Heirloom pumpkins
Basics

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 ...

Composting is an important way to turn waste into nutrients for your garden.
Compost & mulch

Smart composting

Jian Liu has discovered a few tricks for harnessing all the benefits of compost, with minimal effort.

Chooks take vegie scraps and turn them into a valuable garden product.
Soil

Chook poo power

Jessamy Miller dishes the dirt on chook poo so you can make the most of it in your garden.

Herbs in pots can be moved around your garden as needed.
Compost & mulch

Top herbs for pots

Having fresh herbs at your doorstep saves money and adds flavour and diversity to your cooking, and Penny Woodward has some tips to get you started.

Araucana lay unusual green eggs.
Bees, poultry & livestock

Choosing a chook house

Life is much richer in this Melbourne household with a few chooks added to the mix – here's some tips Jian Liu learnt about making a home for chickens so everyone is happy.

Frost on kale leaves
Basics

A frosty reception

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

Eggs contain everything required to support a chick’s development in the shell, which takes effort and resources.
Bees, poultry & livestock

Why is my hen not laying?

Jessamy Miller has been writing chook advice for OG for a while now, and one question that often comes up is: why aren't my hens laying? Read on for possible solutions.

You can make your own chook mash.
Bees, poultry & livestock

Feeding your chooks

In  Jessamy Miller's article ‘Chicken Feed’ in Issue 124 we covered buying pellets or ready-mixed grain feeds for poultry. But if you want to go further, mixing your own feed means you know exactly what you are giving your hens and it could save you money.

Honey bee on yellow mustard flower
Bees, poultry & livestock

Bee friendly planting

Planting flowers that honey bees love is a win-win, writes Penny Woodward – they get pollen and you get a healthy harvest! Here's Penny's suggestions, which will tempt bees into your garden.

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.
Basics

Crop rotation

 Justin Russell says it's good to have a crop rotation plan in place to avoid pest and disease build up – here's some basics.

Ten tips for a healthy garden
Basics

Ten tips for a healthy garden

Penny Woodward, shares her tips for a thriving garden – one that will provide veg and fruit, and help the planet.