Explore Marina's Patch on the Illawarra Edible Garden Trail

Marina Osmo, 61, is a retired Helensburgh resident who will be showing off her flourishing fruit trees and veggie beds at the first Illawarra Edible Garden Trail.

Over the weekend of November 11 and 12, more than a dozen edible gardens at schools, bushcare sites and private homes from Helensburgh to Woonona will be open to visitors.

Thanks to Marina for taking the time to tell us more about her patch.

Tell us about your garden. When and why did you start growing food?

I started growing food when first moving to Helensburgh in early 2021. During the early days of Covid there was a real fear about availability of fresh produce. I felt it was important to become as self-sufficient as possible because there were so many unknowns in the world. That initial garden was quite successful although I didn't like the original layout of the beds. So in consultation with people who had more experience than me, I decided to upscale my growing space significantly.

Importantly, I raised the beds to improve access as I age. I'm currently setting up irrigation to make things even easier. I now have over 40sqm of growing space!

My garden beds are made with food safe Wax-Wood, I don't use any chemicals, and I focus on creating and maintaining healthy soil. It's such a joy to dig into my soil and see lots of chubby wriggly worms do their work! I have three compost bins and a worm farm.

I do lots of research on companion planting, plants for beneficial insects, solar and water needs. This year, I'm practising succession planting, so hopefully by November it will be bursting with even more yummy stuff.

I've taken up relish/chutney/pickle and jam/marmalade making as a way of using all my abundant produce. What we don't eat here, I share with family and friends. There's so much pleasure in harvesting and cooking produce grown in my own backyard.

My favourite thing of all is seeing my granddaughter Abby's delight in harvesting her favourite veggies: carrots, peas, broccoli and spinach! I'm glad I'm retired because growing a healthy vibrant garden takes a lot of time and effort, which I enjoy immensely.

What are your most and least successful crops?

Most successful crops for me would be Silverbeet, Beetroot and Brassicas. Least successful would be Tomato, mainly because I think it was too wet last year and I didn't stake them or pinch them out properly. Growing food is very much a year by year learning process.

What's your hot tip for novice growers?

Observe, observe and observe! Take note of changing solar access because I was shocked at how different it was from season to season. Observe solar access as the plant grows through its growing season; depending on the plant, its location may become too hot/cold for its optimum growth.

Grow food you love to eat, prepare, preserve and give away!

Don't be discouraged if something fails; gardening is a lifelong learning experience.

What can visitors expect in November?

They'll see over 40sqm of raised garden beds thickly planted with a range of annual and perennial herbs and vegetables. Because I've been practising succession planting, visitors will see vegetables in many stages of growth. I use a "chop & drop" method to retain nutrients in the soil.

I have 12 citrus and three banana trees in 12 garden beds. By November, I will have begun experimenting with a verge garden.

Please share your favourite recipe starring home-grown ingredients.

My absolute favourite dish, so easy to prepare – Silverbeet salad.

Cut and wash silverbeet. I try and use the stalks especially if they're young (they're delicious and nutritious).

Steam or blanch in salted water until the stalks are soft; once cooked, remove from water, taste for salt, lemon juice and mild olive oil.

Yummy with anything Mediterranean!

Thank you for visiting my garden!

The Illawarra Edible Garden Trail will be on 11 and 12 November, 10am-3pm, at gardens from Helensburgh to Woonona. Tickets via Eventbrite, $5 to $25. More info: gardentrail@foodfairnessillawarra.org.au

Food Fairness Illawarra, part of Healthy Cities Illawarra, will be hosting the Edible Garden Trail. Look out for the logo featuring a well-known local character, the original sticky beak.