Recent articles by Phil Dudman
Grow Phil Dudman’s favourite
Our horticultural editor Phil Dudman has discovered a new gardening joy: brussels sprouts.
Which manure is best?
Asking yourself whether chook poo or that bag of horse manure a friend has offered you for free is what you need? Consider these points first.
Take your pick: early winter 2024
Now is a good time to see if your limes, cauliflower and ginger are ready to be put to use in your kitchen.
How to keep your lemon tree in shape
Questions on how to grow and care for lemon trees regularly top the list on garden shows and forums, so it's time for a refresher from our horticultural editor, Phil Dudman. Here's a good place to start.
Take your pick: Autumn 2024
Now is the time to see if you can fill your harvest basket with these tasty picks.
Join the no-dig revolution
There's a growing number of gardeners who have hung up the spade and adopted the no-dig approach. Phil Dudman explains why.
Tropical fruits you can grow in your backyard
Tropical fruits thrive in summer, which is also a good time to plant and establish them before the cool weather arrives. Phil Dudman profiles some of the popular choices.
Success with seedlings
If you think raising your own vegies from seed is too hard, or you’ve tried it with limited success, don’t give up! Phil Dudman is here to offer some help.
Grow more with climbing frames
Build up to help you grow more in a limited space, care for your plants better and get higher returns at harvest time, writes Phil Dudman.
Organic pest control: start here
Pests and diseases are to be expected, but one way to keep them at bay is to plant the right crops at the right time, writes Phil Dudman.
Grow your own organic broccoli
With good preparation, you can have your own abundant harvest of fresh, nutritious vegetables through autumn and winter, writes Phil Dudman. Get started with broccoli and English spinach.
Composting made easy
One of the questions you may have when it comes to compost is about hot vs cold composting. Here, Phil Dudman explains the difference.
Peachy keen
It's time to prune peach and nectarine trees, writes PHIL DUDMAN. Check out his step-by-step guide.
Biofumigation
Keeping it clean with green manures. PHIL DUDMAN explains biofumigation.
The hard graft
Grafting your favourite tomato onto pest-resistant root stock will help eradicate tomato disease, writes PHIL DUDMAN.
Home-made pest remedies
Homemade White Oil Take an empty jar or plastic bottle, pour in a cup of ordinary cooking oil and ¼ cup of dishwashing liquid. Give it a good shake – you’ll see it turn white. That’s your white oil concentrate. Label the container with the correct dilution rate – ‘one tablespoon per litre of water’. […]
Shortcuts to better soil
PHIL DUDMAN outlines a simple time-saving technique for improving soil.
Top Tomatoes
We asked four experts for their favourite tomatoes and tips to growing and cooking them.
Getting started
Anyone can get into organic gardening, says PHIL DUDMAN. Here are his tips on starting out.
A current review of the Australian Garlic Industry
Organic Gardener Magazine contributor Penny Woodward will be one of the many experts speaking at the upcoming Garlic 2013 seminar in September.
Winter warmers
Winter calls for warming, hearty fare – think tasty casseroles filled with just-picked root veggies. PHIL DUDMAN and JULIE RAY share their thoughts.
Coriander pesto
If you love coriander, it’s hard to imagine you could ever have too much in the garden, but when you do, you could turn it into a delicious coriander pesto, writes PHIL DUDMAN.
Stop the rot – how to control pawpaw fruit rot organically
Fruit rots are the curse of organic pawpaw growing. PHIL DUDMAN suggests some simple organic controls and cures.
Lime-based whitewash
Here is Phil Dudman’s explanation of how to make a whitewash to protect fruit tree trunks.
Herbal teas from the organic garden
If the cold, winter days are making you feel a little run down, then maybe a warm cup of tea made from some regular garden herbs is just the thing to lift your spirits, writes PHIL DUDMAN.
How to control ants organically
Ants can be a real nuisance inside the home, but there’s no need to use highly toxic insecticides to control them, writes PHIL DUDMAN. Read on for some simple organic ant control strategies.
Action diary for Autumn
PHIL DUDMAN says autumn is action time in the organic garden and lists the must-do jobs.
Winter Veg – Get Planting!
Prepare winter crops now to maximize your potential harvest, writes PHIL DUDMAN
How to graft citrus
If you’d like to try your hand at grafting fruit trees, then have a go at citrus. It’s easy to do and allows you to grow a greater variety of fruit in less space, writes PHIL DUDMAN.
Celebrate summer with peaches
Join PHIL DUDMAN and JULIE RAY to celebrate the best of summer’s organic bounty with this festive fare featuring plump, perfect peaches.
Too hot? Grow microgreens
If it’s getting too hot for growing your favourite leafy greens and herbs in the garden, then try growing your own organic microgreens in pots, writes PHIL DUDMAN
How to solve problems with passionfruit
Got a passionfruit vine that’s giving you grief? Garden writer PHIL DUDMAN helps to unravel some of the most common hitches.
How to Grow Organic Lychees
December marks the beginning of the Lychee season in Australia. PHIL DUDMAN shares his love for this delicious subtropical fruit along with his organic tips for growing them.
How to harvest and store onions
With the right pre and post-harvest treatment, your homegrown organic onions will store for months. PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips and experiences.
Asparagus royale
While its crisp, crunchy spears have long been coveted by royalty the world over, asparagus is a no-fuss prolific crop that makes for some tasty modern-day fare, say PHIL DUDMAN and JULIE RAY.
How to prepare for summer organic gardening
Summer in the organic garden can pose its challenges, particularly in hot areas. PHIL DUDMAN shares a few tips for staying cool and keeping crops productive.
How to control tomato caterpillar
PHIL DUDMAN describes his latest organic strategy for controlling tomato caterpillar
Growing Organic Mangoes
If you love mango, then brace yourself for a bumper crop this year. PHIL DUDMAN explains why ‘this could be the year’ and shares his tips for planting and growing organic mangoes in small backyards.
Pollinating zucchinis
Wondering why your zucchinis won’t develop properly? The garden guru PHIL DUDMAN helps you solve this problem.Watch how to ensure that your flowers develop fruit, by pollinating them yourself.
Pumpkins Calling
They’re easy to grow and just as easy to store. If you love your pumpkins boiled, baked or blended, then now is the time to plan your summer crop, says PHIL DUDMAN
Tips for growing the best organic beetroot
Spring is the primetime for planting beetroot right across Australia. Phil Dudman shares his organic planting and growing tips.
Growing organic cucumbers
Cucumbers are easy to grow organically and don’t need much room, and now’s the time to get planting, even in cooler areas, says PHIL DUDMAN
10 Top Reasons for Going Organic
If you’re not already convinced, here are PHIL DUDMAN’S top 10 reasons for growing your own organic food. Spread it around!
Protecting vegies from the cold
As July temperatures plummet, PHIL DUDMAN shares some tips for safeguarding sensitive crops.
Broccoli and Potato Soup
Broccoli can be anything but boring. Just ask PHIL DUDMAN and JULIE RAY who have found creative ways of turning this winter staple into a tasty treat that even the kids will love.
Cooking with organic mandarins
Not sure what to do with your glut of organic mandarins? Try this delicious recipe idea, says PHIL DUDMAN
Eat your organic broccoli, leaves, stems and all
If you’re growing your own organic broccoli, be sure to make use of the leaves as well. They make delicious and nutritious eating, says Phil Dudman.
How to make your own seed raising mix
Raising seedlings is an important part organic vegetable gardening and to do it well, you need a quality seed raising mix. There’s no need to be spending good money on commercial product when you can make your own for less, says PHIL DUDMAN
Keep it Clean
Good garden hygiene is paramount to reducing the incidence of pests and diseases, writes PHIL DUDMAN.
How to control cabbage caterpillars organically – for good!
Cabbage caterpillars getting you down? Try netting your crop, says PHIL DUDMAN
How do you use your garlic chives?
PHIL DUDMAN has a ton of garlic chives in his garden and is on a mission to find ways to make better use of them in the kitchen.
Phil’s Tomato Hothouse
What do you do when your organic tomato crops constantly fall victim to rain and cold? You bang up a ‘fancy’ hothouse to protect them, says PHIL DUDMAN.
Michael Ableman: Organic farming
Internationally renowned farmer, speaker, author and leader in sustainable organic agriculture Michael Ableman talks about his ideas for urban agriculture, writes PHIL DUDMAN.
Growing Organic Strawberries
Nothing beats organically grown strawberries for flavour and in many parts of the country, particularly warmer zones, autumn is the time to be starting a strawberry patch, or rejuvenating an existing one, says PHIL DUDMAN.
Yield ahead!
From bottling to drying, PHIL DUDMAN and JULIE RAY give the lowdown on harvesting and preserving your bumper crops to create a year’s supply of gourmet goodies.
Standout garden at MIFGS 2012
It didn’t win awards for cutting edge garden design, but it certainly warmed the heart of Organic Gardener’s PHIL DUDMAN during his visit to this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
How much shade can your vegies take?
We’ve heard it all before. Plant your vegies in a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours direct sun a day. But for many of us with small backyards, it’s just not practical. Shady PHIL DUDMAN takes a good look at his own shady reality and suggests some crops that are ‘made in the shade’.
Get going with garlic
Garlic is a winter crop in most areas, and if you live in warmer parts of the country, it pays to start planting now, says PHIL DUDMAN
Cabbage on my mind
The subtle chill of an early autumn morning has PHIL DUDMAN in a planting frenzy of all things Brassicaceae.
My First Figs
PHIL DUDMAN has found figs delightfully easy to grow in the wet subtropics, despite everything he was told.
Costa to host Gardening Australia
ABC TV’s Gardening Australia is set for a new look this year when it welcomes new host Costa Georgiadis to the screen, reports PHIL DUDMAN
How to Grow Organic Eggplant
Eggplant is the perfect summer crop for organic gardeners, but it doesn’t come without its challenges, says PHIL DUDMAN
Better in the shade
Don’t let your organic crops wilt to mush in the blistering summer sun. Give them a chance with a little shade. PHIL DUDMAN shares his shady tips.
How to control the 28 spotted leaf eating ladybird organically
They may look friendly, but this little ladybird could do irreversible damage to your organic crops in summer, and they’re out there in big numbers, so be on the lookout, says PHIL DUDMAN
How to grow organic edible figs
Homegrown figs are so mind-blowingly sweet and delicious. PHIL DUDMAN shares his organic secrets for growing the best with tips for dealing with typical pests.
Organic watermelon frame 2
Things are progressing well with PHIL DUDMAN’s trial watermelon frame. It’s a great way to grow lots of organic watermelons in small spaces.
Organic Watermelon Frame
Small spaces won’t stop PHIL DUDMAN from growing his favourite organic crops. This week it’s watermelon!
Too much coriander
Is that possible? PHIL DUDMAN shares some of his favourite ways of enjoying an oversupply of this wonderful herb
Zucchini Frame Update
With wet and windy weather dominating, PHIL DUDMAN’s zucchini frame is proving it’s worth.
Organic Papaw Revival
Last winter was tough on papaws. PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips for getting your organic papaws back in shape.
Cooking with Organic Broccoli
What to do with a bumper harvest of organic broccoli? PHIL DUDMAN shares some super recipes.
How to train organic zucchini/courgettes
PHIL DUDMAN’s organic zucchinis have been framed, and he explains why.
How to grow organic ginger
Fresh organic ginger is expensive to buy, but incredibly easy to grow. PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips.
Spring vegie head start
Gardeners in warm areas are busy planting out their organic spring crops. With a little protection, you can give seedlings a head start in cold areas too. PHIL DUDMAN, shares a few ideas for a simple homemade coldframe.
Mad about Kale
Ever since I saw Peter Cundall drinking boiled kale juice like an elixir of youth, I’ve been mad about growing and eating it myself, says PHIL DUDMAN.
Citrus: how to carry out winter maintenance
Citrus have provided us with a bumper crop of organic fruit again this season. So what now? PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips for pruning, spraying and fertilising in preparation for another productive year ahead.
Citrus: Recipes that make the most of your bounty
Citrus trees dripping with fruit? PHIL DUDMAN shares some recipes for preserving and cooking with organic citrus.
Mother of 6 faces jail for planting vegies
A Michigan women faces 93 days in jail for planting a vegetable garden in her front yard, reports PHIL DUDMAN
How to Grow Organic Container Crops
PHIL DUDMAN shares an idea for maximizing returns with container growing, along with his prized recipe for an organic potting mix that guarantees success every time.
What to do with too many organic pumpkins
Pumpkins are one of those easy-grow organic crops that are incredibly prolific. PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips for storing your excess along with a warming pumpkin recipe for winter.
How to grow organic Nagami cumquat
Looking for a fruit tree that will thrive in a pot? Try a Nagami cumquat, says PHIL DUDMAN
How to make straw bale gardens
They must be the ultimate in lazy gardening. PHIL DUDMAN explains how to turn a simple straw bale into a productive organic garden in seconds flat.
Give chokos a go
Chokos are at their productive peak, but there must be more to cooking them than smothering them in white sauce. PHIL DUDMAN puts the challenge to his foodie buddy Julie Ray.
Why I love Wombok
Give me a Chinese Cabbage before a European Cabbage any day, reports PHIL DUDMAN
How to Transplant Fruit Trees
Got a fruit tree in the wrong spot? PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips for successful transplanting.
ABC radio grows their own organic vegies
ABC Staff walk the Grow-Your-Own talk by building their own organic vegie patch at the Lismore studios, reports PHIL DUDMAN
How to plant peas
The conditions are perfect for planting peas. PHIL DUDMAN shares his secrets for a bumper organic harvest.
From lawn to vegies
PHIL DUDMAN explains how to dig up a patch of lawn and get started growing nutritious vegies.
How to grow organic garlic
Autumn is the time to be planting organic garlic. PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips for getting you started.
How to propagate organic herbs
A wet humid summer in many areas has taken it's toll on our favourite Mediterranean type herbs. PHIL DUDMAN says it's a good time to be propagating replacements, and shares his secrets for success.
Ten Top Vegies to Plant Now in the Organic Garden
Patch looking a bare after a long hot summer? PHIL DUDMAN shares his top 10 vegetables to be planting now in the organic vegie garden, along with a few tips for growing success.
Ceylon spinach challenge
Ceylon spinach is a fantastic plant to grow in summer to provide lots of leafy greens from the organic garden when other favorites are out of season. Some find it a little slimey when cooked, but PHIL DUDMAN has discovered the secret to preparing this vegetable with some yummy Ceylon spinach recipes.
Asian Cucumber Salad
More cucumbers than you can cope with? PHIL DUDMAN shares another tasty recipe for enjoying this most prolific summer crop.
How to make a worm farm tower
Looking for an easier way to reap the benefits of a worm farm. PHIL DUDMAN describes how to make a worm tower, which cuts out unnecessary handling and maintenance.
How to cook the three sisters
PHIL DUDMAN and his fab foodie friend Julie Ray have put the famous ‘Three Sisters’ combo to the test, only this time, in the kitchen. Check out the scrumptious recipes they prepared live to air on ABC North Coast which combined organic corn, beans and zucchini.
How to control disease in organic vegetable gardens
Wet humid weather is a recipe for fungal problems in the vegie patch. PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips on how to control plant diseases organically.
How to make organic beetroot dip
PHIL DUDMAN shares a scrumptious recipe for making an easy beetroot dip fresh from your organic garden
How to fertilise by foliar feeding
PHIL DUDMAN explains how to use organic liquid fertilisers to foliar feed hungry plants in your garden.
How to control tomato caterpillars
PHIL DUDMAN explains how to control tomato caterpillars in an organic garden using eco friendly products.
Organic gardens in schools mean the future is in good hands
Kids are ready, willing and able to take organics into the future with flourishing school gardens, writes PHIL DUDMAN
Roof top farming in the big apple
An innovative group of New Yorkers turn a city roof top into a highly productive organic farm, reports PHIL DUDMAN
Organic farming gets hip
Hip hop beats and rhymes help to sell the 'go organic' message in the UK, reports PHIL DUDMAN.
Getting diligent about disease
Regular checks and clean ups are the key to keeping diseases at bay, especially during wet weather, writes PHIL DUDMAN
Down-to-earth garden design
Good garden design can be a mystery to many, but when you follow the steps that professionals use, you can create something that is both beautiful and functional, says PHIL DUDMAN
Go kumara go
If you struggle to grow decent crop of spuds in the summer then why don’t you try sweet potato, says PHIL DUDMAN, and now is the time to get planting.
School of gardening rocks
Gardening in schools is more than teaching kids practical life skills, it’s proving to have a positive impact on literacy and numeracy as well, reports PHIL DUDMAN.
Phil’s spring to-do list
Is your vegie garden spring ready? PHIL DUDMAN has some tasks you can put into action now.
Checklist for spring
Is your vegie garden spring ready? PHIL DUDMAN has some tasks you can put into action now.
Show your citrus some lovin’
If you’ve been enjoying a bumper crop of citrus this year, now is the time to give something back reports Phil Dudman.
Organic Weed Control
PHIL DUDMAN shares somes tips for controlling weeds without using poisons.
Miracle Molasses
Molasses makes a handy addition to any gardener’s pest control kit. You can use it to manage chewing pests like caterpillars as well as root knot nematodes. PHIL DUDMAN describes how.
Snail Alert
Recent rains in many parts of the country have helped to unleash a stampede of snails. Phil Dudman looks at some simple organic controls to help protect your crops from these marauding invaders.
Free compost and mulch
Some people like to grow their own… others enjoy scouring the suburbs for whatever they can get their hands on. PHIL DUDMAN explores some of the free sources of organic matter… what you can grow and what you can scrounge.
Pick of the spinach
Of all the so called ‘spinach’s’, English spinach has the superior flavour and texture according to Phil Dudman and the cool season is the best time to plant in most parts of the country.
Caterpillar Alert!
Cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and Asian greens are popular cool season crops that can all fall victims to hungry caterpillars. PHIL DUDMAN has some easy organic solutions.
Cure for curly citrus
Wondering why your citrus leaves look so distorted and unhealthy? PHIL DUDMAN reveals the cause and a recipe to fix it.
Lawns – are they goodies or baddies?
Gardeners, environmentalists and scientists alike… for years they’ve been debating one of life’s most pressing questions; are lawns good or bad? Phil Dudman is a fan of this Aussie icon, but the scientific evidence has him feeling uncertain.
Leafy greens all year round
Looking for a green leafy vegetable that will give you a healthy harvest any time of year? PHIL DUDMAN has been experimenting with growing Kangkong in a container and believes it makes a fabulous choice for busy city gardeners with limited space.
Soils ain’t soils
If you’re setting up a new garden and thinking of trucking in a load of ‘organic soil blend’ from your local landscape yard, beware… some blends being sold are complete rubbish. Phil Dudman explains.
Time for Planting Onions
From leeks and shallots to red salad onions, the members of the onion family are an incredibly versatile lot and they’re wonderful crops to grow at home too. For most areas, now is the time to sow seed or plant seedlings and it’s particularly urgent in warmer areas where true onions need a long cool growing season to fully develop. PHIL DUDMAN tells you what you need to know to get your crop in the ground.