Comments on: Photo – Tetragonia tetragonioides http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/ hopping along the corridors of power Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:16:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: tomfarmer http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-125183 tomfarmer Sat, 15 May 2010 07:38:41 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-125183 Long and way too late for sentient pertinance here, but I just got told how the US buck - highest in 14 months - is on kiwi spinach (gotten muscles, see).. guess you have readers afar who seek blessings from this star..

Long and way too late for sentient pertinance here, but I just got told how the US buck – highest in 14 months – is on kiwi spinach (gotten muscles, see).. guess you have readers afar who seek blessings from this star..

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]]> By: Frida http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124851 Frida Thu, 13 May 2010 02:05:13 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124851 Even better for slugs is a headlamp, a pair of kitchen tongs (not advised for re-use in the kitchen) and a bucket of beer slops - they crawl out of water but drown in beer. And then there's the mat on the garden trick, where the slugs that seek refuge under it during the day can be picked off easily, and given their last rites in a bucket of beer. Rimu prickles sounds like a good one.

Even better for slugs is a headlamp, a pair of kitchen tongs (not advised for re-use in the kitchen) and a bucket of beer slops – they crawl out of water but drown in beer. And then there’s the mat on the garden trick, where the slugs that seek refuge under it during the day can be picked off easily, and given their last rites in a bucket of beer.
Rimu prickles sounds like a good one.

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]]> By: greenfly http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124814 greenfly Wed, 12 May 2010 23:05:04 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124814 Hey! Someone's linking to this discussion. http://www.sces.org.nz/pmwiki.php/Content/GreenGardener

Hey! Someone’s linking to this discussion.

http://www.sces.org.nz/pmwiki.php/Content/GreenGardener

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]]> By: Don Graves http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124808 Don Graves Wed, 12 May 2010 22:13:01 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124808 What about the vitamin C content of NZ spinach??? It is credited with assisting the treatment of scurvy in the crew of James Cook's ship Endeavor. I have seen it growing well as a perennial in frost free sites under willows in the dune slacks of the Horowhenua coast, & in gravels & sand in Ruby Bay near Nelson. It also grows well from cuttings & it is a great ground cover, but best of all, ... it doesn't bolt like silverbeet or annual spinach. It will also prosper as an annual in a hanging basket or in pots located under the eaves or other frost free urban locations. Apart from it's use in salads, the normal cooking uses of spinach in pasta, or steamed, similar to Rocket, it is also fantastic on pizza base.
What about the vitamin C content of NZ spinach??? It is credited with assisting the treatment of scurvy in the crew of James Cook’s ship Endeavor.
I have seen it growing well as a perennial in frost free sites under willows in the dune slacks of the Horowhenua coast, & in gravels & sand in Ruby Bay near Nelson. It also grows well from cuttings & it is a great ground cover, but best of all, … it doesn’t bolt like silverbeet or annual spinach. It will also prosper as an annual in a hanging basket or in pots located under the eaves or other frost free urban locations.
Apart from it’s use in salads, the normal cooking uses of spinach in pasta, or steamed, similar to Rocket, it is also fantastic on pizza base.

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]]> By: Felix Collins http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124801 Felix Collins Wed, 12 May 2010 21:08:33 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124801 Contact the Southern Seed Exchange for seeds. http://www.southernseed.org.nz/ I just had a meal of NZ Spinach last night. Grown in an inland garden in Christchurch in heavy soil. I find it likes plenty of moisture and not too much sunlight. That way I get very large leaves and soft delicious stems.
Contact the Southern Seed Exchange for seeds. http://www.southernseed.org.nz/

I just had a meal of NZ Spinach last night. Grown in an inland garden in Christchurch in heavy soil. I find it likes plenty of moisture and not too much sunlight. That way I get very large leaves and soft delicious stems.

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]]> By: Owen McShane http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124800 Owen McShane Wed, 12 May 2010 20:58:26 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124800 The best way tgo ensure NZ Spinach stay plentiful is to ask for it at your nursery or gardening shop every weekend until they keep it in stock. Look at the example of the Tecamanthe. Only a couple of plants left on the Three Kings or wherever and now they are everywhere. I am looking at one growing over my pergola right now. I think Maggie Barrie gave it a big boost on her TV show and its survival was assured.

The best way tgo ensure NZ Spinach stay plentiful is to ask for it at your nursery or gardening shop every weekend until they keep it in stock.

Look at the example of the Tecamanthe. Only a couple of plants left on the Three Kings or wherever and now they are everywhere. I am looking at one growing over my pergola right now.
I think Maggie Barrie gave it a big boost on her TV show and its survival was assured.

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]]> By: Geoff Fischer http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124798 Geoff Fischer Wed, 12 May 2010 20:44:36 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124798 Tetragonia grows and seeds vigorously on Auckland volcanic soils. My first attmpt to grow it on the CNI volcanic plateau was not successful, but I will be giving it a second go.

Tetragonia grows and seeds vigorously on Auckland volcanic soils. My first attmpt to grow it on the CNI volcanic plateau was not successful, but I will be giving it a second go.

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]]> By: Jacko http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124741 Jacko Wed, 12 May 2010 08:23:27 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124741 Be careful if gathering from the wild as in some places (like Wellington) NZ spinach is increasingly uncommon. A pity 'cos the coastal growing spinach comes pre-salted - delicious! Check it out on the NZ Plant Conservation Network website: http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.asp?ID=325

Be careful if gathering from the wild as in some places (like Wellington) NZ spinach is increasingly uncommon. A pity ‘cos the coastal growing spinach comes pre-salted – delicious!

Check it out on the NZ Plant Conservation Network website:
http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.asp?ID=325

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]]> By: Alan http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124738 Alan Wed, 12 May 2010 08:21:45 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124738 Having trouble with slugs/snails? Sprinkle dry rimu leaves, gathered from under the tree, around sensitive plants. The little b-s don't like crawling across the prickles. Don't have a rimu? Time you planted one...
Having trouble with slugs/snails? Sprinkle dry rimu leaves, gathered from under the tree, around sensitive plants. The little b-s don’t like crawling across the prickles. Don’t have a rimu? Time you planted one…

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]]> By: Tony http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124726 Tony Wed, 12 May 2010 07:19:41 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124726 Eric Toensmeier mentions it in his book "Perennial Vegetables". It looks like it can be grown as a perennial in some areas and as an annual in most places (the book is targeted at the US, however). It can be propagated through cuttings.

Eric Toensmeier mentions it in his book “Perennial Vegetables”. It looks like it can be grown as a perennial in some areas and as an annual in most places (the book is targeted at the US, however). It can be propagated through cuttings.

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]]> By: greenfly http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124716 greenfly Wed, 12 May 2010 06:46:04 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124716 tomfarmer - rhubarb in the trench - I doubt it is effective against slugs, who won't burow down there in any case. Comfrey in the pre-potato trench will provide nutrients and minerals for the growing spuds and healthiness is the best defence against pest creatures. Cabbage and silver beet cast-offs won't help with mollusc problems at all. The best defence against slugs is a head-lamp and squeezy fingers. If you are looking for pop-eye, try a jalapeño.

tomfarmer – rhubarb in the trench – I doubt it is effective against slugs, who won’t burow down there in any case. Comfrey in the pre-potato trench will provide nutrients and minerals for the growing spuds and healthiness is the best defence against pest creatures. Cabbage and silver beet cast-offs won’t help with mollusc problems at all. The best defence against slugs is a head-lamp and squeezy fingers.
If you are looking for pop-eye, try a jalapeño.

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]]> By: tomfarmer http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124710 tomfarmer Wed, 12 May 2010 06:00:43 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124710 Oops sorry, I forgot.. does kiwi spinach make for muscles.. Popeye ! or is that one yankee thing kiwis can do without.. :-)

Oops sorry, I forgot.. does kiwi spinach make for muscles.. Popeye ! or is that one yankee thing kiwis can do without.. :-)

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]]> By: tomfarmer http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124709 tomfarmer Wed, 12 May 2010 05:58:53 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124709 GF @ May 12, 2010 at 9:45 AM Thank you for that advice... the silver beet is really beating itself skywards around here.. tho likeness to rhubarb leaves surprises me. BTW I heard how old-timers lay rhubarb leaves in bottom o' trenches to ban slugs.. and such from say cabbage.. could we use the silver beet castoffs to the same purpose..? meanwhile it's out with the tunnel houses... and in with loads of sand... etc.

GF @ May 12, 2010 at 9:45 AM

Thank you for that advice… the silver beet is really beating itself skywards around here.. tho likeness to rhubarb leaves surprises me. BTW I heard how old-timers lay rhubarb leaves in bottom o’ trenches to ban slugs.. and such from say cabbage.. could we use the silver beet castoffs to the same purpose..?

meanwhile it’s out with the tunnel houses… and in with loads of sand… etc.

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]]> By: greenfly http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124609 greenfly Tue, 11 May 2010 21:45:30 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124609 Oxalic acid in NZ spinach and swiss chard? Nothing to be concerned about! It would be very difficult to over indulge in either. For those wanting to grow some, sow it under glass - it loves the sheltered life of the tunnel house. Free draining soil, full sun (you know the drill).

Oxalic acid in NZ spinach and swiss chard?
Nothing to be concerned about!
It would be very difficult to over indulge in either.
For those wanting to grow some, sow it under glass – it loves the sheltered life of the tunnel house. Free draining soil, full sun (you know the drill).

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]]> By: Owen McShane http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124599 Owen McShane Tue, 11 May 2010 21:01:53 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124599 All spinach and chard are high in oxalic acid and some say NZ spinach is lower than Swiss Chard (Silver Beet). All are excellent in fibre and my guess would be the fibre benefit for most of us outweighs any oxalic cost. We have just planted bock choy, silver beet, cabbage and spinach. I am prone to divericulitis so these fibre rich greens are an essential part of my diet.
All spinach and chard are high in oxalic acid and some say NZ spinach is lower than Swiss Chard (Silver Beet).

All are excellent in fibre and my guess would be the fibre benefit for most of us outweighs any oxalic cost.
We have just planted bock choy, silver beet, cabbage and spinach. I am prone to divericulitis so these fibre rich greens are an essential part of my diet.

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]]> By: greenfly http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124596 greenfly Tue, 11 May 2010 20:38:10 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124596 Found this Frog (still thinking about your horse-tail photo you see) http://www.flickr.com/photos/calamites/2263280387/in/set-72157624015375922/

Found this Frog
(still thinking about your horse-tail photo you see)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/calamites/2263280387/in/set-72157624015375922/

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]]> By: tomfarmer http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124537 tomfarmer Tue, 11 May 2010 09:30:55 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124537 thank you sir, now I know what I did wrong trying for this veg — needs sand and salt.. and mebbe an urban windowbox.. not even transplants took hold... so seeds... huh.. like the lady said earlier what do they look like and where does one acquire them..

thank you sir, now I know what I did wrong trying for this veg — needs sand and salt.. and mebbe an urban windowbox..

not even transplants took hold… so seeds… huh.. like the lady said earlier what do they look like and where does one acquire them..

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]]> By: Owen McShane http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124481 Owen McShane Tue, 11 May 2010 02:32:32 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124481 Nz Spinach is very popular with American gardeners for some reason. My friends like it because you just keep picking it and it always looks tidy in a window box or urban garden.

Nz Spinach is very popular with American gardeners for some reason.
My friends like it because you just keep picking it and it always looks tidy in a window box or urban garden.

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]]> By: sprout http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124475 sprout Tue, 11 May 2010 01:42:43 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124475 McTap-Thanks for the warning, we grow a lot of this because it suits our sandy soil and I wasn't aware of the potential health risks.

McTap-Thanks for the warning, we grow a lot of this because it suits our sandy soil and I wasn’t aware of the potential health risks.

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]]> By: greenfly http://blog.greens.org.nz/2010/05/11/photo-tetragonia-tetragonioides/#comment-124461 greenfly Tue, 11 May 2010 00:07:19 +0000 http://blog.greens.org.nz/?p=11653#comment-124461 Found this (<i>what</i> a url!!!) http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CAbxtOKD8Tc/Scz_K8lUi7I/AAAAAAAAB_o/_YGPnggwpbY/s400/DSC04569.JPG&imgrefurl=http://veggies-only.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-zealand-spinach.html&usg=__YtMGlSkCog00B-23Qy0Y6SNw0rE=&h=300&w=400&sz=21&hl=en&start=34&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=mRm7Lp-6qEoUxM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnew%2Bzealand%2Bspinach%2Bseed%26start%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1Q1GGLD_enNZ356NZ356%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1

Found this (what a url!!!)

http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CAbxtOKD8Tc/Scz_K8lUi7I/AAAAAAAAB_o/_YGPnggwpbY/s400/DSC04569.JPG&imgrefurl=http://veggies-only.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-zealand-spinach.html&usg=__YtMGlSkCog00B-23Qy0Y6SNw0rE=&h=300&w=400&sz=21&hl=en&start=34&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=mRm7Lp-6qEoUxM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnew%2Bzealand%2Bspinach%2Bseed%26start%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1Q1GGLD_enNZ356NZ356%26ndsp%3D20%26tbs%3Disch:1

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