well in hot climates. ~7kg per plant.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S103

50 seeds

retail $3.95

Pat Mooney

David Cavagnaro “A world that protects cultural diversity will inevitably protect biological diversity.”

club $2.95

code S096

Lemon organic

We take our Seeds for granted.

After all, 95% of the food we eat is grown for us on huge farms, thousands of miles away, in a single sowing that we call mono-culture. We have disconnected from our food – in fact, no other animal that has still survives! Clive Blazey

Who wants GM seeds?

“The Terminator is a group of genes that can be spliced into any crop plant, sterilising all of the plant’s seeds, the resulting suicide seeds cannot be replanted, forcing farmers who used to collect their own seeds back to the company. In the United Nations it is being debated as ‘Terminator Technology’. Even the Green Revolution institutes, which Dr. Vandana Shiva have never been very friendly to these issues, are calling the Terminator Technology anti-farmer and anti-agriculture. “Control over seed is the first link in the food This is technology that offers absolutely no agronomic chain because seed is the source of life. When benefit to farmers – all it does is stop them from being seed a corporation controls seed, it controls life, savers. That’s all it does. And it guarantees that the company especially the life of farmers.” will control the farmers. “Through patents on seed, Monsanto has become There are 1.4 billion human beings on this planet who the “Life Lord” of our planet, collecting rents for depend for their food on the ability of farmers to save seed. life’s renewal from farmers, the original breeders.” Those farmers save their seed – not just to replant it, but to breed from it – to develop new varieties from it, because “Patents on seed are illegitimate because putting they know no-one is breeding seeds for them. It comes a toxic gene into a plant cell is not creating or down to control of technology.” Photo by Wolfgang Schmidt inventing a plant. These are seeds of deception.”

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 19

Corn Zea mays Growing your own is the only way to experience the true taste of sweet corn. Most gardeners want to grow supersweet corn with their higher sugar levels than heirlooms and less critical harvest time. The massive yield increases in modern corn came from closer planting and a huge increase in fertiliser use. Cob size and the number of cobs per plant have hardly changed. Corn needs rich soil and ample water. Sow in blocks of a minimum 16 plants to assist cob setting. • F1 – Hybrid corn (seed may be fungicide treated). • SE – Sugar enhanced • OP – Open pollinated (heirloom) Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

1.5-2m

All year

H 11-14 weeks Y 2-3 cobs/plant

20cm

Painted Mountain (OP) S119

Golden Bantam organic

Open Pollinated (OP) Open pollinated, traditional real sweet corn flavour. Sugars convert to starch rapidly so it is vital to eat within hours of picking.

Painted Mountain Saved from extinction by Montana farmer, Dave Christensen, this ancient corn was once widely cultivated by native American Indians. Painted Mountain is very cold hardy and is known in the US as the “corn that grows where no other corn grows”. It can be roasted, ground for flour or dried for popping. Otherwise it can be grown purely to enjoy the rich tapestry of colours found in every cob. Not for TAS/WA/NT.

30 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S119

True Gold Traditional, open pollinated corn is getting harder to find as sweeter hybrids become more popular. Don’t be deterred – this is corn as it should be – crisp, buttery and true corn flavour. Not for TAS/WA/NZ/NT.

35 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S110

True Gold (OP) S110

Golden Bantam (OP) S113

This is the ‘corniest’ of sweet corn with true flavour. Rich yellow cobs on 1.5m stalks. Heirloom favourite since 1902. Non-hybrid. Not for TAS/WA/NT.

35 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S113

Dwarf (F1) Our most cold tolerant sweet corn and one of the earliest to fruit. The dwarf cobs have higher sugars and tenderness and can be eaten raw. 1.5m tall (SE).

50 seeds

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S111

Baby Corn/Popcorn (F1) For Baby Corn, harvest continuously before the silks appear and grow up to 6 cobs per plant. Fresh Baby Corn is the most delicate of delicacies and makes sophisticated stir-fries. Never put up with the tinned variety again! For Popcorn, simply leave the cobs on the plant to mature, then dry the kernels.

50 seeds

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S106

White (F1) S109

Breakthrough (F1) S108

Supersweet Hybrids (F1) With the highest sugar levels and a long storage life, full sweetness is maintained up to 10 days after picking. Will not produce supersweet flavour if they cross pollinate, so isolate by sowing 10 days later. Require more water to germinate than SE or OP varieties.

Honey and Cream So sweet it doesn’t need cooking, with plump yellow and white kernels. 11 weeks to harvest.

50 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S114

Breakthrough Twice as sweet as ordinary corn and keeps its flavour for up to 10 days.

50 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S108

White The shiny white kernels are super sweet and so rich they taste like they are already buttered. Plump yellow and white kernels like this cannot be found in the shops.

50 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S109

Baby Corn/Popcorn (F1) S106

Blocks, not Rows!

Honey and Cream (F1) S114 20 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Dwarf (F1) S111

Think inside the square when you are planting corn. Corn plants do best planted in blocks rather than rows because they are wind pollinated. This gives the pollen from the male flowers more of a chance to pollinate the female flowers. Poor pollination will result in less kernels.

Eggplants Solanum melongena Eggplants, or aubergines, require more heat than tomatoes but similar conditions and, being slow growing, require a long, hot growing season. They thrive in hot humid weather. In hot, frost-free areas eggplants can be treated as perennials, producing fruit for a few seasons. For maximum yield, pick the fruit as soon as it is ripe – when the skin is easily indented when light pressure is applied. Sep-Nov Aug-Dec Mar-Aug

Eggplant Listada di Gandia S1171

H 9-15 weeks Y 2-5kg/plant

Heirloom Eggplant Mix S116

Heirloom Eggplant Mix

Casper

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S083

This early maturing, delicately striped eggplant is yet another classic example of a fine Italian heirloom. The Long Purple organic 15-20cm fruit have fine flesh and almost seedless fruit. Purple oval fruit to 20cm long. This heirloom fruits Yields 3.6kg per plant. almost 3 weeks before the industry standard hybrid. 10 40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1171 weeks to harvest. Yield 3.5kg per plant.

550 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S1171F

Eggplant Long Purple S115

40-70cm

Slim Jim

A kaleidoscope of eggplants never seen in supermarkets. Shouldn’t all eggplants be white? Delightfully sweet Plump Rosa Bianca, Violetta di Firenze, Slim Jim and smokey flavour when grilled or roasted. Very compact, Listada di Gandia. at just 40cm in height, and high yielding – perfect 40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S116 for small gardens. Yields roughly 9 fruit per plant. Harvest 9 weeks from transplant.

Listada di Gandia organic

50cm

100 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

Eggplant Slim Jim S118

code S115

Rich purple cocktail-sized fruits and ornamental purple leaves ready to pick 13 weeks from transplant. Slice and grill on the BBQ or dice up for a delicious ratatouille. Yields 2.4kg per plant.

40 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S118

Rosa Bianca organic One of our most beautiful eggplants, this Italian heirloom is popular with chefs and heirloom vegetable connoisseurs alike! Plump round white fruit blushed with rosy pink. Rotund and sumptuous!

40 seeds

Eggplant Casper S083

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S1152

Eggplant Rosa Bianca S1152

Kale Brassica oleracea — Kale has one of the highest levels of antioxidants, is extremely decorative and more tolerant of heat and drought than other brassicas. Grow through cooler months to avoid cabbage moths. All year

Feb-Jun

Mar-Jul

H 7-15 weeks Y 2-5kg/plant

Foeniculum vulgare dulce — A versatile ornamental vegetable with edible leaves, seeds and swollen base. The refreshing mild anise flavour is perfect in salads or served with seafood. Grows best in the cooler months. Yields 650g per bulb. Not for TAS/NZ. Jan-Oct

Feb-Aug

H 12 weeks Y 5 bulbs/metre

180 seeds

60-80cm

Tuscan Kale (Cavolo Nero) S121

Tuscan Kale (Cavolo Nero)

Florence Fennel

Feb-Sep

30cm

20cm

40cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S313

An outstanding winter foliage plant, this classic Italian kale has slate grey leaves and is very high in antioxidants. Fantastic in soups and casseroles. Harvest in 8 weeks.

120 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S121

Red Russian organic An excellent vegetable for the cold months. The reddish grey foliage and purple stems are delicious steamed or in hearty winter soups.

120 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S122

Kale Red Russian S122 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 21

Garden greens

Baby Broccoli Happy Rich (F1) Brassica rapa — Harvest the stems, flowers and leaves for use in stir-fries or steam as broccoli. Prolong the harvest by picking before the flower buds open. Yields 780g per plant.

Picked straight from your garden these greens make the healthiest and tastiest stir-fries. Grow in a well-manured soil and provide regular water. Some of the quickest crops to grow from seed.

All year

H 8 weeks Y 750g/plant

Tokyo Bekana

150 seeds

Brassica rapa — A superb addition to any winter garden, with stunning bright green leaves that can be picked again and again. The delicate texture and mild mustard flavour show no sign of bitterness, so you can eat it raw as well as in a stir-fry. Best eaten straight off the plant, so you will never find this one in the shops. All year

All year

30cm

40cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S164

Pak Choy Brassica rapa Jul-Mar

All year

H 8 weeks Y 110g/plant

20cm

Thick, curved succulent leaves are a must for stir-fries and Asian soups. Grow quickly in a rich, moist soil to harvest in about 8 weeks. Yields 110g per plant.

150 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S161

Pay Choy Red (F1)

Beautifully contrasted crisp white stems and striking deep red leaves which are rich in antioxidants. Great in salads or Asian dishes. Available from August 2013.

180 seeds

Broccoli Raab Sessantina Grossa Brassica rapa — This Italian style broccoli is eaten leaves, stem and all, either fresh or steamed. Beloved by the Italians for its earthy, mustard flavour and popular for its continuous harvest, it grows well over the cool months. Unlike other raabs, this produces larger broccoli-like buds.

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S1610

22 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

30cm

50cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S052

Brassica narinosa — Tatsoi or Chinese Flat Cabbage has deep green spoon-shaped leaves with a rich flavour. Eaten young in salads or steamed when older. Harvest continually from 6 weeks. All year

All year

H continually from 6 weeks

200 seeds

20cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S215

Tokyo Bekana S164

Tatsoi S215

Mar-Aug Feb-Jun

H 7 weeks Y 375g/plant

180 seeds

40cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S296

Kailaan Brassica oleracea — Long, succulent stems topped with compact broccoli heads that open to white flowers. All parts, even the leaves, are good eating. The taste is sweet to start, then the mustard flavour comes through. Excellent steamed, in stir-fries and in laksas. Can be planted close together as its upright narrow habit grows well en masse. Aug-Oct

Tatsoi

Pak Choy S161

Pak Choy Red (F1) S1610

Mar-Aug Feb-Jun

H 8 weeks Y 780g/plant

300 seeds

Pak Choy

30cm

Brassica juncea — A larger, leafier version of Tatsoi, Yukina has a more robust, upright habit producing big crinkled leaves. Withstands both warm and cool conditions. Used in stir-fries and steamed.

Baby Broccoli Happy Rich (F1) S043

All year 10cm

20cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S043

Yukina

All year

H continually from 6 weeks

240 seeds

Mar-Aug Feb-Jun

Jul-Sep

All year

H 9 weeks Y 930g/plant

40cm

60cm

150 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S2972 Sowing Seeds of Greens every 2-3 weeks will ensure you can harvest them year round. Protect seedlings from snails and feed regularly with liquid fertiliser to encourage growth.

Broccoli Raab Sessantina Grossa S052

Kailaan S2972

Yukina S296

French Sorrel Large Leaf S336

Watercress S326

Vitamin Green S297

Mini Wongbok S060

Mizuna / Mustard

Mini Wongbok

Vitamin Green

Brassica rapa

Brassica pekinensis — A baby Chinese cabbage with crisp, almost white heads to use in Asian salads, stir-fries or pickled for kimchi. Best grown with plenty of water and in a rich soil for optimal results. Be sure to keep the slugs and snails away, as they like it as much as we do! Quicker to harvest than other cabbages.

Brassica rapa — Velvety dark green leaves and crisp white stems taste so fresh, they must be good for you! Leaves can be harvested again and again without compromising the flavour. Tolerant of both cool and hot conditions.

All year

H continually from 4-8 weeks

30cm

40-60cm

Mizuna Red and Lime Streaks This vibrant two-tone mix has delicate feathery limegreen and deep-red leaves that add a spicy tang to garden salads. Sow frequently to keep up a supply of young leaves with a distinct mustard taste. Pick in just 4 weeks.

500 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S143

Mustard Mizuna organic Mild in flavour, with just a hint of pepper. Vigorous and ready to pick in just 6 weeks. Yields roughly 500g per plant.

400 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S146

Mustard Ruby Streaks

500 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S138

Mustard Giant Red organic For those that like it hot! The huge bronze-green leaves with striking white midribs add structure to the vegetable garden. A first rate, quick growing ornamental. Spice up stir-fries or flavour sandwiches – whatever you do it is sure to add a zing. Harvest when young for salads, as it gets hotter with age.

300 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

Mustard Giant Red S148

H 11 weeks

50 seeds

code S148

20cm

Nasturtium officinalis — With one of the highest antioxidant levels of any vegetable, Watercress has a mild peppery flavour. It grows easily in soil or by water. Jun-Dec May-Dec May-Aug 30cm

20cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S326

French Sorrel Large Leaf Rumex acetosa — Slightly tangy lemon flavor adds zest to salads, and is especially good with fish and to make French sorrel soup. Use leaves in lamb and beef stews. Long wavy light-green leaves and greenish yellow to red flowers in mid-summer. Feb-Sep Feb-Aug H 11 weeks

200 seeds

Apr-Jul

30cm

40cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S336

Mustard Ruby Streaks S138

25cm

40cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S297

THE ANTIOXIDANT TABLE

Recommended daily intake of 3500 Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) units

Watercress

400 seeds

150 seeds

40cm

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S060

Mar-Aug Feb-Jun

H continually from 7 weeks

Feb-May Feb-May Mar-May

H 5 weeks

Dark maroon leaves streaked with flashy green stems make this sweet mustard a striking garden highlight as well as salad addition. Harvest baby leaves from 21 days, reaching full maturity in under 6 weeks.

All year

ORAC

Fruits and Vegetables

units per 100g

Blueberry

2400

Blackberry

2036

Cranberry

1750

Strawberry (16 fruits)

1220

Raspberry

1220

Asparagus (6 spears)

1200

Watercress

2200

Garlic

1939

Kale

1700

Brussels Sprouts

980

Alfalfa

930

Broccoli

890

Beetroot

840

Mustard Mizuna S146

Mizuna Red and Lime Streaks S143 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 23

Lettuce Lactuca sativa Use these colourful and decorative leaves instead of bedding plants and grow a display you can eat! These lettuce selections, alongside pansies and violas, are regular features in our vegetable parterre at Heronswood and on diner’s plates in our Fork to Fork restaurant. Best grown in cooler weather to minimise bolting to flower. Choose slow bolting head lettuce for summer. Quick growing mini varieties are useful to plant with slower growing vegetables like broccoli or cabbages. Or plant them beneath pea teepees – the lettuce will mature and be harvested before the peas grow up the teepee and block out the light.

Loose Leaf Lettuce With softer leaves that soak up salad dressing, Loose Leaf Lettuce varieties offer a wonderful diversity of colour and have a longer harvest period than other lettuces. When 5 to 6 leaves appear, you can start picking the outer leaves, then just keep going as needed.

Tennis Ball organic

All year

H 5-11 weeks

Mar-Aug 20-30cm

20cm

Heirloom Lettuce Mix

Heirloom Lettuce Mix S137

Amish Deer Tongue

A splendid mix of colour and flavour. Includes Tango, Amazing two-in-one lettuce that can be cooked like Rouge d’Hiver, Freckles, Tennis Ball and Red Leprechaun. spinach or used like lettuce, so you have a hot or cold 190 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S137 vegetable to suit the season! Repeat harvest makes it a highly productive choice for space saving gardens. Harvest from 5 weeks. Royal Oakleaf organic First listed in 1771, the thick sweet midribs withstand the heat better than any other loose leaf lettuce.

250 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S141 2500 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S141F

350 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S134

Italian Lollo Mix

The ruffled leaves of these varieties make a spectacular One of our best butterhead lettuces, made even more salad of lime green, pink and red. endearing when we discovered it was also one of Thomas Jefferson’s favourites! A true heirloom with soft pale Freckles Bunte organic 350 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S135 green leaves forming small loose heads. The best type for The light texture of butter lettuces are a popular choice dressing or braising for warm winter salads. for gardeners and chefs alike. The most beautifully Sow Often 250 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1321 patterned butter lettuce we know.

Goldrush organic The curled and crinkled foliage adds a unique look and texture to salads, but the reason we really love Goldrush is because it doesn’t bolt to seed as quickly as other varieties, so there is more time to enjoy it!

190 seeds

club members only $3.45 code S131

Amish Deer Tongue « two in one » S134

Goldrush S131 24 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

300 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S130

Red Velvet One of the most ornamental loose leaf varieties with rich velvety maroon leaves. A favourite in our parterre garden at Heronswood where we grow it for contrast alongside bright green varieties such as Goldrush.

200 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

Red Velvet S144

code S144

Royal Oakleaf S141

Freckles Bunte S130

The best tasting lettuce is grown fast. Lettuce loves plenty of nitrogen, so plant in beds that have just grown beans or peas and prepare the soil with plenty of compost and well rotted manure. Be sure to sow lettuce seed every couple of weeks so you can pick succulent leaves year round!

Italian Lollo Mix S135

Tennis Ball S1321

Mesclun Provencal Mix A superb, spicy mix of Roquette, Oakleaf Lettuce, Endive, Mache and Chervil.

800 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S269

Cos Lettuce The choice for Caesar salads with long, crisply ribbed leaves that thrive in both winter and spring and store well. Harvest all at once or pick as needed.

Mesclun Provencal Mix S269

Baby Cos S127

Rouge d’Hiver Cos S142

Crispmint Cos S1271

Great Lakes Head S132

Red Iceberg Head S136

Baby Cos organic No Caesar salad would be right without Cos lettuce! This sweet and crunchy baby variety is ideal for saving space in the vegie garden and is also suitable for pots.

250 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S127

Crispmint

An outstanding variety with excellent flavour and crisp, minty green leaves. Seed Savers in the US have over 200 varieties of lettuce and rate this as one of their best.

150 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S1271

Rouge d’Hiver organic Known in France as Red of Winter due to the elegant deep brown-red leaves that blend to green near the heart. A great performer over winter but also proven as reliable in our summer trials. Harvest in 6 weeks.

200 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S142

Head Lettuce The best lettuce for hot weather. Less flavour but more crunch than Leaf or Cos and the longest shelf life.

Great Lakes Crunchy green ball of leaf, slow to go to seed in summer.

200 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S132

Red Iceberg Forms a dense head of crisp, crunchy red leaves in just one month from transplanting.

400 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S136

Roquette Pronto Eruca sativa — Roquette, Arugula or just plain Rocket, this popular salad green is so easy to grow – it pretty much looks after itself. Ready to eat in just 3 weeks, it is one of the quickest to grow as well. Roquette Pronto has large soft leaves and is less sharp and peppery than regular Arugula. All year

All year

H 3-30 weeks

300 seeds

All year 20cm

20-40cm

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S007

Lime green and red lettuce add ornamental highlights to Heronswood’s vegetable parterre Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 25

Microgreens

Shoots ‘n’ Sprouts

It is not just top chefs that have discovered the delicate flavours of microgreens. Home gardeners have also begun adding a special gourmet touch to dishes and you don’t even need a garden to grow them! We sow our microgreens in punnets and seed trays. Once they have germinated and grown a good cover of baby leaves – this takes about 4 weeks – the trays are brought into the kitchen and the microgreens are snipped as needed. It is best to sow microgreens every few weeks to ensure a continuous supply.

Winter Mix A great alternative to lettuce for fresh eating over the cooler months. This mix contains Red Russian Kale, Tatsoi, frilly Endive, and deep red Beetroot. They combine to produce an earthy, warming sensation. Use as a stand alone vegetable dish, or as a garnish to winter soups or stews.

4000 seeds

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S391

Baby Leaf Gourmet Mix Tatsoi, Mizuna, Roquette, Beetroot and Red and Green Leaf Lettuce — a beautiful sweet delicate mix of different textures, colours and flavours that balance superbly when cut as baby leaves.

4700 seeds

A collection of sprouts and shoots to add to sandwiches and salads. Sprouts are highly nutritious and are ready to eat in a matter of days. Includes Mung Beans, Alfalfa, Broccoli and Pea Shoots. An easy and rewarding way to healthy eating. Not for WA/TAS. retail $15.00 club $10.50 code S274

Complete Sprouts Kit This kit has everything you need to get your sprouts going. We’ve combined the nutritious Shoots ‘n’ Sprouts collection with the Glass Sprouting Jar which provides the optimum growing conditions for perfect sprouts. The Sprouting Jar comes with instructions on how to grow all kinds of sprouts. Not for WA/TAS. retail $40.00 club $29.95 code HSPTC

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S373

Glass Sprouter

Baby Leaf Provencal Mix

Avoid slimy sprouts for good! This glass sprouting jar is the perfect kitchen utensil to ensure your sprouts germinate evenly and develop in the ideal conditions. With drainage holes in the lid, a sturdy stand and detailed instructions on how to start off all kinds of sprouts, this is a must for any health buff. Once your sprouts are ready, simply rinse and eat straight away or store them in the fridge!

Chervil, Endive, Roquette and Oakleaf Lettuce — hints of pepper and aniseed and the bitter sweet combination of baby lettuce and endive. The complexity of flavours is reminiscent of Provence.

13000 seeds

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S374

Sunflower organic Not only are they high in vitamins A, B, C and E, they are seriously delicious. The soft textured leaves are full of flavour and can be added to salads, sandwiches, stirfries and soups.

700 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

retail $26.50 club $21.20 code HSPT

code S394

Sunflower S394

Winter Mix S391 26 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Baby Leaf Gourmet Mix S373

Baby Leaf Provencal Mix S374

Sprouts Sprouts are the super foods of the vegetable world! Full of essential vitamins, they are ready to eat in just 7 days and deserve a place on every window sill. Keep in a glass jar and rinse twice daily for a week.

Spicy Sprout Mix S370

Healthy Sprout Mix S371

Spicy Sprout Mix organic

Broccoli Green Sprouting Seed organic

7200 seeds

Mung Bean Shoots organic

Radish and mustard to stimulate the taste buds and An all-time favourite, well known for its very high clear the sinuses. Broccoli sprouts tone down the heat. nutritional value. High in vitamins, minerals and essential trace elements. 1500 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S046 retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S370

Healthy Sprout Mix

A popular sprout, full of B complex vitamins and other This mix of Mung Bean, Broccoli, Radish and Alfalfa is essential elements. Not for TAS. a fantastic source of vitamins B, C, A and D as well as 500 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S149 many minerals and amino-acids. An all round tonic for good health and wellbeing. Not for WA/TAS. Fenugreek organic 1700 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S371 A robust crunchy and aromatic sprout displaying hints of a sweet curry flavour. Used since ancient times as Radish Sprouts organic a medicinal herb, Fenugreek is ideal for cleansing the Crisp and quick to grow, the zesty radish flavour really system of all kinds of ailments spices up salads and sandwiches. Rich in vitamins, 1500 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S340 minerals and antioxidants, they also stimulate the immune system and aid digestion. Pea Shoots

3500 seeds

Broccoli Green Sprouting Seed S046

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S377

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up a dish then pea shoots are for you! Add them to stir-fries or try them Alfalfa Sprouts tossed with mint and topped on your favourite summer Packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, salad. You’ll be doing your health a favour too – they’re packed full of vitamin A, C and folic acid. Not for TAS. alfalfa sprouts are a traditional super food.

22000 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S301

Fenugreek S340

200 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

Alfalfa Sprouts S301

Pea Shoots S163

code S163

Mung Bean Shoots S149

Radish Sprouts S377

Sprouting times for some common seeds Variety

Nutrients

Health benefits

Days to harvest

Radish

Vitamins A, B and C, iron, potassium, calcium.

Lowers cholesterol, regulates blood pressure, digestive support

5 to 7

Fenugreek

Vitamins A, D and B. Rich in iron and phosphorus.

Reduces cholesterol absorption, improves digestion and bad breath

5 to 7

Mung Beans

B group vitamins, protein, iron, zinc, magnesium.

Boosts immune system, increases metabolism, lower the risk of heart disease

7 to 10

Broccoli

Calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A, B C, E and K.

Reduces the risk of cancer, lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, combats anaemia

7 to 10

Alfalfa

Vitamins A, B, C and D, iron, magnesium, amino acids.

Reduces risk of cancer and heart disease, boosts immune system, lowers cholesterol

7 to 10

Green Peas

Vitamins A and C, folic acid.

Steadies blood sugar and energy levels, assists in weight loss

7 to 10

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 27

Melons When you try our heirloom melons it will cause drooling followed by extraordinary contempt for rock-hard melons shipped from up to 5000kms away. We have grown these heirlooms to full size in our trial gardens at Heronswood, picking them from February to April. Melons need plenty of heat to fully ripen and grow best in deep sandy loam that has been enriched with compost or well rotted manure. With an estimated 90% of heirloom melons now lost from cultivation, help ensure the survival of these treasures by growing them in your garden. late Oct-Dec Sep-Dec

Apr-Jul

H 10-20 weeks Y 5-15kg/metre

Watermelon Citrullus lanatus — Grow these melons as far south as Melbourne, planting in deep, fertile, warm soil.

Blacktail Mountain organic The most cold tolerant of watermelons and, as the name suggests, this is the one for cooler mountain climates. Yields glassy dark, cannon ball-like 5kg fruit with sweet, succulent red flesh. The colour contrast of rich red flesh and near-black skin is picture perfect. 15 weeks to harvest. 4 fruit per plant, 5kg per fruit.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S249

Sugar Baby

Trailing vine

Cream of Saskatchewan S250

Cream of Saskatchewan

Golden Midget

Bite into this juicy, champagne coloured flesh and you’ll never want to try another melon! It is so sweet and early, its skin splits and it will never reach the market. It is just for you and your family. 10 weeks to harvest. 4 fruit per plant, 4.5kg per fruit.

A thing of real beauty with the rind turning a rich golden yellow when the sweet red flesh is ripe. Cut one of these open and marvel at one of nature’s gifts, and that is before you even take your first bite. 14 weeks to harvest. 7 fruit per plant, 2.5kg per fruit.

25 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S250

“If you like Watermelon, then you will love ‘Cream of Saskatchewan’. A gourmet’s delight. Despite lots of rain and humidity here in Queensland, I’ve had a great crop, so quite easy to grow. Thanks to Diggers for making these seeds available. Out of this world!” Bill M.

24 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S280

35 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S248

Mountain Sweet Yellow Our largest with elongated fruit and yellow flesh. Refreshingly sweet honey flavour. One of the most productive and tasty watermelons. 14 weeks to harvest. 3 fruit per plant, 8kg per fruit.

25 seeds

This 1950s ice box sized heirloom produces an abundant crop of sweet, red fleshed melons. Has a compact growth habit that won’t take over your garden. Harvest in just 10 weeks – making it our earliest yet. Sweet Siberian The tough outer skin resists cracking and its compact Harvest in just 10 weeks. Our earliest to fruit is sweet and 15cm fruit fits perfectly in the fridge. 4 fruit per plant, fragrant with juicy orange flesh. Good for cooler climates. 3kg per fruit. 5 fruit per plant, 4kg per fruit.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

code S252

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S2510

Cool Melons Some Melons can ripen in cold climates in only 10-12 weeks! Choose from heirlooms like Sweet Siberian, Golden Midget or Blacktail Mountain.

Moon and Stars organic “The Moon and Stars watermelon is the poster child of the heirloom seed movement. Its buttery moons and constellations of stars are awe-inspiring. Unique among watermelons, both foliage and fruit are bedecked with heavenly bodies”, writes melon guru Amy Goldman. But Moon and Stars almost slipped into a black hole until Kent Whealy of Seed Savers Exchange rescued this treasure from extinction. Thick skin enables storage throughout winter. Harvest from 14 weeks. Yields 3-4 fruit (25kg) per plant. Sugar Baby S280

Blacktail Mountain S249 28 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

35 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2511

Golden Midget S248

Sweet Siberian S252

Mountain Sweet Yellow S2510

Rockmelon

Heirloom Melon

Cucumis melo — Our heirloom Rockmelons are sweet and juicy! These luscious, fragrant melons need full sun and heat to fruit. Plant as advanced seedlings in areas with less than 17 weeks above 15°C (most of the Cool Zone). Like pumpkins, they are best sown on mounds about 1 metre apart. In the Warm and Hot Zones, sow 3-4 seeds where you want one plant, to ensure you get at least that. Excess seedlings can be pinched out. When ripe, the melons will change colour and the skin will depress easily, but not break.

Whet your appetite with our best selection of delicious heirloom melons! Collection consists of watermelons Cream of Saskatchewan and Moon and Stars plus rockmelons Ananas, Prescott Fond Blanc and Delice de la Table. 5 packets of seed.

Sweet Granite organic

retail $19.95 club $12.95 code S408

This is the best rockmelon to grow in areas with cool summers. It is highly productive over a short period of time, producing masses of fruit on compact vines. A classic rockmelon with sweet orange flesh that kids are familiar with and are sure to love. Harvest in 12 weeks. 12 fruit per plant and 600g per fruit.

50 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S2011

French Charentais As delicately scented as the finest wine. “It’s the one the French adore above all others” says melon guru Amy Goldman. Harvest in 15 weeks. 18 fruit per plant and 500g per fruit.

70 seeds 350 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S204

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S204F

300 seeds

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S202F

French Charentais S204

Prescott Fond Blanc organic

Sweet Granite S2011

Melons of the World Mix

A French heirloom with delectable, dense, fragrant The sweetest and most aromatic mix of melons flesh concealed by the deeply furrowed and bumpy including Yellow Canary, Banana and Ananas. Ananas skin that gives this beauty an antique look. Harvest in 50 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S207 A wonderfully sweet and fragrant heirloom melon 14 weeks. 8 fruit per plant, 1.5kg per fruit. reminiscent of the taste of pineapple. A staff favourite that provides excellent yields over a long period. Harvest 30 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S203 Eden’s Gem organic from 16 weeks. 8 fruit per plant, 1.25kg per fruit. Sweet and refreshing, this cool climate variety produces Ha-ogen Melon (Compact Bush) 35 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S197 The shiny smooth yellow skin is subtly striped with 17 fruit per plant in less than 14 weeks! 450g per fruit. tinges of green hinting at the sweet green flesh within. 30 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S199 Minnesota Mini Melon organic Regularly rating 90-100% in taste tests, its origins are This space saver is the earliest to fruit with sweet, rich most likely from the rich melon growing traditions of Delice de la Table flesh. A compact and prolific one metre vine holds up Hungary. A very prolific melon with up to 14 fruits A rare French heirloom that was first listed in 1885. to 18 fruit per plant, at 550g per fruit. Harvest from borne on a single compact vine. Harvest in 14 weeks, Mouth watering sweetness, beautifully ribbed skin and 14 weeks. 900g per fruit. pale orange flesh that rated tops on our 2009 taste test. 30 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S202 25 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S206 Harvest in 17 weeks. 5 fruit per plant, 1.6kg per fruit.

Minnesota Mini Melon « space saver » S202

Eden’s Gem S199

240 seeds

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S206F

30 seeds

Ha-ogen Melon « compact bush » S206

Melons of the World Mix S207

Prescott Fond Blanc S203

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S205

Delice de la Table S205

Ananas S197 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 29

Onions Allium cepa

Early Onion Sweet Domenica S147 Direct sown seed must be weeded and thinned — sowing seedlings and transplanting is easier!

Late Onion Varieties Best grown in cooler climates as these will not form bulbs in the tropics. Late sown varieties tend to store better than the early onions. Jul-Sep

Jul-Sep

N/A

H 18 weeks Y 30 bulbs/metre

30cm

10cm

Early Onion Barletta S151

Early Onion Varieties

Leeks

Early sown varieties can be grown throughout Australia. For those gardeners in the tropics, these are the best to grow. Give them a well drained, open soil.

Allium ampeloprasum — The tastiest leeks grow in nutrient-rich soil. Transplant seedlings into holes to ensure a long shank or hill up the soil around them as they grow. Leeks run up to flower in spring and, whilst the flowers are highly ornamental, it does detract from the leeks’ eating qualities. Not for NZ.

Mar-Jul

Mar-Aug Feb-May

H 11-20 weeks Y 30 bulbs/metre

10cm

30cm

Sweet Domenica

Sep-Mar Aug-Apr

Jan-Mar

H 12-20 weeks Y 18 shanks/metre

The sweetest onion we list has huge flat round bulbs 30-50cm 10cm with light brown skin. The layers are crisp, succulent and juicy, making this a perfect choice for salads and Red Marksman Mammoth Blanch This late planting variety stores exceptionally well for stir-fries. Yielding up to 500g per onion in only 11 Awarded the RHS Award for Garden Merit in 2011, weeks. a red onion. The white flesh is crisp and juicy and has this leek is a real show stopper. The long, thick white 300 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S147 a sweet, fruity flavour, making it perfect for salads or shanks are sweet, tender and tasty. Described as “the stir-fries. perfect leek” by our restaurant manager who gave Barletta it 100% in taste tests. Great in the garden too. Can 300 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S1562 Lift early for pickling at 11 weeks or leave to mature be picked early or left in the ground to extend the and harvest as a versatile white salad or cooking onion. harvest period and produce huge, exhibition worthy Cream Gold 580 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S151 specimens. Resistant to bolting. A classic, versatile garden favourite that stores well.

380 seeds

70 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S1531

Australian Brown

This strain was chosen from a popular market garden variety grown near Colac, Victoria in the 40s. Thick brown skin makes it one of the best storing varieties.

The Club for Organic Gardeners

Long Red Florence

Heronswood and St Erth are the first certified organic gardens in Australia to be opened to the public. We have the largest collection of edible plants in Australia – we compost, recycle, grow green manures and never use chemical sprays.

A favourite for salads due to their mild sweet flavour.

As a club member, entry to our gardens is free!

380 seeds

400 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S155

code S154

Late Onion Red Marksman S1562

Leek Mammoth Blanch S124 30 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Late Onion Cream Gold S1531

club $2.95

code S124

Jaune du Poitou This French heirloom from the province of Poitou has fan-like yellow green leaves and wide shanks.

55 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S126

King Richard The King of Leeks! An excellent early variety. Produces extra long shanks with a creamy texture.

70 seeds

Late Onion Australian Brown S155

Leek King Richard S1251

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S1251

Late Onion Long Red Florence S154

Leek Jaune du Poitou S126

Peas Pisum sativum

Golden Podded Pea S167

Purple Podded Dutch Pea S166

Allium cepa — Grow year round and trim tops continuously, then pick the sweet stems when required. Not for NZ. All year

All year

H 9-15 weeks Y 1kg/metre

5cm

30-40cm

Evergreen Bunching organic retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S159

Red Brilliant crimson bulbs rich in antioxidants. Will grow into bulbs that can be used like shallots if left in the ground.

250 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S158

Shallot Roderique (F1) Allium cepa — A true shallot from seed! Genuine shallots have a very delicate flavour and are used in the finest of cuisines. Roderique has good yields and stores well. Jul-Sep

Jul-Sep

N/A

H 20-22 weeks H 1kg/metre

70 seeds

30cm

10cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S157

Snow Pea climbing S168 dwarf S171

20 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S167

Novella

Feb-Aug

Mar-Jul

H 9-15 weeks Y 1kg/metre

4cm

30-40cm

Purple Podded Dutch Pea Capucijner

Ornamental purple-pink flowers are followed by A dwarf variety of sweet plump shelling peas with a purple pods, with green peas inside. Best used as a web of tendrils that cling on to each other for support, shelling pea. Yields 280g per plant. meaning no staking is necessary. A prolific producer! retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S1632

Yukomo (Giant Snow Pea)

18 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S166

Greenfeast

Traditional, sweet juicy peas for shelling. Yields 300g This Japanese selection is the longest and tallest snow per plant. OK for TAS. pea. Pods up to 14cm long from beautiful purple 90 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S165 flowers. Ornamental and tasty. Edible pods.

90 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S169

1250 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S165F

Snow Pea (Climbing) Crisp, sweet pea pods to stir-fry, steam or eat raw. Shell for full size peas or eat pod and all. Yields 230g Yields 200g per plant. Edible pods. per plant. Edible pods.

Sugar Snap (Climbing)

100 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S174 1250 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S174F

120 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S168 1250 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S168F

Sugar Snap (Dwarf )

Snow Pea (Dwarf ) Use whole in a stir-fry or leave to shell full size peas At only 60cm tall, these need little support to produce later on. Dwarf peas are easy to train up a short garden tasty pods. Yields 130g per plant. Edible pods. trellis or teepee. Edible pods. OK for TAS. 100 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S177 1250 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S177F

Pea Sugar Snap climbing S174 dwarf S177

Spring Onion Evergreen Bunching S159

Jan-Oct

Golden yellow pods are best picked when young and eaten pod and all. Yields 230g per plant.

70 seeds

Slender white bulbs and crisp emerald leaves.

300 seeds

Pea Novella S1632

Golden Podded Pea

Spring Onions

All year

Peas are a cool weather crop and enjoy soils that have just grown tomatoes or potatoes. They return nitrogen to the soil, making them a vital part of crop rotation. Remember to make a wish if your pods have 9 or more peas in them! Not for TAS/NZ unless stated.

100 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S171 1250 seeds retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S171F

Yukomo « giant snow pea » S169

Spring Onion Red S158

Pea Greenfeast S165

Shallot Roderique (F1) S157 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 31

Pumpkins Cucurbita sp.

Pumpkins need a long warm season and deep organic soils. Harvest with at least 5cm of stalk attached to the stem. Hand pollination can improve fruit set (see page 42 for our pollination tip). Our standard for selection is that they must equal or exceed the flavour of butternut. late Oct-Dec late Sep-Dec

H 15-20 weeks

Jul-Oct Trailing vine

Wrinkled Butternut S1832

C. moshata

C. pepo

Wrinkled Butternut

Huge butternut pumpkins over 6kg are great fun to Waltham Butternut organic grow and won’t fail to impress in the vegie garden. The Wee B Little A prized heirloom butternut that sets the standard by seed is all in the base so they are easy to prepare and The wee pumpkin for kids to grow and use as a table which other pumpkins are judged. Classically shaped provide loads of deliciously rich, dense flesh. Harvest decoration. Cute softball ball sized pumpkins with a with a small seed cavity for more usable pumpkin. Soft in 15 weeks, 20kg per plant. compact growth habit. Roast whole to enjoy the sweet, yellow flesh and great nutty flavour. Harvest in 19 weeks. 15 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1832 golden flesh or stuff for a real gourmet treat. Can plant 6kg per plant. with 1m spacing. 12 weeks to harvest. 9 fruit per Musquee de Provence organic plant, 4kg per plant. 20 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S1851 The most decorative pumpkin – beautifully fluted, 30 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S085 dark green skin turning orange-brown. Harvest in 17 Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck weeks, yields 23kg per plant. Kakai Amazingly curved ancestor of the butternut with the sweetest of flesh. Ideal for cooks as the seeds are all 14 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S173 Grow your own hull-less seeds, or pepitas, for a nutritious snack. Simply scoop out the seeds and eat stored down one end, meaning less fuss and more flesh. raw or roast in the oven. Compact vines can be planted Harvest in 19 weeks. Saving Pure Seed with 1m spacing. Harvest in 18 weeks, 5 fruit per 15 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1721 plant, 250g of seed per fruit.

Japanese Futsu Smooth skin with fluted creasing, ripens from dark green/black to a deep dusty orange. The flesh is the sweetest ever and the flavour improves with storage! Harvest in 18 weeks. 4-5 fruit per plant, 2kg per fruit. Limited stock.

10 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S1843

Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck S1721

Wee B Little « compact bush » S085 32 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Cross pollination will only occur between varieties within the same species – when pollen from the male flower of a variety (e.g. Triamble, a C. maxima) is transferred to the female flower of a variety in the same species (e.g. Buttercup, also a C. maxima).

Japanese Futsu S1843

10 seeds

club $3.45

code S1821

Delicata Mini Sweet Bush organic Non-running bushes provide fruits with green and yellow striped skin. Best picked when young. Can be planted with 1m spacing. Harvest in 13 weeks. Yields 7kg per plant.

40 seeds

Waltham Butternut S1851

Kakai « edible seeds » S1821

retail $3.95

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S188

Musquee de Provence S173

Delicata Mini Sweet Bush S188

Lakota S1852

Buttercup S1801

Australian Heirloom Pumpkin Mix We lead the world in pumpkin selections and this mix is a great place to start your heirloom adventure. Includes Triamble, Jap, Ironbark, Queensland Blue and Australian Butter. Australian Butter S180

25 seeds

Potimarron S186

C. maxima

Australian Butter

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S179

Potimarron

Pale orange skin with fine-flavoured sweet flesh that is Rare French pumpkin named for its rich chestnut delicious roasted. Harvest in 19 weeks, yields 9kg per flavour. 1-2 kilo fruits with edible skin. Can plant with 1m spacing. Harvest in 13 weeks, yields 7kg per plant. Rich, sweet and dense flesh from a pumpkin that is plant. not only delicious, but the perfect size for an average 8 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S186 household. Tops in our taste tests. Harvest in 17 15 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S180 weeks, yields 7.5kg per plant.

Buttercup organic

20 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S1801

Turk’s Turban

Anna Swartz organic

Lakota

Rich sweet flesh with excellent storage quality. Harvest Bright orange pear-shaped pumpkins with striking in 19 weeks, yields 8kg per plant. dark green markings and sweet 2-5kg fruits, not too big for table displays and ideal for storage.

A curiously shaped fruit, striped with orange, white 15 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S1841 and green. No two are the same, making memorable harvest decorations. Harvest in 19 weeks, yields 6kg Triamble A rescued Australian favourite that has three distinct per plant. lobes, thick blue skin and rich sweet orange flesh. 17 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S181 Harvest in 19 weeks, yields 14kg per plant.

Blue Ballet

8 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S175

Smooth-skinned, blue-grey fruits are a convenient size for the home kitchen. Our clear favourite in our World’s Largest trials with flavoursome orange flesh of smooth fibreless Dill’s Atlantic Giant cultivar with orange fruit of prize consistency. Stores well. Harvest in 13 weeks, yields winning size. Fruit over 6 feet in diameter weighing 6kg per plant. over 900 kilos are recorded – harvest when you dare!

15 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S086

8 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S183

10 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S1852

Saving Pure Seed If you save the seed of pumpkins that have been cross pollinated then the fruit of the next generation is likely to be extremely variable and may not even resemble its original mother. The easiest way to ensure that you are saving pure seed is to grow just one variety of each species.

Decorative Gourd Mix This beautifully bizarre mix includes Crown of Thorns, Ebony Acorn, Bicolor Pear and Spoon, Nest Egg, Bottle and Warted Gourds. Gourds make a striking table decoration and can be used in art and craft for unlimited fun!

40 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S187 Turk’s Turban S181

Blue Ballet S086

Anna Swartz S1841

Triamble S175

World’s Largest S183 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 33

Radishes Raphanus sativus The quickest and easiest of all root crops. High in Vitamin C and a great way to teach kids how to sow seed. You can over sow carrots and beetroot which emerge in days and can be harvested in 3-4 weeks as the others germinate. All year

All year

H 4-8 weeks Y 20 roots/metre

20cm

5cm

French Breakfast

Heirloom Radish Mix S1921

Heirloom Radish Mix

Radish Watermelon S1941

Watermelon

Oblong, rose-scarlet radishes with crisp white flesh. A kaleidoscope of colours from golden Helios to scarlet Slice through the bland white exterior to reveal the true Mildly pungent flavoured roots. Harvest in just 35 Round Red. beauty of this radish. Resembling a mini-watermelon days when roots are still small. 90 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S1921 with white ‘rind’ surrounding a bright pink interior. Deliciously flavoured. You’ll never see this one on the 120 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S194 supermarket shelf ! Black Spanish Round

Round Red organic

The most outstanding brilliant red. harvest in 35 days.

200 seeds

retail $3.95

The radish our chefs prefer, this unique black skinned 4cm round, radish displays a delicate black circle around the pure white flesh when sliced. Can also be pickled.

club $3.45

code S196

100 seeds

Radish French Breakfast S194

Feb-May

H 7-11 weeks Y 425g tuber/plant

10cm

club $2.95

code S1941

Radish Round Red S196

Swede Laurentian

Brassica rapa — Swedes and turnips need to be grown quickly, like radishes, to ensure mild, sweet roots. Thin seedlings to 10cm spacings. Serve cooked like beetroot or add to soups and stews. Sep-Dec

retail $3.95

Add slivers of heirloom Radish to spice up a simple garden salad!

Radish Black Spanish Round S1973

Swedes and Turnips

All year

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S1973

70 seeds

30-40cm

A full flavoured earthy swede with a savoury aftertaste. Under-rated as a vegetable, its smooth and creamy texture is a welcome surprise in our restaurant.

250 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S084

Turnip Purple Top Beautiful lilac and white uniform roots, best eaten in stews, soups or roasted whole – delicious! Easy to grow and ready in just 8 weeks. Available from August 2013.

200 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

Turnip Purple Top S368

code S368

Turnip Mini White Tender round white roots that store well. Crisp, beautiful well-shaped rounds, ideal for the turnip lover. Harvest in 7 weeks.

Swede Laurentian S084

180 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

Turnip Mini White S247

code S247

Photo courtesy of Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Parsley / Parsnip

Scorzonera

Petroselinum crispum — A two-in-one vegie. Use the tops just like continental parsley and prepare the roots as you would with parsnip to discover the complex sweet and savoury flavour. A real treat! Don’t harvest too many leaves or the roots will be thin.

Scorzonera ghispanica — Also known as Black Salsify. The long thin roots have chocolate coloured skin and milky white flesh. Steam the roots and then remove the skin prior to eating. The flesh has a unique earthy flavour.

Sep-Mar

Jul-Apr

H 10 weeks

Feb-Nov 10cm

Sep-Feb Aug-Apr Mar-Sep 30cm

540 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S3202

34 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

H 14 weeks

60 seeds

10cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S349

Silverbeet Beta vulgaris

Silverbeet should be in every home garden, as there are few vegetables that require less care. A spring sowing will maximise picking before it runs to seed the following spring. It is tolerant of varying conditions, even part shade and if a few plants are allowed to go to seed, it will happily self-sow.

Parsnip Hollow Crown Pastinaca sativa — A smooth skinned variety that’s been a favourite since the 1820s. The flavour improves if stored in the soil over winter. Best sown during spring in colder climates and during autumn in warmer climates. Sep-Feb

Jul-Mar

Feb-Nov

H 19 weeks Y 2-3kg/metre

200 seeds

10cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S160

Aug-Feb

Jul-Mar

H from 8 weeks

Apr-Jul 25cm

50cm

Orange and Pink Mix

Five Colour Mix organic

Dazzling and extremely nutritious, the midribs of red, We’ve chosen the prettiest colours from the silverbeet orange, yellow, pink and white make this the perfect rainbow and mixed them together. For colour in the fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegie garden. vegie patch, the pink and orange combine perfectly with bright, bold flowers like zinnias and calendulas.

45 seeds 550 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2091

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S2091F

Fordhook organic

40 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S2084

Perpetual Spinach

Delicious spinach/silverbeet cross flavour. Harvest Traditional and reliable with delicious deep green again and again. Grows well over summer and autumn without bolting. Harvest in 10 weeks. leaves and white stems.

60 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S208

50 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S210

Salsify Mammoth Sandwich Island Tragopogon porrifolius — Easy to grow like parsnip, gorgeous in the garden and extremely versatile in the kitchen. This rough looking white root vegetable is wonderful baked, steamed or used in a gratin. Also known as vegetable oyster as its subtle sweetness has hints of shellfish flavour.

Silverbeet Five Colour Mix S2091

Silverbeet Orange and Pink Mix S2084

Silverbeet Fordhook S208

Silverbeet Perpetual Spinach S210

Sep-Feb Aug-Apr Mar-Sep H 14 weeks

100 seeds

10cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S350

Spinach New Zealand

Spinach Bloomsdale organic

Spinach Red Malabar

Tetragonia tetragonioides — Easy-to-grow ground cover and long lived perennial substitute for spinach in salty coastal areas. Cook to remove oxalates.

Spinach oleracea — Held on a compact plant, the thick, crinkled dark green leaves are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Continually pick the outside leaves.

Basella rubra — A heat loving, highly decorative screening plant with twining red stems and succulent leaves for stir-fries.

Sep-Mar Aug-Feb

20 seeds

Feb-Oct

All year

H 5-8 weeks Y 300g/plant

15cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S212

Feb-Oct

Apr-Jul

H 5-8 weeks Y 370g/plant

150 seeds

Oct-Jan 20cm

20cm

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S211

Sep-Feb

H 8-11 weeks

25 seeds

All year

20cm

Climber

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S213

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 35

Come and visit us! Diggers members receive free entry to our gardens, so come and visit historic Heronswood in Dromana and St Erth in Blackwood, VIC. We have Garden Shops in both locations and in the Adelaide Botanic Garden where you can choose from hundreds of exclusive plants (Wasabi, Capers, World’s Hottest Chilli) that you won’t find at your local nursery — and members can save up to 30% on quantity purchases of seeds and plants. We also have monthly workshops and seasonal events at all our locations, so come along and dig a bit deeper!

Share the joy of gardening Join the Diggers Club today “The Diggers Club began 33 years ago and we are now Australia’s largest garden club with more members than Australia’s most popular football club, Collingwood. Imagine how satisfying it is to spend time in your garden growing your own flowers and food rather than watching the footy! We are helping gardeners from Hobart to Cairns.” Clive Blazey Five hours a week is all it takes to create a beautiful garden like Heronswood or St Erth. Let us show you how!

8 free packets of seeds Members save up to 30% on quantity purchases of seeds, bulbs and plants 6 magazines each year to ensure gardening success

Monthly Workshops

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Seasonal Events

Plant Finder

The perfect online tool for building a list of ornamental and edible plants that are suited to your location, wherever you garden.

Dig deeper at Our website has a huge range of products not always featured in our catalogues. Join in the gardening conversation with other members on our forum. Improve your gardening skills with articles, fact sheets and online video tutorials. You will also find details of upcoming events and workshops.

36 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Tools & Books

Seeds

Live Plants

Order form

MEMBERS FREE OF F E R !

The Diggers Club PO Box 300, Dromana, VIC, 3936 Phone: 03 5984 7900 Fax: 03 5987 2398

HOW TO ORDER 1 Enter the product details including code, name, quantity and amount. 2 Calculate the postage and handling (P&H) – it could be A, B or both. Add all subtotals plus any extra fees. 3 Fill in your address and payment details and pop it in the post – if paying by cheque, don’t forget to include it!

OR EASY ORDER ONLINE For all this catalogue’s products and more, shop securely at our website anytime and beat the mail order rush!

Capsicum

Basil

Red Bull’s Horn

Fino Verde

Carrot

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Prices in 2013 Garden Annual supersede all previous catalogues

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 37

Diggers heirloom tomatoes

Lycopersicon esculentum

As explained in our All About Tomatoes book, The Diggers Club pioneered the introduction of heirloom tomatoes in 1991, after extensive taste tests and comparison trials comparing supermarket hybrids and heirlooms for yields and length of harvest.

These heirloom tomatoes will fruit from January to April. Diggers seed packets contain at least 25 seeds per pack — that’s enough to produce 250kg of tomatoes! Sep-Dec Aug-Dec Mar-Jun

Our guide to growing tomatoes sowing

1. Plan to sow your tomato seeds 5-6 weeks before you want to plant them in the ground. This ensures the seedlings will be advanced enough to plant at the optimum spring planting season. 2. Sow seed into punnets, jiffies or coir pots. 3. Place in a warm, well lit position to germinate, taking care not to let them dry out. 4. Once the seeds have germinated make sure they get enough light to avoid becoming leggy. You can start watering them with a weak solution of liquid fertiliser. 5. When the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, transplant the young seedlings to tubes (unless you are planting in coir pots), in which they will grow until they are ready to be planted in to the ground.

Supermarket hybrids are usually dwarf bushy varieties which are easier to machine harvest and are bred for long-distance shipping. Being dwarf varieties they are invariably low in flavour with short harvest periods. The tasty long‑harvest heirloom tomatoes are indeterminate, with lateral branches that continue to grow and therefore need support. The seeds from these heirloom tomatoes, bred in backyards for generations, hold a continuous unbroken link to our gardening heritage. TOMATO YIELD TRIALS Diggers Trials

Yield / plant

Days to Harvest

Hybrid Apollo F1

10.8kg

Heirloom Tigerella

20.0kg

Heirloom Grosse Lisse

16.4kg

Heirloom Green Zebra

13.6kg

Heirloom Tommy Toe

11.3kg

After eighteen years of trialling hundreds of heirloom tomatoes Clive Blazey provides detailed portraits of over sixty heirloom tomatoes and twenty heirloom potatoes, peppers, eggplants and other edible solanums. Includes free sowing poster. retail $24.95

club $19.95

code AABT

Ten Colour Heirloom Mix Grow a rainbow of tomatoes with superior flavour and yield. Includes Green Grape, Lemon Drop, Black Krim, White Beauty, Tommy Toe, Pink Brandywine, Purple Russian, Wapsipinicon Peach, Brown Berry and Jaune Flammé. retail $6.25

club $5.25

code S246

planting

6. Plant once the chance of frost has passed and the soil temperature is around 1820°C. Don’t plant in the same place as they grew the year prior. This avoids any disease that may have built up in the soil.

Rainbow Beefsteak Mix Juicy and delectable, these five amazing colours are the ultimate in heirlooms. A kaleidoscope of colours – iridescent yellow (Ananas Noir), green (Aunt Ruby), red and yellow (Big Rainbow) plus Black Krim and Mortgage Lifter. Harvest beefsteaks late in the season for maximum ripeness and flavour. Yields 7-16kg per plant.

7. Space plants 1 metre apart to ensure good air circulation and provide support for all but dwarf varieties. 8. Watering with drip irrigation will avoid water splashing onto the foliage and disease setting in. 9. Mulch to keep the roots cool and to reduce soil moisture evaporating. 10. Feed your tomatoes throughout the season to ensure a bountiful crop. 11. Once your plants are spent in late summer/autumn, remove them and rejuvenate the soil with a soil fumigant like Bio-mustard (see page 52). 38 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

retail $3.95

Salad Mix Make a stand for heirlooms at your next dinner party with these varieties that look their best on a plate. Includes Tommy Toe, Wapsipinicon Peach, Tigerella, Black Russian and Green Zebra. retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S2361

club $3.45

code S2214

Cherry tomatoes

Black Cherry

Cherry and grape sized sweet tomatoes are ideal for salads or for popping straight into your mouth!

Beams Yellow Pear Golden yellow with a shiny skin and firm flesh that preserves well. Enlivens a salad Tiny Tommy bowl and has ornamental Berry Mix organic trusses of healthy fruit. Fruits in 7 weeks from Dwarf varieties, perfect for pots. Includes Tiny Tommy, transplant. Yields 8.6kg fruit per plant. Red and Yellow Pygmy. Fruit in 8 weeks.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S218

25+ seeds retail $3.95 1000 seeds retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S244

club $3.45 code S244F

club members only $3.95

code S380

Lemon Drop

Violet Jasper organic

We will have Diggers staff queuing up to get this reintroduction! A prolific tomato with a refreshing zing.

Grow this large cherry or salad variety for looks alone! Trusses of perfectly round dark red fruit streaked with commando green stripes are sure to impress. Yields up to 10kg per plant.

25+ seeds

Aptly named for their dark, sweet, juicy flesh which makes them look just like cherries, that we all adore. Purpleblack, round and exceptionally sweet fruit that is above even the Tommy Toe flavour standard. Very good disease resistance results from a strong and vigorous plant. Harvest in 9 weeks from transplant, yields 7.5kg per plant.

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2217

25+ seeds 550 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S231

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S231F

Christmas Grapes Just like bunches of red grapes, this tomato is early enough for a Christmas day treat. Clusters of 10-20 currant-sized fruit that ripen evenly with excellent, sweet flavour. Fruits in 7 weeks from transplant and yields 6-10kg per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S235

Wild Sweetie

A fun mix of tiny currant size tomatoes the chefs crave and kids love. Includes Broad Ripple Yellow, Mexico Midget and Red Currant.

The world’s smallest and sweetest tomato. Hundreds of exquisite flavoured fruit ripen in mid summer to late autumn. Fruits 9 weeks from transplant, yields 4.4kg fruit per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

Tomato Currant Mix

25+ seeds

code S228

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2221

Red Fig

Brown Berry organic Highly sought after cherry-sized, purple, brown and black tomatoes with a depth of flavour and sweetness. An early variety that fruits in 8 weeks from transplant and crops for months on end. Yields 6-10kg per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S217

The red brother to Beams Yellow Pear takes its name from the similarly shaped long-neck and fig-shaped form. Because the fruits of common figs ripen so quickly, the name Red Fig was coined a hundred years ago to describe tomatoes that were picked and preserved as “tomato figs”. They store well, plus look good in salads and on the bush. Fruits in 8 weeks from transplant and just keeps on going for months! Yields 6-10kg per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S232

Valentine Trusses of love heart shaped fruits appear a month before Valentine’s Day to celebrate the Roman god of love. 10-14 fruit per truss that begin early in the season and are a stand out compared to all others. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant. Yields 4kg per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S2822

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 39

Purple Russian organic

Salad tomatoes

The purplish-black plum-shaped fruit rarely split, thus keeping their good looks throughout the season. This Ukrainian heirloom can be used for salads or preserving. Fruits in 7 weeks from transplant. Yields 3.5kg per plant.

Tired of supermarket tomatoes that bounce off the floor? We guarantee every heirloom will beat supermarket hybrids for flavour!

25+ seeds

Salad legends!

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S242

See page 7 for the full details, prices and codes of these legends.

Tommy Toe From mislabelled stock, this tomato grew to rave reviews around the world. Garden guru Kevin Heinze considered it the best tomato he’d tasted in 50 years!

Tigerella The flavour is excellent, it fruits early and the streaks are eye-catching. One packet of seeds has the potential to produce 500kg of fruit.

Green Zebra Bred by the creator of modern heirlooms, Tom Wagner, this has attracted huge interest since we introduced it in 1991.

Tomato Tommy Toe Gen Y The tom-a-toe with the best garden genetics that wins all the taste tests has a new generation of cousins. Same size, same flavour, but now in deep speckled bronze (Violet Jasper), golden (Topaz) and light pink (Rose de Berne). A beautiful collection of colours for the salad bowl.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2213

Jaune Flammé Heirloom tomato expert, Amy Goldman, considers that “Flammé can do no wrong. Unsurpassed for flavour and appearance.”

Wapsipinicon Peach It is superior to Tommy Toe for flavour with a depth that deserves to be more popular. Reminiscent of the juiciest white peach only some can remember.

Black Russian We procured seeds of this charcoal-fleshed fruit and passed it through Seed Savers and then on to the rest of the world.

Slicing tomatoes beefsteaks No summer should go without these huge, meaty beefsteak tomatoes that can cover a sandwich in a single slice!

Grosse Lisse Ananas Noir The fruit is huge but exceptionally delicious and unbelievably early and productive. It’s as luminous as a neon light, changing slowly to black as it sweetens for a real opera performance in your garden. “Ananas” is French for pineapple and “Noir” as black as the night. A transformation unlike any other tomato in the collection of 5000 heirlooms. Yields 16kg per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S2211

Australia’s standard home grown variety was the most popular until our taste test in 1993 which rated it well, but still behind other favourites such as Tommy Toe. The name translates to ‘large and smooth’ which reflects our preference for “big reds.” Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant and yields 16.4kg of fruit per plant with an average fruit size of 200g.

25+ seeds 600 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S288

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S288F

Black Krim

Brandywine Pink

After black tomatoes became the rage, Diggers tested them all and settled on this meaty multi-colour-fruited black from Crimea. It’s early for a beefsteak, fruiting in 13 weeks and has a smokey flavour and colour common to all blacks. Can also be picked green. Yields 7kg of fruit per plant, with an average fruit size of 250g.

The quintessential American large beefsteak. Fruit is pinkish rather than red and is juicy and meaty, beating supermarket hybrids hands down. A late cropper that loves a long, warm summer. Fruits in 11 weeks from transplant, yielding 8.5kg per plant and 350g per fruit.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S224

40 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S225

Big Rainbow The yellow flesh is suffused with red at the base, creating rainbow slices of yellow, pink and red from top to bottom on a single tomato. Fruits in 16 weeks from transplant and yields huge 350g fruit.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S285

“We would like to tell you how pleased we are with the two ‘Copia’ tomato plants that we purchased from you. The plants have each grown to over two metres tall and over one metre wide. We have been picking tomatoes since early March ... the largest was 865grams and we’re sorry that we didn’t keep an accurate weight of the crop but we estimate that we have picked over 25kgs so far with still more to come so we are hoping that the weather stays warm a little longer! The other tomato plants that we bought from you didn’t survive the hailstorm so we will try again next season. Thank you for this wonderful tomato.” Mary L. Copia is now sold as Big Beryl’s Whopper!

Dwarf tomatoes

Granny’s Throwing Tomato

There’s no need to stake these compact varieties!

Legend organic This non-hybrid look-alike has good blight tolerance and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg like modern hybrids. So it’s a legend of our time – an open Tiny Tommy pollinated conventional red with exceptional yields Berry Mix organic Dwarf varieties, perfect for pots. Includes Tiny Tommy, from a compact plant. Similar to Rouge de Marmande, with superior flavour to rock hard supermarket hybrids. Red and Yellow Pygmy. Fruit in 8 weeks. Harvest in 10-12 weeks, 250g fruit.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S218

25+ seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2992

Principe Borghese drying tomato

Green Grape

This dwarf has low sugar, seed and moisture content, making it ideal to sun dry. Small fruit of 2.5cm crop all at once for easy batch processing. Fruits in 13 weeks and yields 4.9kg per plant.

Outstanding flavoured dwarf plant that doesn’t need staking. Its olive green fruit is delicious and produced in abundance. Harvest in 10-12 weeks, yields 4.9kg per plant. Limited stock.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S294

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S241

Saucing and cooking tomatoes It’s been said that the Italians created the world’s healthiest meal – pasta with tomato sauce.

Costoluto Genovese organic San Marzano “The tomato” that launched a whole cuisine. Superior to all others for peeling, preserving, sauce and paste, pizza and pasta. Core-less and cylindrical, it is so productive you’ll never need to eat an out of season hybrid again! Yields 17kg per plant.

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S367

Periforme Abruzzese

retail $3.95

25+ seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

25+ seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S2212

code S364

Amish Paste

An exquisite, pearshaped, saucy tomato as bottom heavy and thin waisted as Sophia Loren. The juiciest fruit and luscious flavour put it among the all-time greats, voluptuous or not!

25+ seeds

The oldest tomato derived from Pomo Doro Rosso Grosso – it is the Grosse Lisse tomato for Italian gardeners. A must-have for all cooks, the meaty ribbed texture is ideal for preserving and sauces, or just enjoy it sliced and eaten fresh. Fruits 13 weeks from transplant, 300g fruit.

Perfect for throwing at politicians or mining magnates like Gina and Clive. This is Italy’s favourite tomato (like our Grosse Lisse) and is used in salads and pastas and for hurling at old lechers like Silvio Berlusconi. Its heavily ribbed flutes can curve in the air like a Warney wrong ‘un. Productive, early and subversive. Don’t give up - express your feelings! The ideal gift to lift the gloom.

club $2.95

code S365

Hungarian This tomato has a rich, sweet Heart organic flavour for salads but the shape and hearty texture for sauces and pastes. Is there any other Sourced near Budapest this variety is huge, productive tomato so versatile? Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant and far more reliable than other pink ox hearts. Its and yields 15.7kg per plant, 150g fruit. bonus is slices of tasty pink fruit. Fruits in 16 weeks 25+ seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S219 from transplant. 900 seeds

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S219F

25+ seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2171

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 41

Squash Cucurbita pepo

A most prolific and easy vegetable to grow. Sow just like pumpkins in warm soil and mulch well. The Italian zucchini replaced English vegetable marrows and ushered in a transformation of Mediterranean foods and cooking. Our heirlooms are ready to pick in just 60 days – pick often for the table and they will produce all summer long! Oct-Dec Sep-Dec

Female Zucchini Flower

All year

H 7-17 weeks Y 5-24 fruit/plant

70-80cm

Trailing vine

Jaune et Verte

Picked young, the flesh is sweet and buttery. The tender skin cooks to lime green. Compact variety producing scalloped fruit over a long period. This French heirloom created much excitement amongst those of us who have never been convinced about the merits of growing squash! Harvest from 7 weeks, yields 3kg per plant.

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S2542

Spaghetti Squash

Male Zucchini Flower

Zucchini Tromboncino S192

Zucchini

Tromboncino

Cucurbita pepo — Fast, easy to grow and very productive, these ‘baby marrows’ are delicious when picked young!

The zucchini with outstanding flavour that doesn’t get too big too soon. Train the vines up a trellis so it grows straight, not curved. Fruit reaches 1m but is best picked at 25cm. Huge yields, fruits for months.

Oct-Dec Sep-Dec

All year

H 6-10 weeks Y 5-24 fruit/plant

80cm

Black Beauty organic

18 seeds

club members only $3.95

code S192

Costata

Pick flowers for stuffing or leave fruit until it is 15cm The star for slicing! A standout Italian heirloom with Looking more like a melon than a squash, this fruit can long. Produces more fruit than the standard hybrid heavily ribbed fruit that look like stars when sliced and served. Firm flesh is perfect for steaming, stir-fries or be boiled or roasted. Cut it open and the flesh shreds Black Jack. Just 9 weeks to harvest. into ready made pasta, without the extra carbs! Try it 15 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S253 grilling. Harvest in just 6 weeks, 25 fruit per plant. with feta and a sprinkling of fresh herbs for a gourmet 20 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S2541 treat that is so easy to prepare. Pick when yellow. Long Florence Harvest in 15 weeks, yields 5 fruit per plant. Picked with its flower attached “before it’s out of the Pollination 15 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S189 cradle”, this olive-green ribbed zucchini from Italy is the Zucchinis and pumpkins best selection for long harvest (4 months). The flowers of this zucchini are by far the biggest we have seen, with have both male and female Gem Squash (Bush) plenty of room for your favourite summer fillings. flowers that require cross This South African Gem is a space saving, compact vine producing grapefruit-sized squash that can be eaten 15 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S3752 fresh or stored as a mini-sized pumpkin for roasting. Sometimes called Cannonball Squash due to their Tri Colour Mix size and shape, they are sweet when small and savoury Golden yellow, rich green and cool white zucchinis are when larger. easy to grow. Only 9 weeks from sowing to harvest!

20 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S1901

Zucchini Black Beauty S253

Squash Jaune et Verte S2542 42 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

25 seeds

retail $3.95

Zucchini Long Florence S3752

club $3.45

code S254

pollination for fruit to form. The easiest way to do this is to attract bees to the garden, but you can assist pollination by carefully transferring pollen from a male flower to a female flower when they are open first thing in the morning.

Zucchini Costata S2541

Spaghetti Squash S189

Zucchini Tri Colour Mix S254

Gem Squash « space saver » S1901

Discount seed collections Members save up to 35%! Mini Plot Vegetable Kit

MEMBERS SAVE 35%

Recreate the popular Diggers mini plot in your own backyard with these high yielding varieties. This collection is perfect for those just starting out and those who want to grow a bumper harvest! Grow the broccoli, broadbeans and peas over autumn and winter, and when the weather warms up sow zucchini, capsicum, cucumber, pumpkin and tomato. Collection includes 8 packets of seed, one each of zucchini Tromboncino, broccoli Green Sprouting, capsicum Chinese Giant, cucumber Mini Muncher, pea Greenfeast, pumpkin Delicata, broad bean Aquadulce and tomato Tommy Toe.Substitutes may apply. retail $39.95

club $24.95

code S277

MEMBERS SAVE 35%

MEMBERS SAVE 10%

MEMBERS SAVE 25%

Field of Sunflowers

Heirloom Legends

Nothing says summer quite like the happy round faces of sunflowers. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and are an ideal way to get kids into the garden. Why not share some seeds with your friends and family and have your own tallest sunflower Grow Off competition? This selection of multi-headed and single stemmed varieties includes yellow, burgundy and red sunflowers – one packet each of Landscape, Teddy Bear, Prado Red and Evening Sun. Substitutes may apply.

If you are just starting out with heirlooms or simply can’t decide what to grow, then this collection of our iconic heirlooms is for you! Includes 6 packets of seed, one each of Lazy Housewife Bean, carrot Purple Dragon, tomato Tommy Toe, corn Golden Bantam (Pumpkin Heirloom Mix instead for WA residents), watermelon Moon and Stars plus our Five Colour Silverbeet Mix.

retail $19.95

club $12.95

code S780

retail $22.50

TAS code S281T

club $19.95

code S281

WA code S281WA

Organic Seeds

Low Income Special!

These seeds have been grown by certified organic growers which means you can confidently grow truly organic food in your own backyard.

Grow 2 tonnes of food for just $17.50!

With the popularity of organic vegetables on the rise, these varieties will always be in demand. Collection includes 11 packets of seed, one each of lettuce Royal Oakleaf, carrot Baby, eggplant Long Purple, melon Eden’s Gem, broccoli Green Sprouting, capsicum Jimmy Nardello, bean Sex Without Strings, zucchini Black Beauty, tomato Green Zebra, tomato Legend and cucumber Mini Muncher. Substitutes may apply. retail $39.95

club $24.95

code S256

Make a limited income stretch further with this collection of our highest yielding varieties. This collection has helped thousands of Aussie battlers and the unemployed get started. With 13 packets of seed you can grow 120kg of pumpkins, 824kg of tomatoes (2pkts), 268kg of cucumbers, 22kg of peas, 21kg of beans, 560 lettuces (195kg), 560 carrots (42kg), 200 parsnips (115kg), 840 onions (2 pkts), 247 broccoli heads and 60 bunches of silverbeet (157kg). Available to Health Care Card holders only.

13 packets of vegetable seed for just $17.50

code S260

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 43

Diggers books by Clive Blazey The Australian

Vegetable Garden There is no other book in Australia or overseas that comes close. This new edition is fully revised, incorporating another 12 years of the best tasting and yielding varieties into our selection first published nearly 15 years ago. Learn to create your own mini-plot with plans to be self sufficient in just 10 square metres – that’s less than a small car garage! A complete A-Z, from asparagus to zucchini, including herbs, watermelons that ripen in cold climates and over 35 tomatoes. This classic book started the heirloom vegetable revival and provides comprehensive data from our Diggers trials such as yield, days to harvest and comparisons of heirlooms to hybrid varieties. We include in depth discussions on the best fertilisers, common pest problems and solutions, sowing guides for all Australian climates and we explain why the key to success in growing vegetables comes from an understanding of each crop’s specific temperature needs – rarely seen in other books. This hardcover edition cannot be found in the bookshops and includes a Sow What When poster on the back of the dust jacket. With 160 colour pages this is “the best book ever on vegie gardens”. Revised & updated second edition

retail $34.95 club $29.95 code AAUVH

Over 140,000 copies sold!

The Australian

Fruit & Vegetable Garden This 142 page, full colour hardcover is written by Clive Blazey in easy to follow format. Every fruit and vegetable is pictured with over 300 colour photographs. Other features include: • How to grow all your fruit and vegetables in a space no greater than your front lawn. • How to grow full sized fruit on dwarf rootstocks which are easier to pick, prune, spray and water. • Which fruit trees suit your climate from Cairns to Hobart. • Simplifying pollination and fruiting, and how to control pests without spraying. • An A to Z of 188 deciduous or evergreen sub-tropical fruits such as apple, avocado, cherry and custard apple, raspberries, strawberries, tree tomatoes and macadamias. • A vegetable and herb section with almost 250 vegetables described as well as sections on starting your first vegetable garden. • Includes free Sow What When wall chart inside the jacket. Australian best seller, over 40,000 copies sold

All About Tomatoes Provides detailed portraits of heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants and other edible solanums. Takes you beyond the backyard and into hydroponic systems, how tomatoes develop their colours, compares GM, hybrid and open pollinated heirlooms and more. “This little book is a big step towards restoring our faith in the food we eat” says author Clive Blazey. The dust-jacket becomes a mini Sow What When wall chart. 80 pages. Hardcover. retail $24.95 club $19.95 code AABT

‘Sow What When’ wall chart From artichoke to zucchini, complete with our growing days map, months to sow and spacing. All the information you need to become a seed sowing expert. With three climate maps (42cm x 59cm). retail $15.00 club $12.00 code ASOW

44 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

retail $39.95 club $34.95 code AAUFV

Seed sowing made simple! Snail Trap Don’t rely on chemical pellets or sprays. Fill this trap with beer or diluted juice for an effective and longlasting snail and slug trap.

1 unit 6 pack

retail $8.50

club $7.50

code HSNT

retail $45.00 club $40.50 code HSNT6

Diggers Garden Labels You’ve spent time sowing your seeds, now don’t forget to label them! With our new Diggers garden labels you can keep track of the date the seeds were sown and what was planted. Every good gardener will tell you it’s important to keep records to refer back to, and these make the job ever so easy. Perfect for labelling bulbs and perennial plants too. Made from recycled plastic.

25 labels 50 labels

retail $9.95

club $7.95

code AGL25

Snail Trap

retail $19.90 club $14.95 code AGL50

Diggers Garden Labels

Sowing seed directly The easiest sowing method of all! All root crops should be sown with the ‘direct’ method to avoid misshapen roots. It’s perfect for large seeds like beans, peas and zucchinis too. Begin by removing weeds and preparing the soil – break up any big clumps and evenly add some well rotted organic matter or blood and bone. Don’t let small seed dry out in the first 10 days (until you see some green leaves). You can use shade cloth or hessian to keep the sun off but make sure this is removed after the seeds have germinated. If you sow in 10cm wire mesh, 1. Prepare the soil to an even, crumbly texture not only is sowing easy, the birds won’t steal your seeds!

2. Sow large seed evenly at recommended spacing

3. Sow small seed carefully, twice as deep as seed width

5. Thin seedlings to recommended spacing

4. Cover the seed and gently water in

Wooden Dibbler A wooden dibbler for seed sowing and planting bulbs, with a brass tip for long wear, depth markings for precise planting and a strap for hanging. Made from FSC-accredited European ash, to last a lifetime. retail $57.95

club $52.95

code HDIBB

Seed Sowing Dial Wooden Dibbler

Back by popular demand! A great tool for helping gardeners sow small fiddly seed into punnets or directly in the garden. retail $7.50

club $5.30

code HSSD

Diggers Seed Storage Packets

Seed Sowing Dial

Every gardener will appreciate these useful and stylish Diggers seed storage packets. Made from sturdy 100% ECO recycled paper they are perfect for storing your heirloom seeds from season to season, with space to write when and where your seed was collected these packets mean you can store your seeds in style.

10 packets retail $14.95 club $10.95 code HSPKT10

Diggers Seed Storage Packets Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 45

Seed sowing made simple! get started with a propagation kit

Expert Propagator Kit

Easy Propagator Kit

Beginner Propagator Kit

Expert Propagator Kit

Easy Propagator Kit

Professional propagation — includes 4 litres of seed Includes a seedling tray, a 56 cell propagation unit raising mix, a durable clear plastic lid designed by which fits into the tray, a bag of Diggers seed raising Diggers, strong propagation tray, 8 seedling punnets mix and 56 coir pots (40mm) which fit into the cells. and a 100 cell ‘quick pot’ tray, all ready to be washed retail $44.95 club $41.95 code HCP4056 and reused many times over. retail $37.00

club $31.50

code HPRC

Biodegradable Pot Propagator Kit

Contains 12 regular and 24 large fully biodegradable coir pots, 4 litres of seed raising mix, a durable plastic lid and Includes all the essentials to get you started: 4 litres of strong propagation tray. Derived from coconut palm seed raising mix, durable lid and tray, 8 punnets, bottle fibre, coir pots can be planted whole – no transplant top waterer, 50 seedling labels and 475ml of organic shock! Sourced from a Sri Lankan manufacturer who fish emulsion to give your seedlings the best start. supports the sustainable prosperity of local villages.

Beginner Propagator Kit

Biodegradable Pot Propagator Kit

retail $48.00

club $41.00

code HPRES

retail $52.95

club $48.95

code HCCPR

Raising seedlings Many seeds need to be started in punnets or pots before they can be planted out in the garden. Using this ‘indirect’ sowing method you can get an early start on the season – especially useful if you live in a cooler climate with shorter summers and want to grow tomatoes, eggplants and capsicum. Make sure you use clean punnets or quick pots. Jiffy pellets and coir pots can be planted directly into the garden, without disturbing the roots, where they will break down over time. Seeds that can be sown successfully as seedlings include tomatoes, eggplants, capsicum, broccoli, onions, celery, leeks, stevia, parsley and small flower seeds like foxgloves, echiums 1. Fill your punnet or pot to the brim with and delphiniums. seed raising mix

Self-Watering Propagation Kit For people who wish to travel, or are forgetful when it comes to regular watering of seed and seedlings, this is the best unit for you. A 40 cell insulated self watering unit with lid and reservoir with a reversible base to ‘pop’ out the seedlings for minimal root damage at transplant. Re-usable for many seasons, this unit makes germinating seed a breeze. How it works 1. Capillary matting draws up water like a wick to prevent under or over watering. 2. Greenhouse cover holds in heat and moisture for fast germination. 3. Insulated sowing tray maintains even temperature for strong vigorous roots. 4. Pegboard stand supports sowing tray and reverses to eject plants. 5. Reservoir automatically supplies water for up to a week. retail $41.50

46 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

club $37.00

code HPROP

2. Firm down the surface

Seed Raising Mix Specially formulated to Diggers specifications by Debco, 4 litres of sterilised seed raising mix with the perfect balance between water holding capacity and good drainage ensuring excellent seed germination. retail $9.90

club $8.80

See Raising Mix

code HSER

Biodegradable Coir Pots

These moulded pots are made from coir, a natural fibre derived from coconut palms. They are completely biodegradable so you can plant your seedlings, pot and all, directly into the ground – ensuring no transplant shock. Our pots are sourced from a Sri Lankan manufacturer who supports the sustainable economic prosperity of local villages back in the area where he grew up. By choosing these pots you can grow strong heirloom seedlings, safe in the knowledge that you are also contributing to a sustainable industry improving the lives of Sri Lankan villagers.

SMALL retail $11.50 club $9.50 code HCPS12 MEDIUM retail $16.50 club $13.50 code HCPM12 LARGE retail $17.50 club $14.50 code HCPL12

Seedling Labels

You always think you’ll remember but most of us forget when we sowed seed and sometimes what it was! Don’t be caught out again.

Coir Jiffy Pellets Made from sustainable coconut fibre, these pellets have improved water retention over other jiffy pellets. Full instructions on the packet.

15 pellets retail $4.20 club $3.70 code HJIPC15 42 pellets retail $11.60 club $9.50 code HJIPC42 168 pellets retail $46.60 club $33.90 code HJIPC168

50 labels retail $7.50 club $6.30 code HPLL50 100 labels club only $10.50 code HPLL100 200 labels club only $21.50 code HPLL200

Bottle Top Waterer

The ideal waterer that won’t blast your delicate seedlings out of their punnet. Just add them to an old plastic bottle for the most gentle way to water.

Bottle Top Waterer

3. Sow seeds carefully, then cover with a fine layer of seed raising mix

3pack

retail $7.50

4. Water in well

Feeling the heat! Most seeds will germinate more quickly when they are introduced to ‘bottom heat’. This method uses sealed electrical elements to raise the seed raising mix temperature to a level that promotes the rapid germination of the seeds. Our heated propagation kits make this possible.

club $4.95

code HBOTW3

5. Place in a well lit position

Biodegradable Coir Pots

6. Transplant when they have grown their second set of leaves

Thermostat Controlled Propagation Tray This thermostat ranges from 0-40°C so a twist of the dial maintains the optimum temperature for seed germination. In single and double tray models.

1 tray 2 tray

retail $191.00 club $169.50 code HHTO retail $286.00 club $233.00 code HHET

One Tray Heating Mat

One Tray Heating Mat This simple, effective mat creates a surface temperature of 30-35°C. There is no controller so increase the spacing between the mat and the tray to adjust the soil temperature. 35cm x 25cm, one tray unit. retail $55.00

club $45.00

code HHMAT

Diggers Propagator Lid Made from UV stabilised material to fit our propagation trays, this ‘table-top greenhouse’ has superior ventilation with 7 x 3cm openings for optimum air flow. Diggers Propagator Lid

retail $13.00

club $9.00

code HPRL

Thermostat Controlled Propagation Tray Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 47

herbs for the kitchen

Sweet Basil S303

Basil Fino Verde S3031

Lettuce Leaf Basil S305

Thai Basil S328

Common Chives S3061

Basil Ocimum basilicum A famous companion plant to tomatoes both in the garden and the kitchen, basil demands full sun, good drainage and a neutral to alkaline pH. Protect from frost and pinch out flowers to encourage leaf production. Start advanced seedlings indoors to maximise length of harvest. Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

H 12 weeks

All year 40-80cm

25cm

Sweet Basil organic This is the true basil favoured by continental cooks. Grow half a dozen plants and you will have enough to fresh pick all summer and to make pesto that you can freeze for quick pasta dishes in the winter.

300 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S303

Neat, compact growth makes this the perfect potted herb for the balcony. Leaves are small, tender and aromatic. Continual harvest for an extended period as it resists bolting until winter frosts. retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S3031

Lettuce Leaf Basil This sweet basil has large fragrant leaves of vibrant green. Grows up to 75cm high.

550 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S305

Thai Basil Also known as Holy Basil, this true sacred basil is grown near temples and in houses and home gardens all over Asia. Use in salads and other cold dishes. Grows 60cm high.

450 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

Allium schoenoprasum — The leaves have a delicate onion flavour and are used to enliven dishes of eggs, potatoes, salads and soups. The purple orbs of flowers are also edible and look a treat in the garden. Can be grown as an insect repellent barrier. Oct-Mar Sep-Apr All year

Basil Fino Verde organic

320 seeds

Common Chives organic

code S328

Parsley Continental S319 48 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

10cm

40cm

Stevia organic

15 seeds

All year

25cm

Cinnamon Basil Lemon Basil

Parsley Curlina S318

Jul-Dec May-Aug 20-40cm

25cm

Flat leaf Italian style variety with a slightly milder flavour than the Curlina. Not for NZ.

220 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S319

Enhances savoury dishes and its tightly curled foliage makes a decorative contrast to flower beds. Not for NZ.

600 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S318

Oregano

80cm

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S325

Also available at

Jul-Dec

H 24 weeks

Curlina organic

Stevia rebauduana var. Bertoni — A natural sweetener and organic alternative to refined sugar. The leaves can be eaten fresh or dried for use as a powder. Frost sensitive. H 20 weeks

Petroselinum sp.

Continental organic

3 months

200 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S3061

Sep-Nov Aug-Oct

Parsley

Origanum vulgare var. hirtum — A spicy flavour for pizza or pasta with antioxidant properties. Sep-Nov Aug-Oct All year

S332 S334

Oregano S317

H 12 weeks

200 seeds

25cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S317

Stevia S325

herbs for the kitchen Coriander Coriandrum sp. The flavour of coriander is the cornerstone of cuisines from the Middle East, India, South East Asia and China. Fast growing, it’s a ‘must have’ for any kitchen garden with the leaves, seeds and roots of the plant all edible. It also makes an invaluable addition to the summer border with its delicate white flower heads! Not for NZ. Oct-Dec & Feb-Apr Aug-Nov & Feb-May All year

Coriander Confetti S3081

Coriander S308

Thyme organic

Anthriscus cerefolium — This anise flavoured leaf adds piquancy to salad greens. Ideal for growing during the short day lengths of the winter months but just as happy in the warmer months in a shady, moist position. Its white flowers are like a delicate Queen Anne’s Lace. Harvest in 9 weeks.

Thymus vulgaris — A low growing herb that does well situated on the edges of vegetable beds where it is easy to pick. A classic herb used with winter roasts, soups and stews. Beneficial insects flock to the sweet purple flowers.

Aug-Dec Jun-Mar H 8 weeks

350 seeds

Apr-Jul

25cm

40cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S311

H 6 months

100 seeds

N/A 25cm

60cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S360

Coriander grows rapidly in the cooler months. Eat the leaves fresh, dry-fry the seeds and use the roots for that nuance of Thailand in a stir-fry or curry.

80 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S308

Coriander Confetti This cut leaf coriander has higher yields than flat leaf types, is slower to bolt and much easier to cut.

100 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S3081

Sage organic

Dill Anethum graveolens — Soft, feathery leaves transform simple dishes and the seeds add flavour to vinegars and pickles. Sep-Oct Aug-Jan H 12 weeks

400 seeds

Apr-Jul

25cm

Coriander organic

Chervil

Mar-Jun

H 1-3 months

All year

25cm

Salvia officinalis — The thick felted grey leaves are as beautiful in the border as they are versatile in the kitchen. Use to flavour poultry, cheese and bean dishes. Performs well in poor soils. Sep-Feb Aug-Mar

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S312

H 20 weeks

50 seeds

All year

25cm

30cm

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S324

Sweet Marjoram

Thyme S360

Origanum majorana — Sweeter than oregano, every kitchen garden should have this herb which is used in many Italian and continental dishes. With attractive white flowers and lime green leaves, it’s a useful ground cover in tough, sunny spots. Mar-Jun

Apr-Jul

H 20 weeks

All year 25cm

30cm

600 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S331

Sage S324

Chervil S311

Sweet Marjoram S331

Dill S312 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 49

herbs for teas

Peppermint S337

German Chamomile S3101

Lemon Balm S314

German Chamomile Matricaria recutita — Chamomile has been used for centuries to assist with all manner of health complaints, from insomnia and anxiety to stomach complaints and migraines. The essential oils from the flowers are also used to treat skin conditions. Tea infusions can be made with fresh flowers or store them for use when dried. 20cm

Spring

Spearmint S338

Sweet Mace S335

2300 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S3101

Sweet Mace organic

Mentha x piperita — Commonly used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, biscuits and sweets, it can also be used to scent shampoos, soaps and lotions or as a natural pesticide and insect deterrent. The flowers produce large amounts of nectar and attract bees.

Tagetes lucida — Fragrant leaves are reminiscent of a mix between tarragon and anise. Ideal for making herb vinegars or dry the leaves for a warming herbal brew. The long-lasting clusters of small yellow flowers are a magnet for bees. Also known as Mexican Tarragon.

Spring

30cm

Spring

3 months

40cm

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S337

100 seeds

20cm

70cm

retail $3.95

club $3.45

3 months code S335

Lemon Balm

Spearmint

Melissa officinalis — The strongly scented leaves make a delicious and soothing tea to calm the nerves. Lemon-scented foliage repels mosquitoes. Can be perennial in some areas and may self-seed.

Mentha spicata — Spearmint is used to flavour roast lamb and other meats, sweets, oils, jellies, drinks and tea. It also is an attractive, spreading ornamental ground cover.

Aut-Spr

270 seeds

30cm

retail $3.95

3 months

60cm club $2.95

code S314

Lawn Thyme

Dichondra

3 months

Peppermint

1400 seeds

herbs for lawns

50cm

Thymus serpyllum — Tiny lavender flowers cover the fragrant foliage over spring and summer. Perfect for attracting bees – so watch out where you walk! Aut-Spr covers 1m

10cm

retail $3.95

1 year

20cm club $2.95

code S875

Spring

30cm

1000 seeds

40cm

4 months

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S338

Herbal Lawns A fragrant and attractive alternative to grass lawns, especially in small areas. Line a pathway or use between pavers.

Dichondra repens — This Australian native was popular in Southern California during the 50s and Pennyroyal Lawn Chamomile 60s as a substitute for a grass lawn – it never needs Mentha pulegium — Fuzzy lilac flowers and dark Chamaemelum nobile — Tough and hard wearing mowing! Ideal for light traffic areas. Grows in part green, peppermint scented foliage which deters fleas. ground cover with white and yellow daisy flowers, keep shade but thrives in full sun. Not for NZ. Can plant beside dog kennels. clipped to maintain density. Aut-Spr covers 10m

Scatter

2cm

3 months

retail $5.95 club $4.95 code S863

Lawn Thyme S875 50 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Aut-Spr covers 2.5m

Dichondra S863

5cm

4 months

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S878

Aut-Spr covers 5m

Lawn Chamomile S866

20cm

25cm

3 months

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S866

Pennyroyal S878

Flowers for good bugs!

Beneficial Insect Collection

Grow these flowers in the backyard to increase yields in the kitchen garden.

Sow this collection to provide the best year-round accommodation for these valued guests. Includes Queen Anne’s Lace and Alyssum for winter and spring, Phacelia and Cottage Salvia for summer, White Cosmos and Bronze Fennel for summer and autumn.

It’s true, these favourite annuals and perennials will attract bees to pollinate your vegetables and fruit trees as well as beneficial insects to feast on bad bugs like aphids and thrip.

Bergamot Panorama S330

retail $19.95 club $14.95 code S905

Coneflower Purple S548

Borage

Coneflowers Echinacea purpurea Aut-Spr

40cm

80cm

10 months

Coneflower Purple

Purple, upright flowers are not only a magnet for bees but a first class perennial for garden borders. An excellent cut flower.

200 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S548

Coneflower Magic Box

A warm mix of sunset colours that will keep the butterflies and bees flocking to your garden from summer through to late autumn.

80 seeds

Garlic Chives S315

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S555

Bergamot

Borago officinalis — Slate grey leaves topped by panicles of blue. Flowers and leaves can be added to summer drinks. The blue flowers are a magnet for bees, making it an invaluable addition to the kitchen garden. Aut-Spr

45 seeds

40cm

retail $3.95

80cm club $2.95

4 months code S3051

Allium spp. — Strappy leaves with a mild garlic flavour. Ideal for stir-fries. An autumn flowering companion plant in the vegetable garden. Oct-Mar Sep-Apr All year

90 seeds

40-80cm retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S315

Orlaya

50 seeds

50cm

retail $3.95

Orlaya S680

1.2m club $2.95

6 months code S330

Spring

20 seeds

30cm

retail $3.95

Borage S3051

Grow your own garden warriors! By adding these pungent herbs to the garden you’ll be keeping pesky bugs like flies and ants at bay. You can even make your own natural insecticide.

75cm club $2.95

4 months code S680

Pyrethrum S354

organic

Tanacetum vulgare — The camphor-like scent of Tansy leaves repels ants and flies. Yellow buttons of long lasting flowers are held above ornamental ferny foliage. Aut-Spr

3 months

Monarda didyma — Upright whorls of pink, red or Orlaya grandiflora — Held above ferny foliage, these white flowers are a calling sign to the insect world. Highly pristine white plates of flower, reminiscent of a mini Queen aromatic foliage is reminiscent of Lemon Verbena. Anne’s Lace, bloom summer to autumn. Not for WA/NT. Aut-Spr

Flowers for bad bugs Tansy

Garlic Chives

10cm

Coneflower Magic Box S555

35cm

6 months

1000 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S357

Pyrethrum Tanacetum cinerariifolium — Ferny grey foliage with white daisy flowers that can be dried and ground to make the insecticide. Not for TAS. Aut-Spr

40 seeds

20cm

40cm

6 months

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S354

Tansy S357 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 51

Green manures to improve your soil Soil is at the root of nearly all gardening problems.

Clever Clover Kit

Gardeners who neglect what happens beneath the surface of the soil are invariably disappointed with the development of the foliage, the formation of fruit and the eventual harvest. It is the soil that provides and assists plants with their nutrient uptake, and holds the water and air that plants need to thrive.

This clever kit developed by the CSIRO contains all the green manure crops you need for a healthy garden. Kit includes separate packets of Bio Mustard, Clover Trikkala, Clover Dalkeith and Lucerne plus full instructions on when to sow and how to grow. Not for WA/NT/NZ.

Sowing a green manure crop is an easy, inexpensive and low maintenance way of improving the health of the soil. These crops have many benefits. Green manures not only increase the organic content of the soil, but add valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. They provide an organic mulch that suppresses weeds and improves the soil’s ability to hold water. Dig in when flowering begins.

Lucerne SCLS

retail $19.95 covers 40m2

Buckwheat S392

club $17.50 code SCLC

Chickpeas S395

Fenugreek S340G

spring sowing

autumn sowing

spring sowing

Medicago sativa — Lucerne has much deeper roots than vegetable plants. It taps into, and makes available, the nutrients and water that vegetables can’t access. Dig in at 13 weeks or cut down when it starts to flower for use a mulch in your garden. Available in 100gms (covers 50m2) and 400gms (covers 200m2). Not for WA/NZ.

Brassica juncea, B. napus — Mustard acts as a bio-fumigant. As the plant breaks down it releases compounds that reduce the growth of soil-borne fungal diseases such as tomato wilt. This fantastic crop cleans up your soil and increases the organic content at the same time. Dig in around 21 weeks.

Cicer arietinum — The perfect multi-purpose crop. This spring planting legume makes a great drought tolerant, nitrogen fixing green manure. Tips and leaves can be pinched off to use in salads and stirfries. Plants that are left to mature will produce pods containing delicious and nutritious chickpeas which can be eaten green or left to dry and used in your own truly home made hummus. Harvest dry peas in 15 weeks.

Bio-mustard

Lucerne

Scatter

60cm

100gms retail $3.95 400gms retail $15.00

12 weeks

club $3.45 code SCLS club $9.95 code SB301

Fenugreek Trigonella foenum — An attractive and easily managed green manure crop that can be sown in autumn in warmer areas, otherwise sow in spring. The thick mat of foliage will suppress weeds and provide a nitrogen rich addition to the soil. Seeds can be collected and used in Indian cooking. Ideal for under-planting amongst broad beans. Scatter

60cm

Scatter

covers 10m retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S340G

Bio-mustard SCLBF 52 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

20 weeks

covers 50m2 retail $4.95 club $3.95 code SCLBF

Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia — This valuable green manure crop has fluffy lavender flowers that attract beneficial insects. 30cm

900 seeds

60cm

14 weeks

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S715

Autumn Mix This mix of Pea, Oat and Vetch make a vibrant and enriching autumn green manure for your soil.

10 weeks

Chickpea

30cm covers 50m

60cm

50cm

16 weeks

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S395

Buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum — Plant as a leafy cover crop to suppress weeds then turn into the soil for an excellent green manure. Can be sown in frost free climates during autumn and in frost prone areas during spring. Buckwheat flowers are fragrant and attract bees. 300 seeds cover 5m2. Scatter

9 weeks

retail $19.95 club $17.50 code S387

Phacelia S715

40cm

30 seeds

covers 5m

60cm

12 weeks

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S392

Autumn Mix S387

Wildflowers for any garden Let nature do the work for you! Plant these beautiful wildflowers in a bed near the vegie patch to bring pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, or even dig up the front lawn and create a wildflower meadow for the whole neighbourhood to enjoy! Sow into a fine soil as you would for carrots. Sowing in wave-like rows aids weed control. Autumn-Spring

Scatter

3-4 months

Wildflower Companions A combination of wildflowers, green manures and herbs. Plant under fruit trees to bring health and happiness to your garden and your soul! Baby blue Flax and sky blue Cornflower, along with fragrant Buckwheat, delicate white Coriander and feathery blue-green Dill. Scatter

covers 2.5m retail $5.95 club $4.95 code SWCOM 2

Cornfield Wildflowers Forget about straight edges and hard landscaping – bring the romance back into your garden with these cornfield wildflowers. A combination of reliable classics including Field Poppy, Corn Marigolds, Cornflower and Barley. Scatter

covers 2.5m

retail $5.95 club $4.95 code SWFIE

Wildflower Meadow Mix Enjoy your own flower meadow with Flanders Field Poppy, Californian Poppy, Cornflower Dwarf Blue, Silene Pink, Queen Anne’s Lace and Alfalfa. Not for WA/NT.

Wildflower Companions SWCOM

Scatter

1.5m

covers 10m

retail $5.95 club $4.95 code SWWIM

covers 100m2 retail $39.95 club $29.95 code SBWIM

Cornflower Dwarf Blue Centaurea cyanus — Rich deep blue double flowers with silvery foliage. Flowers are ideal for cutting. Plant en masse for a bold display. Scatter

40cm

covers 5m

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code SWCOD

covers 50m2 retail $39.95 club $29.95 code SBCOD

Flanders Field Poppy Papaver rhoeas — Famous single red flowers with glossy black stamens. Nothing beats it for a spectacular blast of colour.

Flanders Field Poppy SWPO

Scatter

50cm

covers 10m

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code SWPO

covers 100m2 retail $39.95 club $19.95 code SBPO

Meadow Daisy Bellis perennis — One for the flower addicts! A useful edging plant that creates a carpet of stars from winter to spring. Grow Meadow Daisies in your lawn by simply scattering the seed and keeping it moist – then all you need to worry about is mowing them down after flowering each year. Grows best in part shade. May naturalise in cooler climates. Scatter

Cornfield Wildflowers SWFIE

Cornflower Dwarf Blue SWCOD

10cm

covers 5m

Wildflower Meadow Mix SWWIM

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S869

Meadow Daisy S869 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 53

Heirloom flowers Beautiful gardens can only be created with the finest plants. The cottage garden is a cheerfully disordered area overflowing with flowers like the gardens at St Erth and Heronswood. We’ve suggested planting combinations over the following pages to allow you to create an annual garden with colours that harmonise well. Be sure to sow tender annuals (TA) in summer and hardy annuals (HA) in autumn and early spring.

Russell Lupins Lupinus polyphyllus — Spires of mixed colours provide a dazzling display over dissected fan-like foliage. Not only ornamental – being a member of the pea family they will improve the soil as well. Not for TAS. Autumn

25 seeds

25cm

retail $3.95

1.2m club $2.95

9 months code S638

Love-in-a-Mist Blue Nigella spp. — Masses of soft blue flowers provide colour for months. An easy care annual that self seeds and reappears each year. Covers 10m2 (available in bulk for 50m2 coverage). Aut-Spr

Scatter

50cm

4 months

17000 seeds retail $3.95 club $3.45 code SWLO 85000 seeds retail $39.95 club $29.95 code SBLO

Love-in-a-Mist Blue SWLO 54 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Russell Lupins S638

Delphinium Butterfly Mix S544

Delphinium Butterfly Mix

Hollyhocks Alcea sp. — Like foxgloves in spring, no summer cottage border should be without hollyhocks! Aut-Spr

30cm

6 months

Cottage Single Mix With colours ranging through pure white, primrose pink and deep maroon, these cottage favourites with graceful spires epitomise the joy of gardening.

65 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S608

Black This rare, deep maroon-black hollyhock revels in hot and dry positions. Plant amongst lower annuals and perennials for vertical impact.

30 seeds

retail $3.95 club $3.45 code S607

Hollyhocks Cottage Mix S608

The quintessential cottage garden perennial that is still much adored by gardeners today. Dark, light blue and white spires of D. belladonna, D. bellamosum and D. casablanca add vertical contrast to the garden border. Best planted in clumps. No need to stake. Aut-Spr

150 seeds

35cm

retail $3.95

70cm club $3.45

5 months code S544

Honesty Variegated Lunaria annua — Rare and exquisite. Silver edged leaves are highlighted with purple flowers followed by lunar like, translucent seed heads, much sought after by florists. Biennial and self seeding, it does best in shade. Aut-Spr

10 seeds

Hollyhocks Black S607

40cm

retail $3.95

70cm club $2.95

6 months code S610

Honesty Variegated S610

Sweet Peas Lathyrus odoratus

Sweet peas are one of the easiest and most fragrant flowers to grow from seed. You can enjoy the heavenly scent of sweet peas for up to 9 months of the year with repeat sowings from September to May. 5 months Sep-May

50cm

Heavenly Scented Mix

High Scent

Big Blue

A delightful mix of our most fragrant sweet peas. All in pastel shades and all sublimely scented-perfectly beautiful together in the garden and in a vase. Includes Big Blue, High Scent and Painted Lady.

A favourite during our trials for its antique cream flowers and superb fragrance. The delicate flowers belie its hardiness and the long stemmed flowers continued right through the height of summer.

As the name suggests, the big blue flowers on this floriferous sweet pea keep us dreaming of clear summer skies. One of the longest flowering and sweetest on the nose. Combines beautifully with white or pink cosmos for true cottage garden appeal.

20 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S814

Painted Lady

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S799

20 seeds

Another heirloom sweet pea that has striking deep pink and purple flowers. It’s always a favourite springtime feature in Heronswood’s vegetable parterre. The most sweetly scented of all climbers! retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S816

club $3.95

Painted Lady S799

Shades of the Night Mix S815

code S796

15 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S819

A mix of dark velvety purple, blue and maroons for those America more subversive gardeners who prefer to keep pastels out A true heirloom dating back to the 1890s with stunning of the palette. Includes purple Lord Nelson, stormy navy scented ivory flowers rippled with crimson streaks. One blue My Navy and vibrant maroon-pink Lipstick. of the best for its large fragrant flowers.

Matucana

20 seeds

retail $4.95

Shades of the Night Mix

The very first sweet pea bred by plant enthusiasts in the mid-18th century and it’s still a favourite for gardeners today. The most sweetly scented of all climbers with pink and white blooms and strong stems for cutting.

20 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S815

Erewhon

S823

Wiltshire Ripple

S804

Original

S822

Also available at

Big Blue S819

Matucana S796

High Scent S816

20 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S797

Members, login to our website to find out how to have sweet peas from September to April. Tim’s article Sweet peas – sow in spring for summer display tells you how!

America S797

Heavenly Scented Mix S814 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 55

Flowers to lift the vegie patch These flowers add a splash of colour to the vegie garden. Some, like the calendula and nasturtium are also edible. The best place for these bright beauties is amongst your vegetables and herbs, creating a rich tapestry of colours, attracting pollinators and increasing the biodiversity in your garden.

Marigolds Tagetes patula Spring

15cm

Marigold Red Marietta S641

25-30cm

2-3 months

Red Marietta A cheeky little French marigold with bright red and yellow flowers that keep bad bugs at bay, making it an ideal edging plant for vegie gardens. One of the best companion plants for tomatoes. 25cm tall.

130 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S641

This French marigold is the naughty companion to dainty Marietta, with mahogany stars on single yellow flowers that last all summer. Striking, delicate and appealing, especially compared to the modern ‘neon light’ American types. 30cm tall. retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S642

Zinnia California Giants Zinnia elegans — A breath-taking palette of colours to uplift the soul for months on end. These zinnias include intricate blooms of coral pink, vivid orange, reds, yellows and purples. Repeat flowering and great in a vase. Spr-Sum

90 seeds

30cm

retail $3.95

16 weeks

75cm-1m club $2.95

code S851

Marigold Naughty Marietta S642

Nasturtium Empress of India S657 56 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Nasturtiums

Calendula officinalis — For brilliant sunny colour on grey winter days, calendula is always reliable. Use the bright orange petals as a gourmet treat on salads. One of the best companion plants. Aut-Spr

25 seeds

Naughty Marietta

130 seeds

Calendula Green Heart Orange

30cm

retail $3.95

60cm club $2.95

9 weeks code S462

Rudbeckia Indian Summer Rudbeckia hirta — From the prairies of the American mid-west comes this long-flowering Black-eyed Susan. The huge yellow daisy blooms with dark centres are held on sturdy branches from summer through to autumn. A wonderful cut flower and fantastic in pots. Spr-Sum

120 seeds

50cm

retail $3.95

1m club $2.95

Flower Fodder! The flowers of borage, chives and sage look good and can be eaten too!

Rudbeckia Indian Summer S749

4 months code S749

Tropaeolum minus Aut-Spr

20cm

Trailing Mix T. majus — Perfect for gardeners beginning their flower adventure. A brilliant mix of reds, yellows and oranges look wonderful cascading from hanging baskets. 60cm trails.

20 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S664

Empress of India Dramatic dark green leaves are the perfect foil for brilliant red flowers.

15 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S657

Alaska Scarlet Green splashed white saucers of leaf make great foliage contrast even before they flower in post box red.

20 seeds

Calendula Green Heart Orange S462

Nasturtium Trailing Mix S664

25cm 4 months

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S658

Zinnia California Giants S851

Nasturtium Alaska Scarlet S658

Sunflowers Helianthus annuus

Sunflowers are the easiest seeds to sow, the quickest to flower and they are a magnet for bees. Get your children started in gardening by sowing Giant Russian seeds to see how tall they grow and how big the seed heads are! All of them make spectacular cut flowers and Italian White lasts well in the garden for a long display. Spr-Aut

multi-head long flowering

30cm

multi-head long flowering

Prado Red

Italian White

Exclusive to Diggers. Large velvety mid-red, to An enchanting branching sunflower with dark chocolate firey orange fading to yellow. Up to 10 heads centres and white petals. These multi-headed flowers per plant that dazzle gardens for up to 2 months. last for 2-3 months in the garden. Height to 1.4m. Height to 1.4m. 40 seeds retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S789

25 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S798

Evening Sun All the shades of the sunset including reds, oranges and bronze. Repeat flowering if dead headed. Height to 2m.

40 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S787

Fluffy spheres of deep gold on a strong branching plant. Flowers for up to two months. The dwarf flowers are a favourite with kids! 50cm tall.

25 seeds

retail $4.95

A tall multi-branching sunflower with very pretty butter-yellow flowers that fade to a pale lemon as they age. The height and width make it a good summer screening plant. Some natural variation occurs within this variety. Height to 2.5m. Limited stock.

15 seeds

Teddy Bear club $3.95

Moonwalker « multi-head » S794

Evening Sun « multi-head » S787

code S800

single head

Giant Russian The original sunflower and the best for competition growing – our 2013 Diggers Summer Grow off winners grew their sunflowers to 2.74m tall! Huge golden yellow heads up to 50cm across. The best variety for edible seeds and chooks love them too. Height to 3m.

15 seeds

Moonwalker

club members only $3.95

code S794

3 months

50cm-3m

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S788

Van Gogh’s Landscape Create the perfect Van Gogh landscape with these tall, statuesque single stemmed plants. Large traditional gold flowers with strongly curved petals. 75 days to flower, 6 days vase life. Height to 1.5m.

20 seeds

retail $3.95

club $2.95

code S792

Power Packed Snack! Leave the heads of Giant Russian sunflowers to dry out and you’ll be able to harvest your own sunflower seeds to snack on!

Van Gogh’s Landscape « single head » S792

Italian White « multi-head » S789

Teddy Bear « multi-head » S800

Giant Russian « single head » S788

Prado Red « multi-head » S798 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 57

Spring garden delights Celebrate the end of winter with these fast growing annuals that flower from 2 months! Annuals such as these are easy to grow from seed and the hot colours are just the thing to warm up a cold garden. Californian Poppy Jelly Beans S464

Poppy Falling In Love S730

Poppy Ladybird S732

Love-in-a-Mist Mulberry Rose

Poppies Papaver sp. Aut-Spr

Shirley Poppy Mix SWSHP

30cm

60cm

4 months

Falling In Love Beautifully flushed pink heads first appear in spring and linger into summer. Fine seeds are easy to scatter. 80cm tall. Available from August 2013.

Nigella damascena — Feathery foliage and delicate flowers. Ornamental balloon shaped seed heads after flowering. Beautiful rosy pink flowers. Aut-Spr

150 seeds

Scatter

retail $3.95

club $3.45

Colour schemes

Ladybird

• Choose hot colours between red and yellow on the colour wheel

3000 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S732

Shirley Poppy Mix A cottage wildflower with chalices of white, pink, lilac and red. Height to 50cm. Covers 10m2 (available in bulk for 100m2 coverage). covers 10m2 retail $3.95 club $3.45 code SWSHP covers 100m2 retail $39.95 club $19.95 code SBSHP

Californian Poppy Champagne and Roses S473 58 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

4 months

50cm

1500 seeds retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S730 Bright red petals with black dots at the base, that look at home in more formal cottage gardens. Height to 50cm.

Californian Poppies

code S632

• Choose cool colours between green and purple • Create colour harmonies by using colours that are adjacent to each other • Create colour contrasts with colours opposite to each other • Create pastels by mixing a pure hue with white

Californian Poppy Red Chief S472

Eschscholzia californica All year

30cm

20cm

2 months

Jelly Beans As sweet as a bag of lollies, this long lasting floral display looks spectacular in drifts around the garden or grown in pots for splashes of colour.

120 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S464

Red Chief Single fire engine red flowers look ultra smart in the garden and these are no exception. The red faces stand up to welcome the hot summer sun and grow wonderfully amongst bold cosmos and zinnia colours.

650 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S472

Champagne and Roses These quick flowering semi-double fluted petals in elegant colours are one of the easiest flowers to grow from direct sowing. Long lasting flowers and ferny foliage thrive even in poor soils.

150 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S473

Love-in-a-Mist Mulberry Rose S632

Summer garden delights No summer garden is complete without the cheerful blooms of cosmos, lupins, salvias and hollyhocks. All are easy to grow from seed. Combine the cool colours of white cosmos and blue salvia to calm the heat. They attract the bees and other beneficial insects so are invaluable to both ornamental and vegetable gardeners.

Salvia Fairy Queen S756

Salvia Cottage Blue S755

Cosmos Psyche White S527

Agastache Licorice Blue

Salvia Salvia farinacea

Cool blue salvias combine beautifully with pink and white cosmos and elegant Italian White sunflowers. Bees are attracted to the blue flower spikes, making them a valuable addition to the vegetable garden too. Spring

30cm

50cm-1m

4 months

Fairy Queen Blue and white bicolour flowers look like they have been sprinkled with fairy dust! An upright compact salvia, Fairy Queen flowers right through summer and doesn’t stop until winter. A wonderful plant for the garden or for pots. Available from August 2013.

100 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S756

Cottage Blue Salvias thrive in the Australian sun with cool blue flowers which are a vital element to cottage gardens. The lavender-like spikes of Cottage Blue last for months and combine well with cosmos.

170 seeds

Cosmos Picotee S520

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S755

Agastache Licorice Blue S327

Agastache rugosa — Long cultivated in Asia where the fragrant anise leaves are infused in tea and used in cooking. The violet-blue spikes last for weeks! Attracts butterflies and bees. Spring

230 seeds

50cm retail $3.95

60cm club $3.45

3 months code S327

Mixed Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa atropurpurea — Shades of white, blue and purple. Enjoy thousands of ‘pincushions’ in dry, hungry ground from December through to February. Covers 2.5m2. Aut-Spr

1500 seeds

30cm

4 months

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code S716

Cerinthe major — Subtle connoisseurs garden choice with pendulous purple-blue bells that last for months. The foliage is also appealing, turning from grey to mauve.

15 seeds

Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Spr-Sum

35cm

retail $3.95

70cm club $3.45

Mixed Pincushion Flower S716

4 months code S498

30cm

3 months

Double Click Rose

Dreamy pink double flowers begin in January, last until March and are easy to grow. Blooms dance above robust fern-like foliage which provides a 2nd dimension to this romantic annual. Height to 80cm.

100 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S525

Psyche White

Freshen up the garden with clear white semi-double faces. Vegetable and flower gardeners alike should grow cosmos to attract bees and for attractive cut flowers. Height to 1m.

50 seeds

Cerinthe

Aut-Spr

Cosmos Double Click Rose S525

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S527

Picotee

Picotee is a reminder of how cottage gardens used to be – wild, romantic and colourful. Step back in time with these starry white and pink blooms that dance above fern-like green foliage. Height to 1.2m.

150 seeds

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S520

Cerinthe S498 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 59

Australian wildflowers

Waltzing Matilda A delightful mix of Australian wildflowers including brachyscome, craspedia, helichrysum, ammobium and rhodanthe that bring back the bush and explode into a riot of colours including blue, pink, white, yellow, orange and red. Not for WA/NT.

Celebrate the diversity of Australia’s wonderful native flora by bringing a bit of the bush into your own garden. Adapted to survive nutrientpoor soils and dry, hot summers, these varieties have been selected for their outstanding garden worthiness and some even make long-lasting cut flowers.

covers 5m

20cm

60cm

20-50cm covers 2.5m2

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S556

4 months

retail $6.95 club $5.25 code SWNA

covers 50m2 retail $39.95 club $29.95 code SBNA

Paper Daisy

These brilliant white flowers glow in the garden and Helichrysum braceatum — These everlastings are so can be dried for indoors. easy to grow that everyone will succeed! Aut-Spr

180 seeds

25cm

retail $3.95

50cm club $2.95

2 months code S600

Aut-Spr

30cm

60cm

Blue Lace Flower

Billy Buttons

Trachymene coerulea — Powder blue lacy umbels that look like an old fashioned pin cushion. Best grown in warm sunny well drained soil in a native garden or cut for indoor vase. Easy from seed!

Pycnosorus globosus — Also known as Drumsticks, this unique Australian native is a one of our most popular cut flower exports. Perfect spheres of butter yellow rise above the slender silver foliage throughout spring and summer.

Aut-Spr

120 seeds

25cm

retail $3.95

50cm club $2.95

3 months code S459

Sturt’s Desert Pea Swainsona formosa — Named for Captain Charles Sturt who noted its “splendid blossom” while exploring South Australia in 1844, this icon from Uluru can be grown in poor sandy soils. Rapid growing annual with a tap root so sow in position or transplant carefully. Aut-Spr

25 seeds

15cm

retail $3.95

30cm club $2.95

2 months code S811

Aut-Spr

400 seeds

20cm

retail $3.95

50cm club $3.45

3 months code S450

Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi — Australia’s answer to Edelweiss with white star-like flowers and grey foliage for a dry garden. Needs sandy soils. Use smoked water to aid germination. Spr-Sum

180 seeds

45cm

retail $3.95

90cm club $2.95

Helipterum ‘Pierot’ S600

Sturt’s Desert Pea S811

Flannel Flower S566

Paper Daisy S599

Billy Buttons S450

Blue Lace Flower S459

60 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

4 months

covers 5m2 retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S599

6 months code S566

Photo courtesy of Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Rhodanthe chlorocephala sp. rosea — Our famous everlasting mix. Dappled shades of pink and white are so easy to raise. Naturalises and perfect for drying as ever-lasting flowers. Not for WA/NT. 2

Scatter

Helipterum ‘Pierot’

Native Everlasting

Autumn

3 months

Aut-Spr

Australian native plants Germinating native seeds In Australian ecosystems, several species are waiting for a fire event to open up the bushland and give them space to grow. These seeds develop hard seed coats that prevent water and oxygen entering until the time is right. The dormancy of these seeds is broken by heat and fire which softens the seed coat. Replicating this can be as easy as soaking the seed in hot, not boiling, water for 24 hours before sowing. This method works well for Native Wisteria, Running Postman and Boab. Other species have been found to respond to the chemicals in smoke. Soaking the seeds in smokey water can trigger these seeds to germinate. Kangaroo Paw and Blue Lace Flower germinate better after smoke treatment.

Running Postman

Hardenbergia comptoniana — Trailing over walls and climbing over fences or pergolas, this tough West Australian plant produces long sprays of deep mauve flowers creating an impressive display from early winter through to spring. Easy to grow from seed.

Kennedia prostrata — A fast-growing, scrambling ground cover that’s native to the southern half of Australia. Brilliant red pea-like flowers cover this hardy evergreen from late winter to early summer. Easy to grow from seed in well drained soils but soak seeds in hot water before sowing.

retail $4.95

6m club $3.95

2 years code S423

Illawarra Flame Tree Brachychiton acerifolius — One of Australia’s most famous and spectacular trees from the eastern seaboard. The lush, green leaves fall in spring which is when the spectacular red flowers appear, just like a day time fireworks display. After flowering, leaves re-emerge and huge black pods form around the seeds which are fantastic for craft work or as decorations for the home. 8m

Spring

5 seeds

retail $4.95

15m club $3.95

10 years code S447

Eucalyptus macrocarpa The large gum nuts are dusted white, but it is the huge bristly flowers that steal the show in summer. Another treasure from WA that is a popular choice for the home gardener because its dwarf size fits in every garden. Aut-Spr

200 seeds

2.5m

retail $3.95

3m club $2.95

Eucalyptus macrocarpa S422

5 years code S422

Aut-Spr

20 seeds

retail $4.95

30cm club $3.95

2 years code S424

Boab Adansonia gregorii — An iconic tree from the top end of Australia. Its gigantic swollen trunk stores water and was even hollowed out for use as a prison! Handsome pink flowers are followed by big shady leaves. Featured in the Kings Park Botanic Gardens in Perth. 5m

Spring

5 seeds

retail $4.95

10m club $3.95

Running Postman S424

10 years code S449

Red Kangaroo Paw Anigozanthos manglesii — This floral emblem of Western Australia has striking red and green flowers throughout spring. It does well in dry sunny positions in well drained soil and makes a spectacular potted plant for balconies and courtyards. Aut-Spr

250 seeds

80cm

retail $4.95

1m club $3.95

Red Kangaroo Paw S453

2 years code S453

Illawarra Flame Tree S447

Boab S449 Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 61

Picture courtesy of Kings Park and Botanic Garden

30 seeds

Picture courtesy of Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Native Wisteria

Aut-Spr

Picture courtesy of John Rayner

Native Wisteria S423

Botanicus organicus In a world of genetically modified seeds and hybrid supermarket tomatoes it is increasingly important to return to our botanic heritage — a heritage we find in all our botanic gardens but not in our nurseries or box warehouses, where species are so often distorted for commercial gain. Here is a collection of botanic legends that grow naturally — Botanicus organicus. All are grown from seed so they can be sent around the country as inexpensive Christmas gifts.

Blue Sea Holly S457

Himalayan Poppy S458

Moonflower S650

Moonflower

Miracle Tree S411

Himalayan Poppy

Miracle Tree

Ipomoea alba — Spectacular deliciously scented white Meconopsis betonicifolia — Is there any flower as blooms glimmer like a full moon. Soak in hot (not desirable as this poppy from Tibet? Planted en masse boiling) water until seed coat splits before sowing. this legendary blue poppy is a breath-taking sight to Spring 4 months behold. For cool climate gardeners with moist soils and 3m 1m summers below 30°C.

10 seeds

retail $4.95

club $3.95

code S650

Blue Sea Holly

Win-Spr

150 seeds

25cm

retail $4.95

20cm club $3.95

16 months code S458

Eryngium planum — Blue thimbles on vibrant stems handle even the toughest garden conditions. This spiky Edelweiss character adds interest to our border, curious amongst Leontopodium alpinum — The most sought after the agastache and coneflowers. A superb cut flower. alpine wildflower that draws visitors up the mountains every summer. Easy to grow in a partly shaded spot. Aut-Spr

300 seeds

30cm

retail $4.95

4 months

80cm

club $3.95

code S457

Spring

20cm

25cm

Echium simplex S552

1 year

Moringa oleifera — Only just becoming well known in the west, the Miracle Tree lives up to its name. Every part of this fast growing tree is edible and all parts provide more of our daily requirements than any other food plant. It is high in calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins A and C – all of which help to boost energy levels and moods, lower blood pressure and improve the function of our immune system. Easy to grow from seed but protect from frost. Oct-Dec Sep-Dec Jul-Oct

10 seeds

retail $4.95

2m club $3.95

8m code S411

Echium simplex

Giant cylinders of bright white make a spectacular vertical statement in the garden. Bees flock to the tower of nectar from flowers that emerge from a silver Loofah rosette of leaves during the second year. Needs a well Luffa aegyptiaca — Grow your own bath sponge and, Canterbury Bells Blue for the truly adventurous, harvest some of the fruit while Campanula medium — One of the prettiest of any cut drained soil. still young and try eating them! Train up a support and flowers, Canterbury Bells is an old-fashioned biennial Aut-Spr 2 years 25cm 2m screen out your neighbours with this novelty climber. grown in cottage gardens through mid summer. retail $4.95

2m club $3.95

4 months code S1872

Loofah S1872 62 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Spr-Sum

650 seeds

30cm

retail $3.95

70cm club $2.95

4 months

30 seeds

retail $3.95

club $3.45

code S552

code S483

Edelweiss S452

Canterbury Bells Blue S483

Picture courtesy of Jiletto Staudensamen GmbH

10 seeds

50cm

retail $4.95 club $3.95 code S452

Picture courtesy of Jiletto Staudensamen GmbH

Aut-Spr

1000 seeds

Garden Lilies Lilium spp. Diggers has selected only the best of the older lilium varieties and the most vigorous of the newer crosses as truly ‘garden worthy’ selections. Plant directly on arrival. Bulb postage applies. Orders close mid September 2013. HZ 1-7 CZ 7-10

BULBS

Christmas Lilies Grow these elegant, perfumed liliums for cut flowers to enjoy over the festive season. Easy to grow in a sheltered position in sandy loam soils. Protect from snails. 3 bulbs.

Christmas Lily White Heaven

Mixed Species

Glistening large white trumpets herald the start of the festive season for most southern states. Dec

3 bulbs

30cm

80cm retail $9.95

club $7.95

code BLIWH3

~ 6 bulbs ~

Christmas Lily Prince Promise

A collection of our garden worthy lily species in fashionable white and shades of pink. Flowering for 4-6 weeks between December and January. Collection includes 3 x Christmas Lily White, 1 x Alba (shown below), 1 x Pink Orienpet and 1 x crimson Leslie Woodriff.

Large ivory trumpets with blushing shell pink throats. This trumpet crossed Oriental lily has stem strength and height combined with sweet perfume and colouring. Dec

3 bulbs

80cm

30cm

retail $11.95 club $9.95 code BLICPR3

Christmas Lily Triumphator A wonderful new claret throated lily – stem strength and height combined with perfume and colouring. Dec

3 bulbs

80cm

Christmas Lily Prince Promise

Christmas Lily Triumphator

30cm

retail $11.95 club $9.95 code BLICTR3

Tree / Orienpet Lilies Towering, strong growing lilies reach 2m+ tall after three years. These lilies make a wonderful dramatic statement at the back of the perennial border. Selfsupporting. 1 bulb.

Leslie Woodriff

Award winning with dark crimson flowers and a thin white edge. The flowers are perfumed and make an ideal accent feature at the back of a perennial border. Nov-Dec

retail $12.95

Leslie Woodriff

30cm club $9.95

Members save 25% retail $42.80

club $31.95

code BCOLIM

code BLILE

Scheherazade

Renowned as the biggest of all tree lilies, reaching over the 2m mark. Beautiful ruby red flowers with a gold outer band. Another Hall of Fame winner due to its excellent vigour that guarantees success. Dec-Jan

2.4m

retail $12.95

40cm club $9.95

code BLISCH

Silk Road So beautiful it’s jaw dropping, this lily deserves a place in any garden. Beautiful large white flowers with crimson throats. Nov-Dec retail $12.95

30cm club $9.95

code BLISR

Silk Road

Scheherazade Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 63

Plants for the backyard Asparagus

Asparagus Asparagus officinalis HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10

~ 9 plants ~ This collection is a sound investment, rewarding with crops of tender spears for the next 20 years! Nothing can beat the flavour of freshly cut asparagus straight from the garden. Collection includes three plants each of Purple, Mary Washington and Fat Bastard.

Members save over 20% retail $59.95

club $45.00

code PASCO

Live plant symbols Fruiting time

Mature width

Deciduous

Mature height

Semi-deciduous/Herbaceous TT Tree tube (50mm)

BR Bare rooted

Rhubarb

Mary Washington Slender green spears are produced in abundance throughout spring. A popular variety due both to its high productivity and its resistance to rust diseases. One year old crowns will start to produce spears in their second spring. Orders close 9th September 2013. retail $5.95

club $5.50

retail $65.70

club $45.00

code PRHCO

code PASM

Fat Bastard (F1) High yielding, green spears with good rust resistance. F1 hybrid that produces fatter than normal spears. Allow a couple of years for the crown to establish and produce the thickest spears. retail $6.95

club $5.95

code PASFA

Purple Tender spears of royal purple that delight the eye and the palate. A light cutting of spears in the second year is followed by increasing harvests for the next 20 years. 50cm

75cm

club $5.95

code PASPU

Asparagus Purple

Members, see the Fact Sheet on our website for asparagus hints!

Asparagus Knife This unique tool combines the two most popular methods of cutting asparagus. The serrated blade saws through the stem and the sharpened tip slices through the spear under the surface of the soil. Forged from high carbon steel for durability and edge retention, with a hardwood handle and leather hanging thong. retail $38.00

club $32.00

Rheum x hybridum BR HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10

Winter Wonder

Asparagus Knife

code HAKN

Big Boy

Rhubarb Crowns

Rhubarb Winter Wonder

Asparagus Mary Washington

30cm

~ 6 plants ~

Members save over 30%

Asparagus Fat Bastard (F1)

30cm

75cm

retail $6.95

Harvest fresh rhubarb all year. With summer varieties Cherry Red and Big Boy for the warmer months and abundant short day cropping from Winter Wonder you can grow all your rhubarb needs for the year in 5m2. This collection includes two bare root crowns of each of each variety.

Sep-Nov

Orders for bare root crowns close 9th September 2013!

Originally a Queensland market garden variety, you’ll rarely find this in supermarkets because they can’t handle the large stems! This is the variety to grow if you want to win the ‘best in show’ at your local fete. Aug-May retail $10.95

1m club $8.50

Selected from the market gardens around Melbourne, this variety stands up proud in the cooler months when most other rhubarbs are ready to be chopped back in preparation for their spring flush. Deep red at the base with smaller, pointed leaves. Apr-Oct

80cm

retail $10.95

1m club $8.50

code PRHWW

Cherry Red Exclusive to Diggers, these large cherry red stems are much sought after by chefs at local farmers markets. Jul-May

Rhubarb Cherry Red 64 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

retail $10.95

80cm

1m club $8.50

code PRHCR

Rhubarb Big Boy

code PRHB

Potatoes ALL-ROUNDER!

SALAD

ROAST

Potatoes are one of the easiest and most prolific vegetables to grow at home and your harvest will taste far superior to stale shop varieties. Supermarkets sell big white potatoes from the US, but chefs prefer the creamy European heirlooms for flavour. Amaze your family and friends with the range of shapes, sizes and colours. We only sell certified seed potatoes, screened to be disease free, unlike shop-bought potatoes. 8 tubers per bag, each tuber yields around 10 potatoes. HZ 1-7 CZ 1-8 Not for QLD/TAS/WA/NT. Packed under license from VICSPA Inc. Orders close mid September 2013. Dec-Mar

40cm

Salad Combo ~ 24 tubers ~

MASH

40cm

If you love a good potato salad, then this collection is a must. Includes one pack each of Kipfler, Pink Fir Apple and Brake Light. retail $29.85 club $21.95 code TCOSA

Roasting Combo ~ 24 tubers ~

Aussies love a good roast spud and we’ve picked some of the best. Includes one pack each of King Edward, Cranberry Red and Royal Blue. retail $29.85 club $21.95 code TCORO

Cranberry Red

Sapphire

A large, round red fleshed variety. Combine with The most spectacular purple potato with delicious rich white, yellow and purple flesh potatoes for a multi- purple flesh that maintains its colour when cooked. Amuse the kids and adults alike with purple mash! coloured harvest. Good for mashing and roasting.

Pink Fir

club $7.95 code TCRR Finger shaped waxy potatoes with delicate pink skin retail $9.95 and yellow flesh. Ideal for boiling, salads and chips. Rich nutty flavour. Avoid rich fertilisers as this causes Malin knobbly growth in this variety. This variety came to us by default when the packing company selling this ‘supermarket exclusive’ went retail $11.95 club $9.95 code TPIF kaput! Needless to say we were keen to offer it, as it has pedigree breeding and a taste to match. Extra early Brake Light As bright red as any brake light. The cherry red colour but long keeping, with firm creamy flesh best used for lasts well when baked and the texture is light and fluffy boiling or steaming. Beautiful, with soft pink kisses making it ideal for baking or mashing. Also a nice around each potato eye. High resistance to scab, slugs and snails. cocktail sized potato for salads. Tasmanian grown. retail $9.95

club $7.95

code TBRL

retail $11.95

Brake Light

Cranberry Red

club $9.95

code TMAL

Malin

Pink Fir

retail $9.95

club $7.95

code TSAP

Dutch Cream Delicious potato with extra-creamy flesh that is perfect plain boiled or baked. One of the best for roasting. retail $9.95

club $7.95

code TDUC

Otway Red A great Australian variety with red skin and smooth creamy flesh. A top all rounder, but particularly good for mashing. retail $9.95

club $7.95

code TOTR

Otway Red

Sapphire

Dutch Cream Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 65

Tools for the heirloom gardener

Heirloom Galvanised Watering Can To last a lifetime this 9 litre watering can has been hot-gal dipped for durability. It has an ergonomic handle which slips through your hand as gravity tips the can forward into the pouring position – no more twisting your back! The removable brass rose allows for fine or rapid watering and its oval shape gives knees a wider berth — a truly beautifully designed gardening accessory. retail $105.00

club $95.00

code HBBWC

Lowe Rotating Handle Anvil Pruner Lowe of Germany has been making professional quality pruners since 1923. Famous amongst orchardists around the world for their precision engineering, simple yet ergonomic designs and premium tool steel blades. Anvils are an old fashioned, simple design which feature an offset centre bolt. This means the blade slices back as it closes, significantly improving the cutting capacity of the tool and reducing the jarring often associated with bypass secateurs. The harder the timber, the better they cut. The rolling handle improves the tool’s ergonomics and gripping power.

Heirloom Galvanised Watering Can

retail $86.50

club $76.50

code HAP2

Lowe Bypass Pruner Bypass pruners are better suited to soft green material where the scissor action allows close and clean cutting. The Lowe 12 is for small to medium sized hands, featuring ultra-light nylon ergonomic handles and a small but powerful cutting head that will cut softer material up to 22mm. Ideal for training young trees and shrubs, fruit picking and dead-heading. Lowe secateurs are lifetime investments and all spare parts, from blades to anvils to springs, are readily available. Lowe Rotating Handle Anvil Pruner

Lowe Bypass Pruner

retail $79.95

club $69.95

code HBP2

DeWit Fork and Spade A Diggers exclusive, these superb tools are handmade from Swedish boron steel, which has been hardened to sustain a sharper edge for longer. The handles are fashioned from FSC-accredited European Ash for comfort and strength and the steel heads carry Lifetime Guarantees. This fork is the best we have ever used and the spade is well balanced and perfect for digging in any soil. Assembly required to affix handle to head (2 screws supplied).

FORK retail $117.00 club $107.00 SPADE retail $150.00 club $135.00

code HDDF code HDDS

DeWit Korean Hoe

Hand made in Holland, this hoe is designed from an ancient tool still used today by Korean gardeners for digging, scraping weeds and loosening the soil. It is made from a single piece of boron steel that has been hand shaped, bent, sharpened and expertly affixed to a comfortable Ash handle. retail $47.50

club $43.50

code HKHOE

DeWit Great Dixter Trowel Beautifully crafted to last a lifetime, this handmade ‘Rock and Root Trowel’ was designed by Christopher Lloyd of Great Dixter Garden. It digs into heavy and compacted soils easily with a narrow blade that has been specially sharpened to aid penetration. The handle is made from ash and the blade from Swedish boron steel. retail $43.95

club $38.95

code HDGDT

66 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

DeWit Fork

DeWit Spade

DeWit Great Dixter Trowel

FIGO Connectors for Bamboo Canes You won’t find these craftily designed utility connectors anywhere else in Australia! Presented as a box set, the FIGO Universal Frame Connectors will grip a wide range of cane thicknesses (8-16mm diameter) firmly and securely so you can build strong, sturdy and stable frames anywhere in the garden. The flexible connector arms twist to virtually any angle allowing you to create almost any frame shape. Ideal for bird and vermin proofing your mini-plot. Each kit contains 6 three-way and 4 four-way connectors. retail $37.95

club $33.95

code HFIGO

FIGO Combo Kit FIGO Connectors for Bamboo Canes

The exclusive kit that helps you keep your vegetable garden pest free. Includes a packet of Diggers exclusive FIGO Universal Frame Connectors, a pack of 34 FIGO Combo Kit bamboo canes (1m lengths) and a fine mesh vegetable net which covers an area of 1 x 3 metres with plenty of Plantsmen’s Markers overhang. Keep white cabbage moth, birds and other These markers will last longer than your memory! unwanted vegetable feasters out of your garden! Keep track of what’s what in the garden with these retail $76.95 club $66.95 code HFIGOC spade and boot proof markers. Available in two sizes. SMALL – 6 x 2.4cm label / 26cm tall

10 SMALL retail $16.95 club $14.90 code HPLM10 50 SMALL

club only $70.00

100 SMALL

club only $139.00

code HPLM50 code HPLM100

Diggers Knees Keep those knees dry, clean and comfy throughout the year. Only Diggers knees will do! retail $42.00

club $38.00

code HDIK

LARGE – 10 x 4cm label / 30cm tall

10 LARGE

retail $26.95 club $22.95 code HPLML10

50 LARGE

club only $95.00

code HPLML50

Moon Cycle Planting Calendar This is a perpetual Moon Calendar which will last for years and take the guess work out of successful gardening. By setting the wheel indicator to the new moon for each month you know when to weed, when to sow, when to prune, when to prepare your soil, when to fertilise and even when to go fishing! retail $21.50

Plantsmen’s Markers

Worn by all discerning Diggers gardeners and used extensively by our own gardeners at Heronswood and St Erth. Breathable backing, waterproof fingers and palm, available in three sizes. small HRABS

club $16.00 medium HRABM

Redback Gloves

code HRMOON

Sprayer for Disposable Bottles

Redback Gloves

retail $19.00

club $18.00

large HRABL

Attaches to any disposable bottle and sprays on both the push and pull motion. Comes with an adjustable nozzle for fine misting and coarse long spraying, making it ideal for taller trees. Use with all our Eco organic product range including Eco Oil, Eco Neem and Eco Fungicide. retail $25.00

club $19.95

code HBOTS

Sprayer for Disposable Bottles

Diggers Knees

Moon Cycle Planting Calendar Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 67

Four books we couldn’t do without

View our full range of gardening books at

“Most of the modern garden books published are repeats of someone else’s original ideas and the old titles are out of print, but the books listed below are the foundation stones for serious gardening success.” Clive Blazey

Encyclopedia of Roses

Knott’s Handbook for Vegetable Growers

A superb RHS publication listing nearly 2000 of the world’s best rose species and cultivars, all lavishly illustrated and including descriptions of scent, elegance, colour and abundance. Clear step-by-step photographs and techniques guide gardeners through all aspects of cultivation. 2011 hardcover edition, 448 pages.

Exclusive to Diggers, this is a serious vegetable grower’s bible that we have depended on for 30 years. With germination times, temperatures, fertilisers, planting density, water needs for each crop, storage temperatures, pest problems and more, for small and mega farm growers. There is no Australian equivalent of this US publication. Softcover, 621 pages. retail $85.95

club $59.95

code HKHFVG

retail $59.95

The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia

club $55.00

code HCOF

code HEOR

Encyclopedia of Perennials With 5,000 perennial entries, this is an essential book for the plant collector, the enthusiastic amateur flower gardener and the nurseryman. Adapted by the American Horticultural Society from the original RHS book, it has the same Heat and Cold Zones for heat tolerance and cold survivability that we use throughout the Diggers catalogues and coded for every plant we list. Hardcover, 496 pages.

The most comprehensive guide to the selection, culture, use, pest and disease control of fruit, nuts and berries for temperate and sub-tropical gardeners. Fully illustrated with practical diagrams throughout. First published in 1997, it’s become a classic. Softcover, 382 pages.

retail $65.00

club $58.95

retail $60.00

club $45.95

code HEOP

Vegetable garden solutions Vegetable Net We use these vegetable nets to great effect in our kitchen gardens, keeping cabbage moth off our early brassica plantings. Diggers members who saw them in action made so many enquiries that we have made them available. 5m x 2.87m in size, these nets have a fine mesh that will keep out even the smallest bug and a density that protects crops from both frost and sunburn. Can be simply laid over crops, or used with stakes, FIGO frames or poly piping to create a tunnel. retail $27.50

Vegetable Net

club $22.50

code HVEGN

Insect Hotel

Encourage beneficial insects into your garden. Hang this handy ‘hotel’ in your garden to ensure those good bugs come to stay and do their job! retail $37.90

club $31.90

code HIH

Fruit Saver Netting

A fitted, box-shaped net providing natural protection for fruit trees against birds, bats, possums, and insects, including fruit fly and codling moth. Environmentally friendly, it avoids wasting money on harmful chemical sprays, so is ideal for organic fruit production. Insect Hotel 68 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

Fruit Saver Netting

2m3 2.5m3

retail $72.00

club $60.50

code HTNET

retail $95.00 club $82.50 code HTNETL

Healthy from the ground up Growing strong, healthy and vigorous plants and vegetables has now been made easier with our exclusive Rockdust Fertiliser, our Diggers Biochar and our partnership with Neutrog in producing specially formulated, certified organic Fruit & Citrus and Veggie & Herb fertilisers.

Organic Veggie & Herb Fertiliser

Organic Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser

Biochar Soil Conditioner

Rockdust Fertiliser

Biochar is full of natural nutrients for use as an environmentally beneficial, nutrient bonded, carbon sequestering soil conditioner. Its sponge-like structure will improve soil’s capacity to share nutrients and moisture, with roots creating stronger and healthier plants. 2 kgs covers 10 square metres.

A natural mineral fertiliser that conserves up to 30% more moisture, making plants healthier and more drought tolerant, and with up to 100 minerals and trace elements it produces better tasting and more nutritious fruit and vegetables, that are more resistant to pests and diseases. The 2 kg bag covers 40m2.

retail $35.00

club $29.95

code HBIOC

Organic Veggie & Herb Fertiliser A BFA registered fertiliser that has been specifically developed for growing healthy vegetables and herbs. Applying an organic fertiliser during bed preparation and throughout the growing period allows your vegetables and herbs access to the nutrients they need for optimum performance. retail $29.95

club $25.95

code HDOVH

Organic Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser Specifically developed for growing healthy organic fruit with boosted levels of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K), specifically designed to enhance fruit quality. Apply during planting and throughout the year (including winter). retail $29.95

club $25.95

code HDOFC

NPK Soil Testing Kit Knowing your soil is fundamental to growing a healthy garden and with this kit you will have all the info you need. So much more than a pH kit, this measures the major plant nutrients Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK). retail $52.50

club $47.70

NPK Soil Testing Kit

code HNPK

retail $35.00

club $30.00

Rockdust Fertiliser

code HRDUS

Organic pest control Copper Slug and Snail Tape A simple solution to protect precious plants from slugs and snails. A small electric shock created naturally from the copper adhesive tape deters these garden pests. Run around garden edges or pots. Non-toxic.

4m ROLL retail $12.00 club $9.95 code HCSST4 10m ROLL retail $22.00 club $19.95 code HCSST10

Biochar Soil Conditioner

Eco Neem The Neem tree is revered for its medicinal properties but for gardeners it’s also an organic way of handling problem insects. Aphids, whitefly and mites are all controlled with this concentrated oil. 100ml bottle. retail $25.50

club $22.30

code HNEEM

Insectrap Just remove the twist top and hang the non-toxic traps in your fruit tree (two traps for 2m tall trees, four traps for larger trees). Use all year for fruit fly and from September-November for citrus gall wasp. Replace after three months for maximum effect. retail $7.95

club $6.95

Eco Neem

code HITRAP

Copper Slug and Snail Tape

Insectrap Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 • 69

Life leads up to lunch!

Heirloom vegetables that have been rescued for Australian gardeners take centre stage at our two restaurants; Fork to Fork at Heronswood and St Erth. We use the phrase ‘Fork to Fork’ because that’s our focus; from our garden fork to your dining fork. Guests at Heronswood dine in Australia’s only thatched roof restaurant, surrounded by the kitchen gardens that supply our chefs with the freshest ingredients possible. That’s the shortest distance travelled of any food in Australia! Heronswood and St Erth are both certified organic gardens, and Fork to Fork features local wines, regional produce and free range meats. Next time you visit the gardens, please enjoy our seed to table dining. Bookings are essential. Keep up-to-date with seasonal food events at diggers.com.au 70 • Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14

The Diggers Club is owned by the recently established charitable garden trust

Heronswood

The Diggers Garden and Environment Trust The Trust helps protect and enhance the historic buildings of Heronswood (1864 slab cottage and 1871 neo-gothic home) and St Erth (1860s minerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottage). Preserves and enhances the gardens of Heronswood and St Erth.

St Erth

Supports garden education to promote protection of heirloom seed varieties and health and wellbeing.

Heronswood

Preserves heirloom flowers, vegetables and fruits.

Education

Become a Lifetime Member of The Diggers Club By joining the Club, you are supporting an Australian business owned by a Trust whose mission is to preserve the historic houses and gardens at Heronswood and St Erth and the best gardening traditions. For more information see diggers.com.au

Heirlooms

Your lifetime membership ($1000) provides you with a lifetime of advice, free seeds, garden entry, discounts and magazines.

Diggers Garden Annual 2013/14 â&#x20AC;˘ 71

If undeliverable please return to: The Diggers Club PO Box 300 Dromana Victoria Australia 3936

Visit Diggers At our gardens and shops Heronswood dromana Wander amongst the living catalogue of fruit trees, vegetable gardens and flower beds at the home of the Diggers Club. Drop in to the tea room or stay for lunch at Fork to Fork, dining on seasonal produce from our kitchen garden and local growers. Our Garden Shop will help get your garden to grow with seeds, propagation equipment, perennials, fruit trees and seasonal bulbs.

The Garden of St Erth blackwood Discover a secret garden in the tranquility of the bush! Enjoy the abandoned gold rush town that is now a garden treasure. Indulge in the delights of seasonal food, local wine and the best espresso coffee at the Fork to Fork café. Be inspired to grow your own fruit, flowers and vegetables from the range of plants and seeds in the historic nursery and Garden Shop.

Adelaide Garden Shop Visit the Diggers Garden Shop located in the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and ask our helpful staff for gardening advice. Pick up your heirloom flower and vegetable seeds, seasonal bulbs, books and garden hardware.

PRINT POST

PP 381667/00111

At a monthly workshop

POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

Dig a bit deeper at a monthly workshop, offered at all of our Garden Shops.

Whether you’re a beginner starting your first vegetable garden or an expert wanting to expand your knowledge, there is much to learn with Diggers.

For dates, locations and details of the workshops held at Heronswood, St Erth and Adelaide, please check diggers.com.au

Visit our gardens and shops every day except Good Friday and 24–26 December. Garden entry at Heronswood and St Erth is $10 (members & children free).