ABOUT FABIAN
CAPOMOLLA AND
GROWING FOOD
THE ITALIAN WAY
For several years now it has been my
mission to not only grow my own
food but to grow a new generation of
gardeners. I previously ran a business
called The Little Veggie Patch Co,
which specialised in installing domestic
vegie gardens. Currently, I also run The
Hungry Gardener, which is based on
stories about my two favourite things:
food and gardens.
What is ‘growing food the
Italian way’?
Truthfully, there is no particular
technique that defines growing the
Italian way. It is, in essence, how
they look at food, and the role it
plays in daily life. It is about not
complicating and keeping it simple.
Growing food is not about having to
be qualified, having done a number
of horticultural/permaculture courses,
etc; it is something that everyone can
do, and do in a way that works for
them. Growing food the Italian way
is essentially growing food that you
love, for who you love! Nothing more,
nothing less.
What’s the best thing about
growing your own food?
The best things about growing food
are that it connects us to the land,
grounding us and giving a sense of place
and purpose. It is why Italy and the
rest of Europe celebrate their regional
cuisine. Growing your own food is also
extremely rewarding when providing for
yourself and loved ones. It is something
that doesn’t discriminate. No matter
your age or gender, we all can obtain the
joy of growing our own food.
What are some of the
things that you’ll be
growing and cooking
this spring/summer?
Spring is when you are
planting for summer
crops. In my case, this
means planting tomatoes,
eggplant, zucchini,
cucumbers, potatoes,
beans and plenty of
leafy greens such as
chicory. In regards to
cooking and harvesting:
I still have plenty of
winter crops such as
broccoli and rapini.