Fallen Leaves
Compost & mulch

The Value of Leaves

JUSTIN RUSSELL suggests that instead of seeing fallen leaves as a problem, we should see them as a precious resource.

Chive Divisions
Propagating

Divide and conquer

Looking for a free, easy way to increase your plant stocks? JUSTIN RUSSELL writes that autumn is the best time of the year to divide and conquer.

Phil's Tomato Hothouse
Basics

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.

How much shade can your vegies take?
Basics

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’.

stinging nettle
Basics

Virtuous Weeds

A week of rain, followed by a week of sun results in a massive crop of weeds in JUSTIN RUSSELL's garden. Can he turn a problem into a tasty solution?

Compost Making
Compost & mulch

The Power of Compost

Compost has lots of proven benefits for the garden. JUSTIN RUSSELL visits a historic property in Toowoomba and shares the story of an old eucalypt saved by a top dressing of remedial "black gold".

Biodiversity above and below ground helps create a resilient garden.
Basics

Design for Climate Change

In an edited extract from his comprehensive and inspiring book 'The New Organic Gardener', TIM MARSHALL says building the soil and keeping plants cool are key gardening strategies to counter climate change.

Veg Garden Summer
Basics

Summer seed sowing

With the lazy days of summer well and truly upon us, it's time to do some relaxed pottering about the garden. JUSTIN RUSSELL suggests sowing seeds and planting seedlings in anticipation of a winter harvest.

Better in the shade
Basics

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.

Dutch Cream Potatoes
Soil

Biochar Experiment – An Update

Biochar has the potential to revolutionise gardening in a post carbon world. JUSTIN RUSSELL provides an update on an experiment using the product in his vegie garden to help grow a bumper crop of spuds.

Up the anti on composting
Compost & mulch

Up the anti on composting

Summer brings an endless supply of composting material, so it’s time to get busy making as much as you can, says PHIL DUDMAN

Turning compost regularly speeds up decomposition.
Compost & mulch

COMPOST: The 12 Keys

PHIL DUDMAN answers essential questions on making compost.