Short Black fresh

In now: The green-skinned shepard avocados are only briefly available. The flesh of green-skinned avocados doesn't brown when cut as quickly as the black-skinned varieties.

At its best: Watercress spices up as nights get cooler. At the moment it's still in its mild phase, perfect as a bed for grilled figs and roasted walnuts.

Best buy: Green olives ready for pickling are available by the box. Can't find them? Travel to a suburb with Italian, Greek or Middle Eastern heritage.

In the vegie patch: Prepare the pea patch with plenty of organic matter and a handful of lime. Sow seed in a fortnight into damp soil.