Baked Cod with Olive Tapenade

Olives

• Plant olive trees in full sun and well-drained, Mediterranean-type soil.
• Protect young trees from frost in areas where temperatures drop below freezing.
• Water regularly when young, then reduce frequency as they become drought-tolerant once established.

Garlic

• Plant individual cloves point-up 2 inches deep in well-drained soil in late autumn or early spring.
• Choose a sunny location and ensure consistent moisture during bulb development in spring.
• Space cloves 4-6 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.

Parsley

• Sow seeds directly in spring after the last frost in a location with partial shade and moist soil.
• Parsley can be grown successfully in pots on a windowsill for easy kitchen access.
• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination, which can be slow.

Lemons

• Grow lemon trees in large containers in full sun, bringing them indoors before the first frost in cooler climates.
• Provide well-drained, slightly acidic soil and consistent watering, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize regularly with a citrus-specific fertilizer to support healthy growth and fruit set.

• Monitor olive trees for olive fruit fly and use traps or kaolin clay sprays if infestations occur.

• Rotate garlic crops each year to prevent the buildup of soil-borne pests like nematodes.

• Plant marigolds near parsley to deter aphids and other common pests.

• Spray lemon trees with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids and scale insects.

Olives

• Harvest green olives when firm and fully sized for brining, typically in early autumn.
• Wait until olives turn purple-black for oil production or a milder brined flavor, usually later in autumn.

Garlic

• Harvest garlic when the bottom third of the leaves have yellowed and dried, but there are still 5-6 green leaves.
• Gently loosen the soil around the bulbs with a fork before pulling them up to avoid damage.

Parsley

• Harvest parsley by cutting the outer stems at the base once plants have several sets of true leaves.
• Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents the plant from bolting.

Lemons

• Pick lemons when they are fully yellow, firm to the touch, and feel heavy for their size.
• Use pruning shears to cut the stem just above the fruit, leaving a small piece of stem attached.