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Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 16/12/2019 14:38:47
Christmas is almost here and amid the Christmas craziness, its easy to forget how much we have to be grateful for in this stunning little part of the world. So firstly, I want to say thank you to all our wonderful customers! Your support of our little business is what enables us to keep doing...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 13/12/2019 13:12:50
6 ripe but not mushy nectarines, peaches or apricots halved, stones removed 100g amaretti biscuits (available from good supermarkets) 100g butter softened 85g toasted almonds, chopped 85g brown sugar 1 egg 250ml marsala or good dessert wine (optional) Greek yogurt or crème...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 29/11/2019 16:18:45
I write this newsletter as I look out upon a large community garden with many beautiful planter boxes overflowing with gorgeous displays of vegetables and bee loving flowers. Regrettably, I am only a spectator of this wonderful garden. This year, I have to admit that I have been so overwhelmed...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 27/11/2019 18:18:54
Serves two but simply increase quantities to serve more. Note: It is imperative that the vegetables sit in a single layer in the roasting tin. If they are on top of each other you will end up with a not so appetising dish of mushy vegetables. 3 big bell peppers or king sweeties 1...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 17/10/2019 14:18:31
October is a contrary month. On the one hand you have the lengthening days and milder temperatures and then quite suddenly a cold tempest will descend from the heavens plunging you back into winter. Beautiful spring flowering also goes hand in hand with the emergence of pests who awake from...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 16/10/2019 11:29:32
This recipe comes from Hettie Mackinnon who started out delivering handmade salads to Melbourne locals on the back of her bike and soon became something of a Sydney food legend! I made this salad for dinner the other evening and had it with some leftover cold lamb and then I had it again...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 12/08/2019 10:28:24
The beginning of August is the time of year when I get my gardening catalogues out and start dreaming about what I might harvest in the summer ahead. Visions of sweet plump tomatoes and bushes laden with jewel like eggplants dance around my head. Whilst I always plan to have something in the...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 09/08/2019 13:31:38
For the broccoli: 6 cups broccoli florets 3/4 cup cornsflour 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons panko or fresh breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup ice-cold sparkling mineral water 1/2 cup ice-cold vodka 1/4 cup very thinly sliced spring...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 05/07/2019 12:28:36
For many years now we have been offering customers what we think are very competitive freight prices for purchases made from our online store. Over the past year we have been faced with rising costs which we have attempted to absorb. However, recently freight charges have increased dramatically...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 29/06/2019 19:22:54
The shortest day has past and the chill of winter has settled on us. I don’t think I am in the minority when I look out the window at the ever increasing jobs waiting for me in the garden and decide that Netflix and a cup of tea are infinitely more appealing than getting out into the cold air!...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 27/06/2019 14:14:15
Ingredients for roast beetroot 6 small/medium beetroot washed but not peeled, approx. 300g 2 cloves garlic crushed A few sprigs of thyme Sherry or balsamic vinegar Olive oil salt & pepper Splash of water To...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 31/05/2019 13:08:43
The winter of our discontent - Shakespeare’s famous words can ring eerily true at this time of the year. There is gloom in abundance throughout the world at the moment and winter is knocking on the door. But as much as it can be tempting to let a bah humbug attitude overcome me, I only have to...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/05/2019 16:51:00
225g butter 160g brown sugar 100g caster sugar 1 ½ c self-raising flour 1 cup rhubarb chopped into 1cm pieces Rhubarb filling 225g Rhubarb chopped into 1cm pieces 2 tbsp caster sugar Caramel Icing 300g Caster sugar 125ml cold water 1 cup cream 400g...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/04/2019 11:54:10
250g peeled and grated beetroot 150g peeled and grated parsnip or carrot Handful of dill and parsley chopped 150g of goats feta or cows feta 2 eggs Put grated beetroot and parsnip in a bowl add the herbs and seasoning. In a separate bowl crumble the feta and then beat 2 eggs....
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/04/2019 11:52:41
You will all know by now that Autumn is my favourite time of the year. Here in Auckland we have been particularly blessed with spectacularly still and warm days, crisp mornings and deliciously cool evenings. The garden released from the tyrannical heat and pestilence of the summer needs a little...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 19/03/2019 18:36:33
Easter and Autumn - while they seem too far away to bother about, both the relentless promotion of hot x buns, chocolate and unfortunately the subtle change of leaf colour (I thought my tree just needed water) belie the fact they are both closer than we think. Perhaps it's wishful thinking on my...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/03/2019 14:02:48
Serves 3 Pumpkin 2kg Olive oil 4 tbsp Hot chicken or vegetable stock1 litre Double cream 200g Grain mustard 1 tbsp Smooth dijon mustard 1 tbsp Cut the pumpkin into six large wedges. Remove and discard the seeds and fibres. Warm the olive oil in a large, deep-sided roasting tin over...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/03/2019 14:00:09
As the beautiful summer rolls on it appears my prediction of a dry summer is bearing out. In these sort of conditions - unless you have very good irrigation, most plants will struggle. But even with irrigation the intense hot sun of mid to late summer can damage and knock your plants around. One...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 12/02/2019 15:49:51
500g beetroot, trimmed, peeled and cut into wedges 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 2 garlic cloves finely chopped 250g hot smoked salmon 1 tbsp capers 1 tbsp cider vinegar 3-4 sprigs mint Handful of fresh parsley 150g rocket or baby spinach or a mix of the two...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 07/12/2018 14:52:44
Christmas is a great time of the year and while I have thought Christmas in New Zealand is a little marred by the absence of that fluffy, cold, white stuff, over time I have learnt to appreciate celebrating Christmas in a warm climate. The choice of an outdoors celebration is really something...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 06/12/2018 17:25:38
Our recipe this month is thanks to Nigel Slater. Perfect for everyone to nibble on while you are preparing your Christmas feast. Suitable for vegetarians, vegans and those with a gluten intolerance. The dukkah could also make a wonderful Christmas gift as it keeps for a good couple of weeks....
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 08/11/2018 12:03:18
Mid spring is a tumultuous time of the year. Coupled with warmer weather and longer days, and the intermittent cold blasts as if winter is calling us back for a second look. However, the extra bit of rainfall we have had recently is making everything look green and fresh again – perfect for...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 06/11/2018 19:02:42
New potatoes 500g Olive oil 5 tbsp Spinach 100g Double cream 250ml Parmesan 3 tbsp, grated Garlic 2 cloves Butter 30g Flaked almonds 4 tbsp Pea shoots a handful (optional) Set the oven at 200C. Wash the...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 27/09/2018 18:08:50
This month I am going to talk lawns, because traditionally this is the month to start sowing or fixing the lawn, even though the soil is still a bit on the cold side. Ideally, soil should be around 13 degrees or more when sowing lawn seed, (presently it's sitting around 12 degrees in Auckland)....
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 26/09/2018 15:35:54
Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 25 min 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 onion, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon grated ginger 500 gms collard greens or a mix of silverbeet and kale, stems removed, cut into ribbons ¾ cup coconut milk...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/08/2018 21:35:17
As weather records are shattered all around the world it becomes clearer that the climate is changing and we have to adapt our gardening habits in our own way. For me that adaptation has come in the form of rethinking my garden space. I have a small urban garden but have made it larger by using...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/08/2018 20:51:43
I must admit I was a little dubious when I made this dish but I shouldn’t have been – they are fantastic especially with chargrilled steak. Recipe thanks to Diana Henry. Honey ½ tsp Kumara x 1kg 4 tblsps olive oil Juice of 1 lime Salt pepper For the sauce: 2 cloves garlic...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/07/2018 13:10:37
A wee while ago I wrote about growing potatoes in winter in the north of the North Island. Having no idea our winter would be colder than a polar bears poo, I was confident that my potatoes would come up well. However after reading in a certain gardening magazine about one writers experience...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 17/07/2018 13:03:28
This creamy red lentil Sri Lankan dal is offset by spiky “mallum”, or shredded greens cooked with onions, coconut and fresh lime. In Sri Lanka all sorts of different greens are used to make mallum, from chrysanthemum leaves to turnip tops. I used cavolo nero here because it works harmoniously...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 20/06/2018 14:59:50
As I write this newsletter the shortest day of the year is just around the corner. And while we have a little while to go until Spring, it always seems much closer after 21st June. With that in mind, there is work in the garden waiting to be done when a rainfree day decides to turn up! ...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 19/06/2018 16:43:40
This pumpkin soup is a refreshing change to the thick pureed type we are normally used to in winter but in my opinion its texture and flavour make it worth a go. 1kg Butternut 6 medium Shallots 5 tbsp Olive oil 1 tsp Sweet Paprika 1 tsp Hot Smoked Paprika 1...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/04/2018 18:19:49
It doesn’t seem to matter what time of year that it falls, but Easter seems the point at which I make a mental crossover to a new season. And even though it is warmer than normal, the song of Autumn is here with the falling leaves and chill in the morning air. My favourite season of the year!...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/04/2018 17:50:14
This recipe can be used with any combination of fruits but works best with plums frozen rather than bottled. 800g plums (frozen or bottled drain first) 50g light brown sugar finely grated zest 1 orange 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp plain flour (omit if using gluten free option)...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 22/02/2018 12:44:33
Having come to the end of my potatoes I am thinking it’s about time to get some greens in the ground especially as we are getting more regular rainfall. So you can start planting out Kale, Basil, Lettuce, Swiss and Rainbow Chard and Chinese greens. Just remember that the slugs and snails like...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 22/02/2018 12:41:19
The sound of summer can be a beautiful thing; birds and insects singing their wee hearts out, kids playing outside and outdoor festivities. Unfortunately, there are some sounds that don’t bring a smile to your face – yep the sound of summer also means the sound of crickets. Now personally, I...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 21/02/2018 14:48:32
½ green cabbage (not Savoy) ½ onion (red, brown or white) ½ cup mild olive oil or another mild tasting salad oil 2 Tbsps. Highlander salad dressing (you have to make this, see the back of the Highlander condensed milk tin for the recipe) 100ml cream Salt and pepper...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 25/01/2018 12:06:50
This particularly hot and muggy weather, coupled with the odd day of torrential downpour is the perfect breeding ground for infestations of nasties. Fungal disease is very common at this time of year so keep an eye out. Scale has reared its ugly head on my lime tree so I use Conqueror Oil...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 25/01/2018 12:06:08
I am also enjoying picking off the ripening tomatoes in my pots as I sit outside in the evening with a nice glass of something to drink. Now is a good time to give your tomatoes and other vine fruit a bit of a feed as they don’t really need much until the fruit has actively set and is ripening....
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 25/01/2018 12:03:30
Well after a nice long break we are getting ourselves ready for the autumn season. I am pleased to report the small range of vegetables I planted in late spring were all bountiful and still are. I only did Heather, Rudolph and Highlander potatoes this year, the Rudolph were beautiful roasted but...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 24/01/2018 12:55:08
With this recipe it pays to buy the best miso paste you can – white miso is better and I use the 'Urban Hippy' range because its made in NZ by a NZ company and it’s a bloody good product. 125gm softened butter 3 tbsp miso paste 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/12/2017 10:50:06
Of course you can’t mulch a lawn, you can only water it and if you are on water restrictions then unless you have sowed Tall Fescue or Kikuyu (these two can survive a tough summer) your grass is going to be pretty much burnt toast. Just something to keep in mind when you sow your next lawn....
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/12/2017 10:47:39
There is probably nowhere in this beautiful country right now that is not suffering a little from this extraordinarily hot weather. The key to keeping your plants alive and in one piece is to water really, really well once a week and mulch, mulch, mulch! This is where our Fibre Earth mulch,...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 18/12/2017 10:44:25
Christmas is almost here and there really is very little time left to do your Christmas shopping, so grab a voucher from our online store and save yourself some unnecessary stress! To ensure delivery of your goodies before Christmas the last day for ordering is Tuesday 19 December (Auckland...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 15/12/2017 09:53:54
4 small or 2 large heads little gem lettuce cores cut out and washed and dried Small bunch spring onions sliced and soaked in iced water for 20 mins sliced very thinly on an angle ½ bunch radishes scrubbed soak in ice for 20 mins and dried Small handful...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 01/12/2017 09:28:58
Hello from our new premises at 78 Leonard Road. Well it wasn’t the easiest move but we are finally starting to settle in and Black, our lovely resident warehouse cat has given it the big thumbs up! Christmas is bearing down on us with astonishing rapidity so it’s time to start thinking about...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 01/12/2017 09:22:56
In theory I should have all my seedlings in the ground by now but alas I don’t. My spuds and toms are in of course – and my favourite silverbeet. But I figure I still have time before Christmas to get a few new things going. Have a look at our new range of Niche Heirloom Seeds . There’s some...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 21/11/2017 17:33:21
Serves 4 1 bunch of radishes with their green tops if fresh (or 1 cup spinach leaves as an alternative) Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper Dried chilli flakes Red or white wine vinegar 110 grams pitted medjool dates cut into small bits 1 apple, halved, cored and thinly...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 20/09/2017 17:12:00
Spring is here and it’s a time when your lawn should look its very best. If you help it, your lawn will know you care and respond accordingly. Here’s my top tips for a great looking lawn this spring: • Give it a good liming just before it rains – maximum 1-3kg per square metre. • Fertilise...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 20/09/2017 17:11:11
Springtime is seed sowing time. It’s a teensy bit warmer and we are getting the occasional rain free day. So get your galoshes on and get outside and start getting the garden ready for a planting frenzy. Tomatoes, eggplants, beans, lettuce, spinach, cucumber, capsicum and peas can all be started...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 19/09/2017 10:50:00
450g shelled early peas or broad beans 150g asparagus spears 200g slim spring carrots 30g butter 2 Tbsp of oil 125g feta or goats cheese 5gms of tarragon or chervil or basil or whatever takes your fancy Boil pot of water, put in the peas/broad beans and cook for...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 04/08/2017 10:17:16
1 small cauliflower 120g of plain flour (or chickpea flour or a mix of the two) 1 tablespoon Italian parsley 1 garlic clove 2 shallots finely chopped 4 eggs 1 ½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 04/08/2017 10:16:02
Slugs and snails are the curse of a gardener’s life and Baysol is the only pesticide I use in the garden – however in my effort to leave a smaller chemical footprint on our fragile world, I have decided to give something else a try - Oyster shell grit. Normally given to poultry to help with...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 04/08/2017 10:15:32
At the same time start thinking about getting your soil ready for planting out your seedlings. Now is the right time to start adding plenty of compost or soil enhancer. Fodda Soil Enhancer is a fantastic way to boost your soil condition - it's a mix of organic materials and is great for getting...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 04/08/2017 10:14:39
Have you noticed that daylight is lasting a bit longer? Even though the weather has been terribly dreary it cheers me up to know that ever so slowly we are inching our way towards spring and that means it’s time to start thinking, often of the wishful kind, about what you want out of your...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 06/07/2017 16:03:48
Keep at the moss – we have the elixers here, try heavy liming toward the end of winter to recondition the plants for spring.
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 06/07/2017 16:02:34
I know its normal to ignore your lawn over the winter months and wait for spring before taking some remedial action. This winter though, I’ve changed tactics to try and keep the lawn looking really good right through. Keep it quiet - but my efforts have been amazingly successful. Don’t believe...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 06/07/2017 12:48:37
Yay it's potato time! When there is not much else growing in the garden – except the weeds and it's cold and miserable outside I get great pleasure from choosing which new variety of potato I will put into my garden. Last year I went for Pink Fir Apple and Swift . The Pink Fir didn’t...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 23/05/2017 19:54:42
With a couple of frosts under our belt most of us just want to be inside keeping warm. However with the fine calm weather, there are still many things that we can put in the garden – so get those gumboots on! Silverbeet , coriander and potatoes can all still be planted now. Obviously...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 05/05/2017 14:55:39
I am happy to announce that the first of our seed potatoes have arrived. We currently have arriving - Maris Anchor, Lisetta, Jersey Benny, Cliff Kidney, Agria, Ilam Hardy, Desiree, Purple Heart and Highlander - other varieties will follow as they get dug. Highlander is new to us this year:...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 05/05/2017 14:53:43
As the icy breath of winter bares down on us this week, don’t forger our feathered friends - birds need to forage harder in the Winter months! Hang a bird seed bell or feeder with wild bird seed in a tree and make their lives just a little bit easier - they will reward you with their...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 05/05/2017 14:51:36
A big congratulations to Dot C! Dot is the lucky winner of our Get Growing Mother’s Day competition. Dot will be receiving a $100 Newton Seed gift voucher to spend online or instore. Don't forget your Mum on Mother's Day this Sunday 14th May. There's still time to shop & we have lots of...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 05/05/2017 14:39:05
Make hay while the sun shines! While we are enjoying a spate of lovely weather here in the north we need to get out in the garden and replace what was lost in the recent storms. Many growers have struggled to supply leafy green vegetables because of the damage to the commercial crops. Now is...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 31/03/2017 20:32:33
Right now is the best time for sowing a new lawn or repairing the old one. Ground temperature is still around 20 degrees and there’s rain about as well – perfect. Autumn sowing gives the plants the whole winter to mature and get ready for the heat of summer. Above is a picture from one...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 31/03/2017 20:31:29
It’s a good idea to plant a green crop to give your soil a bit of TLC, after what can be best described as a summer horribilis. Oats will give the soil a bit of protein; Mustard adds organic matter and can protect against wireworm; and Blue Lupins add nitrogen and organic matter. TOP...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 31/03/2017 20:30:39
Autumn is a great month to clean up and clear out the garden and we have got a great little helper here at Newtons – the Precision Weeder. Easy on the back and a great alternative to spraying (got to look after our bee friends) you can use these in your lawns and garden beds. A great...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 28/02/2017 12:14:25
The ever darkening mornings coming upon us hold a promise of autumn and yet our balmy days and nights still point to high summer. It seems as if the seasons have lost their rhythm; one can’t figure out when to stop and the other when to start. In the garden this can confuse our wee little...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 28/02/2017 12:11:23
At last after many delays our Kikuyu seed is back in stock! Kikuyu is deal for those who live in hot, dry parts of the country who want to have grass, but don’t have any water or for those lucky enough to have a bach and they are just not there enough to keep the water going. Kikuyu...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 28/02/2017 12:10:20
If you are trying to attract some birdlife into your garden there are a few things you can do now. Put in a birdbath. Especially when it's dry, birds will look for a source of clean water. Fantails especially are drawn to the sound of water whether it be a garden sprinkler or dripping...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 08/12/2016 07:56:36
Well now, it’s almost the end of the year and time for our hardworking staff to take a well-deserved break and get some sun. But don’t despair, there is still plenty of time for you to get your bird, lawn and vege seed supplies before Christmas. The Newton’s shop in Onehunga will close at...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 08/12/2016 07:54:13
1 large eggplant 1 large red onion 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic (optional) 3 red, yellow or orange capsicums 3 or 4 medium courgettes Enough olive oil to coat the vegetables (be generous) 3-4 tbsp of good balsamic vinegar 1 ½ tbsp of brown sugar Salt and pepper Chop...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 24/11/2016 13:18:45
4 large ripe peppers (red, orange, yellow or chocolate) 350gms of cherry tomatoes 250gms feta 16 kalamata olives (stone them if you’re feeling generous) Black pepper 8 tsp basil pesto Olive oil Halve the peppers and remove and discard any stalks, cores or seeds....
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/07/2010 16:39:01
Summer is fast approaching and now is the perfect time to resow your lawn or patch it up. We are still getting a decent bit of rain and the temperatures are creeping up on us. There is a bit of debate over whether we are going to have a big dry or a wet and hot summer but given that...
Posted by sarah fitzgerald on 30/07/2010 16:34:58
While the world in general is divided by the election of the newest rooster to the international roost our customer’s chooks seem pretty well happy with their lot. When it comes to chook food you can supplement a free range diet with grain and scraps or you can decide to feed pellets or; go...
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