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An ancient seed could prove wonders for your hair and skin

<p dir="ltr">In a world of products saturated with new formulas and hero ingredients that promise wondrous benefits, it can feel overwhelming to find a product that works for you.</p> <p dir="ltr">A new contender is the oil of the humble Black Cumin seed, or <em>Nigella sativa</em>, which is the hero ingredient in Hab Shifa’s line of beauty products, including a body wash, moisturiser shampoo and conditioner.</p> <p dir="ltr">With its use dating back to the Ancient Egyptians and in some of the world’s oldest religious and medical texts, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2583426/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clinical studies</a> of the Black Seed have since found it has various health benefits, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and even anti-diabetic properties.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a685ac50-7fff-e15d-7f6e-64f04896e501"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">When it comes to our skin and hair, Black Seed oil has been praised for its ability to cleanse hair of impurities while nurturing the scalp.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiOcuLuNVYA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CiOcuLuNVYA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hab Shifa Australia (@hab_shifa_black_seed)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Hab Shifa takes advantage of these qualities and combines Black Seed oil with other anti-irritant ingredients, with the resulting combination helping restore skin elasticity and minimise the loss of moisture in the barriers of the skin.</p> <p dir="ltr">After trialling Hab Shifa’s products over the last few months, I can safely say the shampoo and conditioner make easy work of my hair, leaving it feeling lighter, softer, and clean even when it has been at its greasiest.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7a65138d-7fff-fd3a-4496-5aba5fa2e455"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The body wash and moisturiser have delivered similar results for my skin, with the scrub helping my skin feel exfoliated while the moisturiser has put an end to my usual bouts of dry skin.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1t5DOLeXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1t5DOLeXI/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hab Shifa Australia (@hab_shifa_black_seed)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">I’m not the only one who has seen the benefits of using Hab Shifa’s Black Seed oil products either.</p> <p dir="ltr">After searching for a product to help with dryness and cracking - a problem made all the worse due to increased hand-washing during the COVID-19 pandemic - nurse Margie Ryan has since made the moisturiser her go-to product, even over pharmaceutical and heavy-duty products.</p> <p dir="ltr">She says the moisturiser absorbs well and that it doesn’t feel like oils are transferred, and recommends it for anyone who works in industries where their hands are frequently in water or where they are prone to dryness or cracking.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Hab Shifa Black Seed skin and hair care range consists of the <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-nurturing-shampoo-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nurturing Shampoo</a> and <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-nurturing-conditioner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nurturing Conditioner</a>, the <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-revitalizing-body-wash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Revitalizing Body Wash</a>, and the <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/nourishment-tq/products/black-seed-hydrating-moisturizing-lotion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hydrating Moisturizing Lotion</a>, which retail for $19.95 each or can be purchased as <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/collections/gift-packs/products/gift-of-beauty-gift-pack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a bundle</a> for $77.50 on Hab Shifa’s online store.</p> <p dir="ltr">To find their products in-store, head <a href="https://habshifa.com.au/pages/store-locator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to locate your closest one.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dd856881-7fff-150d-3a26-2cdd567f32d9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Wild scenes after No.1 seed slaps opponent at the net

<p dir="ltr">A tennis player has been caught on camera slapping his opponent - so, is this Will Smith’s match?</p> <p dir="ltr">Michael Kouame, 15, lost to Raphael Nii Ankrah, 16, 2-6 7-6 6-7 in the first round of an ITF juniors tournament in Accra, Ghana’s capital.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair met at the net to shake hands before Michael slapped Raphael in the face before a brawl ensued amongst attendees.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/4B0NjVI5zv">pic.twitter.com/4B0NjVI5zv</a></p> <p>— SHARP SHOOTER 🔫 (@Kwesi_Gibson) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kwesi_Gibson/status/1511083902382792716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Footage of the incident was shared to Twitter with many pointing out that Michael should not have slapped Raphael and tried to run away.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think he forgot his location..how can you slap someone in his own country,” someone pointed out.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Kid was running ? You can’t start sh*t and then run away,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The coward ran away? Disgraceful behavior!” another wrote.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f7327767-7fff-615f-1159-08b2929a46d9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

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Many Aussie plants and animals adapt to fires but the fires are changing

<p>Australia is a land that has known fire. Our diverse plant and animal species have become accustomed to life with fire, and in fact some require it to procreate.</p> <p>But in recent decades the pattern of fires – also known as the fire regime – is changing. Individual fires are increasingly hotter, more frequent, happening earlier in the season and covering larger areas with a uniform intensity. And these changes to the fire regime are occurring too fast for our native flora and fauna to adapt and survive.</p> <p><strong>Our fire-adapted plants are suffering</strong></p> <p>Many of Australia’s iconic eucalypts are “shade intolerant” species that adapted to exist within a relatively harsh fire regime. These species thrive just after a major fire has cleared away the overstory and prepared an ash bed for their seeds to germinate.</p> <p>Some of our most majestic trees, like the alpine ash, can only regenerate from seed. Those seeds germinate only on bare earth, where the leaf litter and shrubs have been burnt away.</p> <p>But if fire is so frequent the trees haven’t matured enough to produce seed, or so intense it destroys the seeds present in the canopy and the ground, then even these fire-adapted species can <a href="http://www.lifeatlarge.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/650007/Reshaping-alpine-landscapes-summary.pdf">fail</a>.</p> <p>The current fires are re-burning some forests that were burnt only a decade ago. Those regenerating trees are too young to survive, but also too young to have started developing seed.</p> <p>With the disappearance of these tree species, other plants will fill the gap. Acacias (wattles) are potential successors as they mature much earlier than alpine ash. Our tall, majestic forests could easily turn into shrubby bushland with more frequent fires.</p> <p>Even within a burnt area, there are usually some unburnt patches, which are highly valuable for many <a href="https://theconversation.com/burnoff-policies-could-be-damaging-habitats-for-100-years-30240">types of plants and animals</a>. These patches include gullies and depressions, but sometimes are just lucky coincidences of the terrain and weather. The patches act as reserves of “seed trees” to provide regeneration opportunities.</p> <p>Recent fires, burning in hotter and drier conditions, are tending to be severe over large areas with fewer unburnt patches. Without these patches, there are no trees in the fire zone to spread seeds for regeneration.</p> <p>Eucalypt seed is small and without wings or other mechanisms to help the wind disperse it. Birds don’t generally disperse these seeds either. Eucalypt seed thus only falls within 100 - 200 metres of the parent tree. It may take many decades for trees to recolonise a large burnt area.</p> <p>That means wind-blown or bird-dispersed seeds from other species may fully colonise the burnt area well before the Eucalypts. Unfortunately many of these windblown seeds will be <a href="http://hotspotsfireproject.org.au/download-secure.php?access=Public&amp;file=fire-weeds-and-native-vegetation-of-nsw.pdf&amp;type=">weed</a> species, such as African Love Grass, which may then cover the bare earth and exclude successful Eucalypt regeneration while potentially making fires even <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-invasive-weeds-can-make-wildfires-hotter-and-more-frequent-89281">hotter and more frequent</a>.</p> <p><strong>Animals have fewer places to hide</strong></p> <p>Young animals are significantly more vulnerable to disturbances such as fire than mature individuals. So the best time to give birth is a season when fire is rare.</p> <p>Spring in the southern zones of Australia has, in the past, been wetter and largely free from highly destructive fires. Both flora and fauna species thus time their reproduction for this period. But as fire seasons lengthen and begin earlier in the year, vulnerable nestlings and babies die where they shelter or starve as the fires burn the fruits and seeds they eat.</p> <p>Australian fauna have developed <a href="https://theconversation.com/animal-response-to-a-bushfire-is-astounding-these-are-the-tricks-they-use-to-survive-129327">behaviours that help them survive</a> fire, including moving towards gullies and depressions, climbing higher, or occupying hollows and burrows (even if not their own) when they sense fire.</p> <p>But even these behaviours will fail if those refuges are uncharacteristically burning under hotter and drier conditions. Rainforest, marshes and the banks of watercourses were once safe refuges against fire, but we have seen these all <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/nov/24/world-heritage-queensland-rainforest-burned-for-10-days-and-almost-no-one-noticed">burn in recent fires</a>.</p> <p><strong>What can be done?</strong></p> <p>All aspects of fire regimes in Australia are clearly changing as a result of our heating and drying climate. But humans can have a deliberate effect, and have done so in the past.</p> <p><a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-8137.1998.00289.x">Indigenous burning</a> created a patchwork of burnt areas and impacted on the magnitude and frequency of fires over the landscape. These regular burns kept the understory under control, while the moderate intensity and patchiness allowed larger trees to survive.</p> <p>There have been repeated calls of late to <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-land-is-burning-and-western-science-does-not-have-all-the-answers-100331">reintroduce Indigenous burning</a> practices in Australia. But this would be difficult over vast areas. It requires knowledgeable individuals to regularly walk through each forest to understand the forest dynamics at a very fine scale.</p> <p>More importantly, our landscapes are now filled with dry fuel, and shrubs that act as “ladders” - quickly sending any fire into tree canopies to cause very destructive crown fires. Given these high fuel conditions along with their potentially dangerous distribution, there may be relatively few safe areas to reintroduce Indigenous burning.</p> <p>The changed fire conditions still require active management of forests, with trained professionals on the ground. Refuges could be developed throughout forests to provide places where animals can shelter and from which trees can recolonise. Such refuges could be reintroduced by reducing forest biomass (or fuel) using small fires where feasible or by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/forestry/national/nbmp">mechanical means</a>.</p> <p>Biomass collected by machines could be used to produce biochar or other useful products. Biochar could even be used to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13593-016-0372-z">improve the soil</a> damaged by the fires and excess ash.</p> <p>Midstory species could be cut down to prevent the development of fire ladders to tree crowns. Even the overstory could be <a href="http://theconversation.com/forest-thinning-is-controversial-but-it-shouldnt-be-ruled-out-for-managing-bushfires-130124">thinned</a> to minimise the potential for crown fires. Seed could also be collected from thinned trees to provide an off-site bank as ecological insurance.</p> <p>Such active management will not be cheap. But using machinery rather than fire could control biomass quantity and distribution in a much more precise way: leaving some biomass on the ground as habitat for insects and reptiles, and removing other patches to create safer refuges from the fires that will continue to come.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/129754/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cris-brack-98407">Cris Brack</a>, Associate Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877">Australian National University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/many-of-our-plants-and-animals-have-adapted-to-fires-but-now-the-fires-are-changing-129754">original article</a>.</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Treat yourself with salmon rillettes and pear relish

<p>For when you feel like something a little bit fancy, try this delectable combination of salmon and pear relish!</p> <p><strong>Serves</strong>: 4</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <p><strong>Pear relish</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 packham pears, peeled and sliced</li> <li>50ml olive oil</li> <li>1 small red onion, finely chopped</li> <li>2 cloves garlic</li> <li>60ml cider vinegar</li> <li>70g sugar</li> <li>½ tsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground</li> <li>½ tsp mustard seeds, crushed</li> <li>2 bay leaves</li> </ul> <p><strong>Rillettes</strong></p> <ul> <li>400g salmon</li> <li>100g smoked salmon</li> <li>100g butter</li> <li>1 tsp fennel seeds, toasted and ground</li> <li>1 bunch of dill</li> <li>1 preserved lemon, finely chopped</li> <li>20g capers, finely chopped</li> <li>¼ tsp cayenne pepper</li> <li>50ml crème fraiche</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> </ul> <p><strong>Salad</strong></p> <ul> <li>3 endives</li> <li>Olive oil</li> <li>1 lemon, juiced</li> <li>12 nasturtium leaves, to serve</li> </ul> <p><strong>Directions</strong></p> <p><strong>For the pear relish</strong></p> <p>1. In a heavy based pot, sauté the red onion until slightly caramelised, then add spices, sugar, vinegar and bay leaves.</p> <p>2. Cook until the excess liquid has reduced away, add pear and cook for further 10 minutes. Cool and set aside.</p> <p><strong>For the rillettes</strong></p> <p>3. Steam the salmon for about six minutes or until just cooked. Place in a bowl with the smoked salmon and gently flake together.</p> <p>4. Add chopped dill, preserved lemon, capers, spices, butter and crème fraiche and gently mix together to combine. Season with salt and pepper and place in the fridge to set.</p> <p><strong>For the endive salad</strong></p> <p>5. Cut endives in half lengthways and gently colour them in a hot pan or a chargrill until cooked through.</p> <p>6. Season with salt, olive oil and lemon juice and set aside.</p> <p><strong>To serve</strong><br />7. On a serving plate, place a large quenelle of salmon mix on the plate followed by a spoonful of pear relish, charred endive and garnish with nasturtium leaves. Serve immediately.</p> <p><em><strong>Recipe thanks to <span><a rel="noopener" href="http://rediscoverthepear.com.au/" target="_blank">Australian Pears</a></span>.</strong></em></p> <p><em>Written by Wyza. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/salmon-rillettes-and-pear-relish.aspx"><em>Wyza.com.au</em></a><em>.</em></p>

Food & Wine

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10 must-read insider tips to save you money on gardening

<div class="field field-name-field-intro field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Whether you buy materials from a farmer’s market, local farmers or chain hardware stores, here’s everything you need to know to get your garden growing on a budget.</p> </div> </div> </div> <p><strong>1. Grow what you eat</strong></p> <p>While this may seem like common sense, it’s easy to get carried away when buying seeds and plants for your garden. Realistically, if you don’t eat a certain vegetable or herb now (kohlrabi and purslane, we’re looking at you), you probably won’t eat it even if you grow it. Save yourself time and money by only buying seeds and plants that you know you and your family will eat. </p> <p><strong>2. Buy seeds early in the year</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>According to Celeste Longacre, gardening expert and author of Celeste’s Garden Delights, you’ll find the biggest selection of seeds and the best deals in spring. “Many catalogues offer discounts if you buy the seeds before a certain date,” Longacre says. “Companies can also run out of specific varieties so you’ll want to get your order right in.” But you don’t need to plant seeds for every vegetable you intend to eat in the coming months. </p> <p><strong>3. Buy gardening equipment in autumn</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Most stores try to clear out their gardening supplies in autumn. You’ll find gardening equipment – like shovels, spades, rakes and buckets – at heavily discounted prices that you can use for next year’s garden. Another great idea is to source good quality second-hand items.</p> <p><strong>4. Go in on seeds with your friends</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>It may seem counterintuitive, but the more you spend, the more you save, thanks to lower prices for higher volume. “Many companies offer deals if you spend a certain amount of money,” says Longacre. “If you get together with friends on your order, you can save.” If agreeing on seeds is a challenge in your friend circle, consider other uses for your yield. </p> <p><strong>5. Plant crops thicker than they actually grow</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>You can plant crops like beets, carrots, onions, lettuce, basil and rocket closer together than traditionally prescribed, according Longacre. For example, instead of planting seeds 25mm apart, plant them 13mm apart. This way you can thin them out and eat the thinnings while the crop continues growing. </p> <p><strong>6. Hit up a local farm's harvest sale</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>The harvest sale is basically the equivalent of a half-yearly or anniversary sale, so you can expect to find amazing deals. Harvest sales usually happen between late March and early May, with the majority being held in April. The earlier in the harvest season you go, the more options you’ll have when it comes to crops, but if you wait longer into May, you’re more likely to nab lower prices, as farmers are trying to unload crops for winter.</p> <p><strong>7. Invest in quality equipment</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>Spending a little more on quality equipment will be worth it in the long run. Not only will you avoid having to re-buy the same gear each year, but you’re also be less likely to deal with stuff breaking mid-season. Equipment worth spending a little extra on: weeders, shears and pitchforks. But no need to buy fancy or expensive pots and planters. Regular, plastic ones will do.</p> <p><strong>8. Tend to your garden regularly</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>There will be days when crawling on your hands and knees through the dirt doesn’t sound all too appealing, but doing just that is necessary in order to keep your garden healthy. If you get behind on watering, your plants will die, and you’ll have to spend more on new seeds. If you don’t treat a bug invasion right away, it’ll only get worse and cause more damage, both to your plants and your pockets. “The hardest part of gardening is that things need to be done when they need to be done, not when you feel like doing it,” says Longacre. </p> <p><strong>9. Ask about inventory</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>A lot of stores offer discounted prices for products that they no longer sell, but still have in back stock. Just make sure you ask why they’ve pulled the product before buying because you don’t want to end up with a mower that doesn’t run or seeds that won’t grow in your climate. “Go to their websites and look for discontinued or clearance items,” advises Longacre.</p> <p><strong>10. Plant at the right time</strong></p> <div class="views-field views-field-field-slides"> <div class="field-content"> <div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final"> <div class="entity entity-field-collection-item field-collection-item-field-slides clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-name-field-slide-content field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item even"> <p>If you plant your crops too early, they will die. And if you pick your crops too late, they will also die. Timing is everything when it comes to planting your garden. You simply need to choose the right produce for the season and do a bit of research on the climate in your area before selecting when to plant your seeds. </p> <p><em>Source:<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.rd.com/home/gardening/gardening-tips-to-save-money/" target="_blank">RD.com</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

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Kyrgios' best chance as top seeds tumble at the US Open

<p>The tennis world is in shock after three of the top 10 male stars have tumbled at the US Open in the beginning round. </p> <p>Dominic Thiem (4), Stefanos Tsitsipas (8) and Roberto Bautista Agut (10) all faced unthinkable lossed in New York on Tuesday. </p> <p>World number 43, Russian Audrey Rublev upset eighth-seeded Tsitsipas on 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(7), 7-5 Tuesday and knocked him out and will go on to the second round. </p> <p>Fourth seed Dominic Thiem, who was dubbed the young gun, went down in four sets to Italy’s Thomas Fabbiano 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-2 - meaning Gael Monfils is the highest-ranked player remaining in his quarter of the draw. </p> <p>What left crowds stunned was the death of 10th seed Roberto Bautista Agut. </p> <p>The Spanish star made it to the quarter finals of the Australian Open and the semi-finals at Wimbledon this year, however he fell five sets to Mikhail Kukushkin 3-6 6-1 6-4 3-6 6-3.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">alright, people. Thiem, Tsitsipas, and RBA all gone. who is making the semifinals out of one of the wildest Grand Slam sections of all time? <a href="https://t.co/K7jdLR5lO0">pic.twitter.com/K7jdLR5lO0</a></p> — Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dimonator/status/1166463262961131520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Thiem and Tsitsipas’ incredible losses meant they both had first-round defeats in back-to-back grand slams - similarly to Wimbledon.</p> <p>Nick Kyrgios who is one of the toughest opponents, will continue on to compete for the championship title. </p> <p>The 24-year-old Australian has an even wider door to make it to a major semifinal. </p> <p>The knock out of three of the top ten seeds in the opening rounds could mean Nadal's path to the US open crown becomes much easier.</p>

International Travel

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Try this healthy chia seed pudding

<p>Time to prepare 10 (+ 3 hours refrigeration) mins | Serves 4</p> <p>Recipe courtesy <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/ahealthyview.com.au">A Healthy View,</a> by Holly Hedge.</p> <p>Chocolate pudding for breakfast? Yes! This chia seed pudding is super yummy, quick and full of fibre which keeps you full for longer. The coconut milk is a good fat and is the ONLY fat that our body recognises straight away and can use as brain fuel. </p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 1/2 cups Coconut milk ( or 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup almond milk)</li> <li>6 tbsp Chia Seeds</li> <li>5 Dates, chopped</li> <li>1 tsp Vanilla</li> </ul> <p><strong>Flavours – choose one of:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lime – juice of 1 lime</li> <li>Chocolate – 1 1/2 tblsp cacao powder</li> <li>Coconut – 4 tbsp shredded coconut</li> <li>Berry – handful frozen berries</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method</strong></p> <p>1. Blend all ingredients, besides chia, in blender until well combined. Add chia and blend for 5 seconds</p> <p>2. Pour into jars or containers</p> <p>3. Crush almonds/berries/coconuts and pour over the top</p> <p>4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours and enjoy cold</p> <p><strong>Tips</strong></p> <p>Mix up the recipe and pour your pudding into a smoothie for a thick and nutrient dense drink on the go.</p> <p>Experiment with the different flavours above to change the taste.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/chia-seed-pudding.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Food & Wine

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Vanilla orange and poppy seed cake

<p>This classic poppy seed cake is made even more delicious by the addition of orange and vanilla icing.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>250g of butter, plus extra to grease</li> <li>½ cup of fresh squeezed orange juice</li> <li>½ cup of Greek yogurt</li> <li>¼ cup of poppy seeds</li> <li>1 ¼ cups of caster sugar</li> <li>2 tablespoons of orange rind, finely grated</li> <li>4 eggs</li> <li>2 ¼ cups of self-raising flour</li> </ul> <p><em>Icing</em></p> <ul> <li>125g of butter</li> <li>2 ½ cup of icing sugar</li> <li>1 pinch of salt</li> <li>2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice</li> <li>2 tablespoons of maple syrup</li> <li>2 teaspoons of vanilla extract</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method: </span></strong></p> <p>1. After preheating your oven to 160°C, grease a round cake pan with butter.</p> <p>2. In a bowl, mix orange juice, yogurt and poppy seeds.</p> <p>3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat butter, sugar and orange rind until creamy. Add eggs and continue to combine.</p> <p>4. Add flour, baking powder, and poppy seed mixture and fold together.</p> <p>5. Pour into pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for one hour or until cooked through. Let cool.</p> <p>6. To make icing, beat butter in a large bowl. Add icing sugar and salt and beat until smooth. Add orange juice, maple syrup and vanilla and beat until creamy. Spread over cake.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/08/almond-carrot-orange-cake/">Almond, carrot and orange cake</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/06/carrot-cake-cookies/">Carrot cake cookie sandwiches</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/%20http:/www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/lemon-polenta-cake/">Gluten-free lemon cake</a></strong></em></span></p>

Food & Wine

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Ham, gruyère & mustard pull-apart bread

<p>This delicious bread is fun to share and an excellent way to use up some leftover ham.  </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Serves:</span></strong> 6-8</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>¾ cup milk</li> <li>50g butter, chopped</li> <li>3 teaspoons caster sugar</li> <li>3 teaspoons active dry yeast</li> <li>375g plain flour</li> <li>¼ teaspoon salt</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>250g ham, chopped into small pieces</li> <li>½ red onion, finely sliced</li> <li>1½ cups grated gruyère cheese</li> <li>½ cup fresh sage leaves, chopped</li> <li>¼ cup mayonnaise </li> <li>2 tablespoons wholegrain mustard </li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Place milk and butter in a small saucepan and place over low heat until butter has melted. Cool to room temperature. </li> <li>Add sugar and yeast to cooled milk and whisk to combine. Leave about 15 minutes or until the surface is foamy.</li> <li>Place flour, salt, eggs and yeast mixture in an electric mixer with a dough hook attached and beat until smooth, about 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave 30 minutes or until doubled in size.</li> <li>While the dough is rising, prepare the remaining ingredients: chop the ham, slice the onion, grate the cheese and chop the sage. Combine mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. </li> <li>Roll out dough on a floured surface to a 30 x 25cm rectangle. Spread mustard mixture over dough then sprinkle over the ham, red onion, cheese and sage.</li> <li>Roll up dough, starting from the longest edge. Cut into 10-12 rounds and place in a lightly greased baking dish – we used a 30cm round dish but a rectangle or even a baking tray is fine.</li> <li>Cover with plastic wrap and leave for 30 minutes or until doubled in size. Heat oven to 200°C.</li> <li>Remove plastic and bake bread for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden. Serve warm. </li> </ol> <p><em>Written by Natalie Oldfield. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>. Image credit: Manja Wachsmuth via NZ House and Garden.</em> </p>

Food & Wine

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Lime, coconut and poppy seed cake

<p>Spring is here and the I Quit Sugar team has developed the perfect sugar-free cake that will please the pickiest of eaters. This "Lime, coconut and poppy seed cake with zesty coconut butter" is so moist and light. Perfect with a cup of tea, which is how we tend to enjoy it.</p> <p><strong>Preparation time:</strong> 10 minutes</p> <p><strong>Cooking time:</strong> Three to three-and-a-half hours</p> <p><strong>Serves:</strong> 10</p> <p><strong>Cake ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>1 ½ cups of almond meal</li> <li>1 cup gluten-free, self-raising flour</li> <li>1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder</li> <li>½ teaspoon sea salt</li> <li>125g unsalted butter, at room temperature</li> <li>½ cup rice malt syrup</li> <li>2 eggs</li> <li>zest and juice of 1 lime</li> <li>1 teaspoon poppy seeds</li> </ul> <p><strong>Zesty coconut butter ingredients</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 cups desiccated coconut</li> <li>juice and zest of half a lime</li> </ul> <p><strong>Method for cake:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Grease and line the slow cooker insert with baking paper so that it reaches half way up
the edges of the interior.</li> <li>In a medium bowl combine almond meal, flour, baking powder and salt Set aside.</li> <li>In a separate bowl add butter and rice malt syrup. Beat using an electric beater until smooth and combined. Beat in eggs one at a time until creamy. Add lime juice and zest and beat on low until smooth. Add the flour mixture and continue to beat until smooth. Fold through poppy seeds.</li> <li>Pour cake batter into slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 – 3 ½ hours on high for 1 ½ - 2 hours until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. The edges of the cake should be browned and starting to pull away from the sides.</li> <li>Allow cake to cool for 20 minutes in the slow cooker, and then lift out by pulling on the baking paper.</li> <li>Cut cake into slices and serve warm with Zesty Coconut Butter, if you like.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Method for zesty coconut butter: </strong></p> <ol> <li>Blend coconut until it forms a spreadable mixture. This can take up to 10 minutes depending on your blender.</li> <li>Stir through the juice of half a lime. Add some zest if you like it extra citrusy.</li> </ol> <p><em><strong>This recipe is originally from Sarah Wilson's, <a href="http://store.iquitsugar.com/i-quit-sugar-slowcooker-cookbook-digital/" target="_blank">I Quit Sugar Slow Cooker Cookbook</a>, which can be purchased online at <a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">IQuitSugar.com</a>.</strong></em> </p> <p>Sarah Wilson is a New York Times best-selling author and blogger whose journalism career has spanned 20 years, across television, radio, magazines, newspapers and online. Her books include the best-sellers I Quit Sugar and I Quit Sugar For Life. The popular foodie has also authored the best-selling series of cookbooks from <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank">IQuitSugar.com</a></strong></span>. Her 8-Week Program has seen more than 495,000 people quit sugar worldwide.</p>

Food & Wine

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8 recycled materials to grow seeds in

<p>There’s no need to buy seed starting kits or fancy pots when all you need is seeds, potting soil and whatever you have lying around the house – and we guarantee you’ll have a few these in your home.</p> <p>1. Newspapers</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8997/1_500x375.jpg" alt="1 (55)" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p>2. Egg cartons</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8998/2_500x375.jpg" alt="2 (58)" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p>3. Egg shells</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8999/3_500x333.jpg" alt="3 (54)" width="500" height="333" /></p> <p>4. Takeaway coffee cups</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9000/4_500x500.jpg" alt="4 (51)" width="500" height="500" /></p> <p>5. Toilet paper rolls</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9002/5_500x334.jpg" alt="5 (49)" width="500" height="334" /></p> <p>6. Juice cartons</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9001/6_500x373.jpg" alt="6 (48)" width="500" height="373" /></p> <p>7. Cans</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9003/7_500x500.jpg" alt="7 (43)" width="500" height="500" /></p> <p>8. Water bottles</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/9004/8_500x333.jpg" alt="8 (43)" width="500" height="333" /></p> <p><em>Image sources: Pinterest</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/diy-self-watering-planter/">How to make a self-watering planter</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/test-if-seeds-can-be-planted/">Are those seeds viable for planting?</a></strong></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="/lifestyle/gardening/2015/08/how-to-choose-plants-at-nursery/">What you need to know to choose the best plants at the nursery</a></strong></span></em></p>

Home & Garden

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Tomato and basil smoothie

<p>This tomato and basil smoothie, packed chia seeds and yoghurt too, is as refreshing as it nutritious.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ingredients</strong>:</span></p> <ul> <li>¼ cup, tightly packed, basil leaves</li> <li>¼ ripe tomato, cubed</li> <li>¾ cup plain yogurt</li> <li>½ teaspoon chia seeds</li> <li>2 or 3 ice cubes</li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Method</strong>:</span></p> <ol> <li>Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for 1 minute, or until smooth. Serve.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/mojito/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mojito</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/lychee-and-mango-sorbet/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lychee and mango sorbet</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/blueberry-yoghurt-ice-creams/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Blueberry yoghurt ice-creams</span></strong></em></a></p>

Food & Wine

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8 things to know before buying garden seeds

<p>When the season comes to plant your garden, growing your flowers and vegetables from seeds has its advantages: it’s cheaper and you can find a larger variety of seeds than fully-grown plants. You also have the satisfaction of knowing the quality and health of your plants as a result of the hard work you put in. But when it comes to actually buying seeds, here are some things you should first consider.</p> <p><strong>1. Buy trusted brands</strong></p> <p>Just like clothes, food, appliances or just about anything else you buy today, you probably have certain brands you trust. This should be no different when it comes to your seeds. Make sure you only buy reputable seed brands with a reputation for good seed quality. Try to avoid no-name seeds when possible; you might save in dollars, but lose in flower/vegetable quality. Not all seeds are made equal.</p> <p><strong>2. Buy more than you need</strong></p> <p>If you’re planting a vegetable garden, certain vegetables such as radishes or spinach have a high turnover rate. Rather than leave their space empty, after harvesting your first crop, you can plant more throughout the season. Check the days until harvest estimation on your seed packages for further insight.</p> <p><strong>3. Do your research</strong></p> <p>Make sure you read the product label and do your research online before choosing a plant seed. Many flowers require special soil and care or need to be planted indoors to develop before being placed outside. It would be a shame to waste your work and hard-earned dollars due to poor foresight, so know what is needed before you commit to a seed.</p> <p><strong>4. Don’t over-do it</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking to start a vegetable garden but you have limited space, choose smaller vegetables such as carrots, radishes, or spinach as opposed to larger vegetables that will take up all of the room. Unless you intend to eat pumpkin exclusively, steer clear of bigger fruit and vegetables until you have room to expand your garden.</p> <p><strong>5. Think about your seed size</strong></p> <p>Many smaller seeds need to be planted in small containers initially in order to better control their environment whilst the seedling is fragile. If you want to plant directly into your garden bed to start, try bigger, hardier seeds such as beans and peas, as they do not require the initial step that other varieties might.</p> <p><strong>6. Know the life of your seeds</strong></p> <p>Some vegetables, such as leeks, corn and rhubarb have a short bed-life, while others, such as eggplant, beets and melons have been known to survive for over five years. Decide how often you wish to change and replant your garden and take this into consideration when selecting your seeds.</p> <p><strong>7. Consider diseases</strong></p> <p>Many types of plants can be prone to diseases, and this can devastate your entire vegetable yield or flower bed population. Check the labels when you purchase, and aim to buy disease-resistant varieties of seed. </p> <p><strong>8. Check online</strong></p> <p>Many seeds can be found online for cheaper than you might find in store. By spending a bit of time searching reputable online sellers, you can save time and money and have your seeds show up right at your door.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/02/how-to-create-a-hanging-basket/">A hanging basket step-by-step guide</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/plants-that-are-hard-to-kill/">8 plants that are near impossible to kill</a></em></strong></span></p>

Home & Garden

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Seared lemongrass tuna with rice paper, herbs, grated egg and basil seeds

<p>If you need a light, delicious dinner try this seared lemongrass tuna with rice paper, herbs, grated egg and basil seeds.</p> <p>Sounds pretty tasty to us!</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>1 thick lemongrass stem, pale end finely sliced</li> <li>3 garlic cloves, chopped</li> <li>½ tsp Chinese five-spice</li> <li>1 tbsp salt flakes</li> <li>½ tsp freshly ground black pepper</li> <li>700g mid-loin tuna, trimmed and cut lengthways into two pieces</li> <li>80ml grapeseed oil</li> <li>1 white salad onion, finely sliced in half-moons</li> <li>1½ tbsp basil seeds, soaked in cold water for 20 minutes and drained</li> <li>1 lemon, peeled, segmented and chopped</li> <li>4 hard-boiled egg yolks</li> <li>½ bunch Thai basil, leaves picked</li> <li>½ bunch dill fronds, leaves picked</li> <li>½ bunch coriander, leaves picked</li> <li>½ bunch Vietnamese mint, leaves picked</li> <li>2 handfuls lemon balm, leaves picked</li> <li>2 long green chillies, finely sliced</li> <li>lime wedges, to serve</li> <li>black sesame crackers or large prawn crackers, to serve</li> <li>superfine rectangles of rice paper, cut into triangles, to serve (if these are hard to find you could just use the prawn crackers or lettuce cups, or try lightly moistening spring roll wrappers with a damp cloth)</li> </ul> <p><em>Dipping sauce</em></p> <ul> <li>4 small garlic cloves, chopped</li> <li>4 red bird's eye chillies, chopped</li> <li>3 tbsp lime juice<br /> 3½ tbsp Vietnamese fish sauce</li> <li>3 tbsp white sugar</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>Pound the lemongrass and garlic using a mortar and pestle until an even paste.</li> <li>Add the five-spice, salt and pepper and combine. Smear the paste evenly over the tuna, pressing it on firmly.</li> <li>Add the oil to a frying pan over medium heat and sear the tuna pieces evenly for about one minute on each side.</li> <li>Set aside to cool, and then wrap tightly in cling film. Refrigerate until chilled.</li> <li>For the dipping sauce, pound the garlic and chilli using a mortar and pestle until a rough paste. Add the lime juice, fish sauce and sugar and mix until the sugar has dissolved.</li> <li>This will need to sit for about five minutes before using.</li> <li>Once chilled, cut the tuna into slices about five millimetres thick – don't slice it too thinly – and arrange on a serving platter.</li> <li>Top with the onion, basil seeds and chopped lemon and grate over the egg yolks.</li> <li>Combine the herbs and green chilli and pile onto a platter with the dipping sauce, lime wedges, rice paper and crackers on the side.</li> <li>Drizzle some of the sauce over the tuna and serve.</li> </ol> <p><em><strong>Written by Karen Martini. First appeared on</strong> </em><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Stuff.co.nz.</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><em><strong>Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website,</strong></em> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/chicken-alfredo-fettucine/">Creamy chicken Alfredo pasta</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/10/broccoli-zucchini-quiche/">Broccoli, parmesan and zucchini quiche</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/cheesy-pea-and-pesto-pasta/">Cheesy pea and pesto</a><a href="/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/05/cheesy-pea-and-pesto-pasta/"> pasta</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Lemon and poppy seed muffins

<p>Tangy and sweet, these moist muffins make a great snack or addition to your tea.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Serves</strong></span>: 10-12</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients: </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>½ cup of sweet butter, softened</li> <li>⅔ cup of sugar</li> <li>2 eggs, separated</li> <li>1 ⅓ cups of self-raising flour</li> <li>Zest of 2 lemons, grated</li> <li>½ cup of buttermilk or plain yogurt</li> <li>2 tablespoons of lemon juice</li> <li>1 teaspoon of vanilla extract</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <p>1. Preheat oven to 175°C and spray a muffin tin.</p> <p>2. In a bowl, add cream, butter and sugar and cream until mixture if fluffy.</p> <p>2. Add two egg yolks and beat into mix.</p> <p>3. In another bowl, mix together flour, poppy seeds and lemon zest.</p> <p>4. Add to cream mix, plus buttermilk, lemon juice and vanilla, mixing between each addition.</p> <p>5. Separately, beat egg white forming soft peaks. Add to batter and mix.</p> <p>6. Pour batter into muffin tin. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/flourless-hazelnut-chocolate-cake/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Flourless hazelnut chocolate cake</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/banana-date-and-walnut-cake/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Banana, date and walnut cake with cream cheese icing</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/chocolate-chip-blondies/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Chocolate chip blondies</strong></em></span></a></p>

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Traditional poppy seed roll

<p>Fill your kitchen with the aroma of this soft, sweet, Eastern European bread.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>0.25kg of poppy seeds</li> <li>¾ cup of sugar + 2 tablespoons extra</li> <li>1 tablespoon of butter, melted</li> <li>1 teaspoon of lemon juice</li> <li>½ cup of milk, hot</li> <li>7g of active dry yeast</li> <li>½ cup of warm water</li> <li>2 cups of flour</li> <li>½ teaspoon of salt</li> <li>¼ cup of butter</li> <li>1 egg, separated</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <p>1. In a food processor, process seeds for one minute.</p> <p>2. In a bowl, mix seeds, ¾ cup of sugar, melted butter, lemon juice and milk and stir to create a filling. Let chill.</p> <p>3. Mix yeast with water and remaining sugar. Let sit until yeast forms a layer.</p> <p>4. In a bowl, mix flour, salt and ¼ cup of butter until crumbed.</p> <p>5. Add yeast and egg yolk to crumb mixture, saving the egg white. Stir until a dough forms.</p> <p>6. On a floured surface, knead dough for about five minutes or until smooth.</p> <p>7. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into 30cm x 40cm rectangles.</p> <p>8. Spread chilled poppy seed filling over top each half, reserving a 2-3cm border around each. Fold all sides of the border inward over the filling, pressing.</p> <p>9. Roll the dough length-wise forming a roll, repeating for both. In order to stop filling leakage, pinch and tuck ends.</p> <p>10. Place rolls, seamed side down on a lined baking sheet and let sit for one hour.</p> <p>11. Preheat oven to 175°C.</p> <p>12. Beat reserved eggwhite and brush over rolls.</p> <p>13. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove and cover with a cloth and let cool completely. Cut to serve.</p>

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