Flood
Basics

Confessions of a weather watcher

JUSTIN RUSSELL explains why it's okay to be a "weather nerd", and describes his system for recording the rainfall and temperature in his cool climate garden.

Citrus Gall Wasp
Maintenance

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.

Woody Mulch Orchard
Compost & mulch

Notes on Wood Chip Mulch

JUSTIN RUSSELL elaborates on the benefits of wood chip mulch to established fruit trees.

How to grow vegetables in Pots
Growing in pots

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.

Bare Root Trees
Basics

Getting familiar with nude trees

Bare-rooted ornamental and fruit trees will be appearing in nurseries toward the end of the month. JUSTIN RUSSELL explains how to plant them using nature as a guide.

How to make straw bale gardens
Basics

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.

Frosty Morning
Maintenance

Making the Most of Frost

In viewing frost as just another issue to contend with in the battle to maintain a pristine backyard, modern gardeners miss the benefits of a decent freeze. Justin Russell welcomes the fiirst frost of the season.

Silver Grey Dorking Chickens
Bees, poultry & livestock

The Wonders of Chook Poo

Haven't started enjoying the benefits of the humble backyard chicken? Justin Russell celebrates the wonder that is chook manure.

A rotary hoe is a quick way of converting turf to garden beds.
Basics

From lawn to vegies

PHIL DUDMAN explains how to dig up a patch of lawn and get started growing nutritious vegies.

Propagate lavendar now after the wet, humid summer
Propagating

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.

The pros and cons of mulching
Compost & mulch

The pros and cons of mulching

Nothing is perfect – not even mulch – writes SIMON WEBSTER.

Phil Dudman shows us how to make a worm farm tower
Maintenance

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.