Blog
Our blog features a variety of gardening and sustainablity articles on topics such as soil biology, composting, grafting, pruning, water-saving and irrigation clean energy, waste and biodiversity. Plus we regularly post recipes to help you make the most of the ‘seasonal glut’ and tips on how to live in a more sustainable way.
Why bare-rooted fruit trees are worth it
Top tips Prepare your soil by removing competing grass Trim any broken roots Prune at planting time Plant within 24 hours What is a bare-rooted fruit tree? Bare-rooted fruit (and nut) trees are grown in the paddock and dug up when dormant. 90% of their roots are...
If you could … would you?
If you could contribute to the energy transition by doing more than installing solar and/or home batteries, and participate even if you don't have either, would you? If you could link with other members of the community with whom you share an electricity sub-network,...
8 Ways to Reduce Light Pollution Impacts on Wildlife
Leaving unnecessary lights on at night is a waste of electricity, carbon emissions and money. Importantly, it’s also creating harmful impacts on some of our wildlife. Artificial light at night directly impacts the health and safety of individual creatures and...
August garlic hint
This hint covers the end of winter and the beginning of spring which have slightly different requirements. The first thing to do is observe your garlic plants and note whether there is any yellowing on the tips or on older leaves. If there is, spray with fish emulsion...
Urgent jobs in the garden for August
Weed, weed, weed! As the weather warms in August, seed germinates and weeds take over. Make compost. Prune fruit trees once they have lost their leaves; remove all mummified fruit from the branches. Spray peach and nectarine trees a full 360 degrees to cover every...
What to plant in August in Melbourne
August is the month to plant spring seedlings in punnets and some direct into the ground. Should a frost be imminent, cover seedlings the night before with cloth. If the worst comes to the worst and you find frost on your plants the following morning, and the sun has...
Queensland Fruit Fly Alert – August
As early as possible in August, hang Wild May lures (use 20ml of the liquid per lure) 1.2 to 2 metres above the ground in the canopy of trees such as lemons. Alternatively hang dry lures which at this stage would need to be ordered online from Pestrol as they are not...
Meeting with the Federal Minister for Environment and Water
Paul and Robin Gale-Baker were invited to meet Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt on 17 June by Kate Thwaites, Member for Jagajaga. Minister Watt was visiting Banyule in relation to a storm water program that will feed and raise the water...
EV Myths
This article is an update of one I wrote in 2023. In the 4 years I have had an EV, I have driven 74,000 km and only needed 2 services (both free) and 2 new tyres. I have never regretted the decision to purchase my EV. However, despite the current crisis in theMiddle...
Wonderful wildlife plants series: Sweet Bursaria
Are you looking to boost biodiversity and add a touch of native beauty to your garden? A Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) or two would be a great addition. This indigenous small to medium-sized shrub is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting local wildlife -...
A rainbow of winter vegies
Cheer up your vegie garden this winter with an array of colourful brassicas Brassicas include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips and kohlrabi: broccoli comes in dark green, purple and the lime-green cone shaped Romanesco cabbage in green, red and purple ...
July Garlic Hint
Now that the shortest day has passed, garlic planted in the autumn will have developed a strong root system and healthy green shoots. But what next? How do we support the swelling of the bulbs into good-sized, healthy heads? Action taken from July to September is key...
Urgent jobs in the garden for July
Make compost. Plant out second crop of autumn/winter vegetables. Cut strawberry runners and pot up in potting mix. Cut back leaves of strawberries - you can even mow them down on a high blade - and dispose of them. Divide them in spring if they are too crowded....
What to plant in July in Melbourne
A guide to what to plant in July can be found in self-sown plants in the garden. In my garden, there is an abundance of self-sown parsley, coriander, lettuce, other salad greens and tomatoes. Begin planting seeds in punnets for planting in late August/September (early...
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Become a member and get access to the community garden, the tool library and our seed library. We welcome all members of the community and have regular events and workshops to enjoy.