Planting a bare root tree in a hole.
Basics

Heeling in bare-rooted trees

If you have a bunch of bare-rooted trees and can’t plant them quickly, you can do what’s called ‘heeling in’: Penny Woodward explains the process here. Plus, basic tips from Karen Sutherland.

worm farm
Basics

How to make a worm farm

You can use a bath, trough, sink or even a large tin to make a worm farm, says Penny Woodward

Jian Liu's food forest in Melbourne.
Basics

What is a food forest?

A permaculture concept, a food forest promises a self-sustaining system that produces an abundance of food if designed well. Here's why Jian Liu created one in her Melbourne backyard.

Plan your vegie bed in layers to make the most of space.
Build your garden

Top 5 tips for gardening success in a small space

Small gardens can be incredibly productive and Jian Liu has 5 tips to help you get more out of your limited space.

Hairy flower wasps are pollinators and parasites of beetle grubs.
Build your garden

Encouraging good wasps in your garden

Despite their fearsome reputations, wasps, with a few exceptions, are pollinators and can help keep pests away. Denis Crawford takes a closer look at some of the goodies.

Heirloom pumpkins
Build your garden

Why grow heirlooms?

Heirloom edibles are important to our survival, and that of the planet. That's why our horticultural editor, Penny Woodward, loves growing them. Find out why ...

A cabbage covered in frost.
Build your garden

A frosty reception

When frost comes creeping into your garden, it can ruin all the hard work you've done in a snap! But you can combat the chills of winter.

What is Organics?
Basics

What is Organics?

Gardening legend Peter Cundall outlines the principles of growing organically – a choice many gardeners are making today, wanting to grow healthier food for their family, and to contribute to a healthy planet.

Vegie beds at Buena Vista farm.
Build your garden

Crop rotation

A crop rotation plan is a good idea for every garden as it will help avoid pests and disease build up – here's some basics.

Diggin up soil.
Build your garden

Ten tips for a healthy garden

These tips will help you create a thriving organic garden – one that will provide veg and fruit, and help the planet.

Build a bed for your vegies
Build your garden

Build a bed for your vegies

Planning your vegie patch? There's one question many of you might be asking: are raised beds right for me? Have a read and find out.

Start your own food garden
Build your garden

Start your own food garden

These basic steps, including easy crops to start with, will help you set up a vegetable garden so you can grow your own food.