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Guide to growing tubers

<p>Potatoes aren’t the only tuber in the garden, though they do seem to steal all of the headlines. Turmeric, ginger, horseradish and wasabi are all part of this group of mysterious subterranean dwellers. Although they are not prolifically planted in the home garden, they are relatively straightforward to grow and perfectly suited to pots.</p> <p>All tubers love a loose and friable soil that allows easier passage of the roots. You need to ensure it is free draining and won’t become boggy or waterlogged, as that can cause rotting. This is achieved in a good quality potting mix, but when planting in the ground make sure to loosen the surface and incorporate plenty of organic matter.</p> <p>The break of spring is the best time for planting and division of roots, and most prefer a warmer climate to thrive; however, ideal conditions do vary from plant to plant. Wasabi, for example, loves the temperate regions, while ginger prefers more tropical climes. All, however, are sun-smart and prefer part shade. This means that B-grade spaces of the patch are now up for grabs. Make sure you help them out and protect them from hot afternoon sun.</p> <p><strong>Nonno’s tip:</strong></p> <p>You can keep perpetuating plants by breaking off segments – keeping the bulk for your harvest – and then using the remaining pieces for replanting. The preference is to replant those that are already sprouting.</p> <p><strong>Kitchen tip:</strong></p> <p>While the roots are the prized possession, the stems and leaves are also edible. In particular, the lower stem is the most tender and flavoursome and shouldn’t be ignored.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Easy to grow:</strong> 4</p> <p><strong>Small space suitability:</strong> 3</p> <p><strong>Yield value:</strong> 4</p> <p><strong>Je ne sais quoi/pleasure:</strong>  4</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>When to plant:</strong></p> <p>Zone 1 Oct–Dec</p> <p>Zone 2 Sep–Jan</p> <p>Zone 3 Aug–Dec</p> <p>Zone 4 Mar–Oct</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Best grown from:</strong> Tuber</p> <p><strong>Depth: </strong> The top of the tuber covered over with a few centimetres of soil.</p> <p><strong>Spacing:</strong> 30–50 cm (1 ft–1 ft 8 in)</p> <p><strong>Time to 1st harvest:</strong> 90+ days</p> <p><strong>Ideal pH level:</strong> 5.5–7.0</p> <p><strong>Favourite small-space variety:</strong> Turmeric</p> <p><strong>Best suited to:</strong> Pots, in-ground</p> <p><strong>Common problems:</strong> Rotting</p> <p><img width="135" height="171" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264650/grow-food-anywhere-cvr_135x171.jpg" alt="Grow Food Anywhere CVR (1)" style="float: right;"/></p> <p><em>This is an edited extract from </em>Grow. Food. Anywhere.<em> by Mat Pember &amp; Dillon Seitchik-Reardon published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $45 and is available in stores nationally. Image credit: John Laurie</em></p>

Home & Garden

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Pepper-crusted beef fillet with horseradish potatoes and beetroot

<p>This spicy crusted beef is an utter delight, with roasted baby beetroots and creamy potatoes. Look for new potatoes such as pink eye or Nicola.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">:</span> </strong>4 – 6</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>2 teaspoons black peppercorns</li> <li>2 garlic cloves</li> <li>1 teaspoon salt</li> <li>3 tablespoons finely grated horseradish</li> <li>2–3 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 × 600 g eye fillet steak</li> <li>8 baby beetroot, trimmed</li> <li>Salt and freshly ground</li> <li>Black pepper</li> <li>1 kg new potatoes</li> <li>250 g crème fraiche or</li> <li>Sour cream</li> <li>2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 180°C.</li> <li>Toast the peppercorns in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Crush using a mortar and pestle. Add the garlic cloves and the 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl of the mortar and pound until smooth. Mix in 2 teaspoons of the horseradish and enough olive oil to form a smooth paste.</li> <li>Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a heavy based frying pan over medium–high heat. Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes on all sides, until golden brown. Rub the pepper paste over the seared beef and place on a baking tray. Scatter the beetroot around the beef, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your liking (medium rare is ideal). Remove the beef from the oven, cover with foil and rest in a warm place for 8–10 minutes. Check to see if the beetroot is cooked. If not, return to the oven and continue cooking.</li> <li>Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, until tender. Drain, put in a large bowl and remove the skins if desired. While the potatoes are still hot, mash roughly, keeping the potatoes quite chunky. In a separate bowl, mix the crème fraiche or sour cream with the parsley and the remaining horseradish, and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix through the mashed potato. To serve, carve the beef into thick slices and serve with the potatoes and roasted beetroot.</li> </ol> <p><em><img width="133" height="172" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28479/harvest-cover_133x172.jpg" alt="Harvest Cover" style="float: right;"/>This is an edited extract from </em>Harvest<em>, illustrated by Emilie Guelpa published by Hardie Grant [RRP $29.99] available in stores nationally.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, </em>The Way Mum Made It<em>, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</span></a>.</em></strong></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/braised-beef-shin/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Braised beef shin</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/spicy-beef-curry-with-cauliflower-rice/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Spicy beef curry with cauliflower rice</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/05/beef-ragu-and-pasta/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Rich beef ragu and pasta</strong></em></span></a></p>

Food & Wine