In the midst of such a cold Melbourne winter, it's easy to close the door and forget about the garden.

But as a good friend likes to say, there's no bad weather, just bad clothes! 

So put on a thick coat and fluffy beanie, and get yourself some fresh air. 

In a few short weeks almond trees will burst into bloom to herald spring and you'll need to tackle your pruning before then!

If you need some help, come to the Fruit Tree Pruning Class this Sunday, 10-12. Karen will be demonstrating in her garden, and answering questions such as 'why you don't prune apricots in winter?

To sign up, go to the link in the class description here:

http://www.edibleedendesign.com/index.php/classes-leftmenu-101 

Then it's time to start planning for spring vegies, with the Vegies for Beginners Class, Saturday July 31, 1-3pm. (The class description and sign up link can be found from the above link too.)

Many vegies can be planted in August. Try some sprouting broccoli (for repeat harvest), some silverbeet, leeks, and some sweet red onions for summer salads. Plant some peas, but choose a dwarf variety if you have a small garden.

It's not too late to plant broad beans, or some perennial favourites such as asparagus, strawberries or rhubarb. Make sure to prepare the soil well beforehand. Or for a harsh spot, plant some Jerusalem artichokes, which survive on almost nothing! If you have them already, roast with some olive oil to develop their sweetness. 

If you can't make the July class, there's the old favourite Small Space Big Harvest Class, Sunday August 15, 10-12. (Details and sign-up link same as above). It will also get you started, with an emphasis on small gardens and balcony growing. 

If your silverbeet is doing really well, take some along to a food swap. My local one is on this Saturday, 10-11.30, it's the Inner Northern Urban Harvest, McCleery Reserve, Corner of Munro and Vincent Streets, Mel 29F1. Come along and meet Alicia and Emma, the great gals that started it and share the friendly vibe, tasty baking that appears from nowhere and a cuppa. Bring along any food you've grown or made and meet some local home food growers.  

To read more and find a food swap in your area, scroll down the page of articles here to 'Fancy a Fig..' 

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Karen Sutherland has been growing food since the age of 8, and has been designing and making gardens for the last 25 years.

Classes are held in her own edible eden, featured last year on 60 minutes.

Her dream is detailed in her website, which also has details about other classes.