![Why grow heirlooms? Heirloom pumpkins](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Unknown-3-500x414.jpeg)
Why grow heirlooms?
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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 ...
![Smart composting Composting is an important way to turn waste into nutrients for your garden.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Using compost on the garden by Kirstsen Bresciani-500x500.jpg)
Smart composting
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Jian Liu has discovered a few tricks for harnessing all the benefits of compost, with minimal effort.
![Chook poo power Chooks take vegie scraps and turn them into a valuable garden product.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Backyard chooks by Jessamy Miller-500x500.jpg)
Chook poo power
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Jessamy Miller dishes the dirt on chook poo so you can make the most of it in your garden.
![Top herbs for pots Herbs in pots can be moved around your garden as needed.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Herbs in pots by Kirsten Bresciani-500x500.jpg)
Top herbs for pots
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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.
![Choosing a chook house Araucana lay unusual green eggs.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Jian's Araucana by Kirsten Bresciani-500x418.jpg)
Choosing a chook house
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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.
![A frosty reception Frost on kale leaves](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/GAP0123197-500x500.jpg)
A frosty reception
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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.
![Why is my hen not laying? Eggs contain everything required to support a chick’s development in the shell, which takes effort and resources.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Fresh-eggs_Jessamy-Miller_small 2-500x500.jpg)
Why is my hen not laying?
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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.
![Feeding your chooks You can make your own chook mash.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Chooks mash_Jessamy Miller-500x350.jpg)
Feeding your chooks
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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.
![Bee friendly planting Honey bee on yellow mustard flower](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Mustard flower and bee-500x500.jpg)
Bee friendly planting
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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? What is Organics?](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Peter_Cundall_Organics-500x350.jpg)
What is Organics?
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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.
![Crop rotation Vegie beds at Buena Vista farm.](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Buena Vista farm_Andy Zakeli-500x350.jpg)
Crop rotation
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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 Ten tips for a healthy garden](https://www.organicgardener.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/iStock-469085306_garden-tool-500x500.jpg)
Ten tips for a healthy garden
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Penny Woodward, shares her tips for a thriving garden – one that will provide veg and fruit, and help the planet.