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.
Is it safe to speak up?
The recent terrible event involving Independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines, has highlighted the extent to which normal public debate has been transformed into personal attacks and violence. For the good of our community, we must all do what we can to restore healthy...
How to keep trees safe from Citrus Gall Wasp
What is citrus gall wasp? Citrus gall wasp, an Aussie wasp originally from Queensland, can affect all citrus but seems to be most prevalent in lemon, lime and grapefruit trees. The galls are the result of the injection of eggs by the adult wasp into the soft stems of...
Urgent jobs in the garden for November
Put out Queensland fruit fly lures and protein traps. Queensland fruit fly is already here in Macleod this season. Net your fruit trees with fine net, weighing the hem down with something heavy e.g. mulch, bricks, wood, to prevent Queensland fruit fly entry and to...
Queensland Fruit Fly alert – November
The most important action in November is to get your insect seclusion netting in place. QFF will be active in Macleod and surrounds already. (It is so small you won't see it). Net: tomatoes at planting time as they are self fertile capsicum, chillies and eggplants as...
What to plant in November in Melbourne
Seeds planted in October in punnets that have reached the 4-leaf stage can be pricked out and planted in potting mix in trays or pots. These can be planted in the garden late November. Plant in punnets Capsicum and chilli, cucumber, eggplant, endive, lettuce and all...
November Garlic Hint
November is the time to assess if your garlic is ready to harvest. This can be done in 2 ways. Either dig down around a bulb or two and decide whether they are large enough or harvest when 4 -6 of the lower leaves have withered. This is easier said than done as the...
How to have a fun and sustainable Halloween
I didn’t grow up celebrating Halloween, but I love the way it leads to communities getting to know each other a bit more, and the joy it brings kids (big and small) who dress up and trick or treat. I’m looking forward to it! I was at the supermarket and saw all the...
Lose the lawn – ditch mowing forever
How natural is your nature strip? What role does your lawn play in reducing carbon in the atmosphere - the CO2 which wreaks havoc with the climate? Lawns and tidy nature strips can look attractive and appear to be part of the natural world, but what is the reality?...
Tough little locals
As you may remember from my previous articles, the best time to plant natives and indigenous (locally occurring natives) is in autumn or early winter. But, if that didn’t happen, you’re still able to plant in October - you’ll just need to give it some extra water and...
Why handling tomato stems is a bad idea
Tomato stems, if you take a close look, are covered in very tiny hairs. They are called trichomes. Trichomes are important in providing a protective structure that helps plants survive and adapt to their environment including deterring insects, moderating extreme...
Urgent jobs in the garden for October
Important tips for October! Add potash or wood ash (both potassium) to soil to increase flower and fruit set. Tie hessian or cardboard around apple, pear and quince tree trunks for codling moth to lay in (remove and burn in 4 weeks time, then replace). Sow seeds in...
What to plant in October in Melbourne
First, any seeds planted in September in punnets that have reached the 4-leaf stage can be pricked out and planted in potting mix in trays or pots. These can be planted in the garden late October. For the best site (sun, partial sun, partial shade) in the garden for...
Queensland Fruit Fly October alert – Cera Trap, netting, kaolin clay options
Despite recent cold weather, Queensland Fruit Fly have been reported as active for quite a few weeks in Macleod. By now your Cera Traps should be in place and it won't hurt to continue to top up Wild May lures. Remember Wild May lures only take liquid to a depth of...
October Garlic Hint
Water your garlic twice weekly. Most rain will be insufficient to do the job especially if less than 10mm so water directly onto the soil, avoiding water splashing onto the leaves. Refrain from fertilising with a nitrogen-based fertiliser but continue to spray the...
Join Sustainable Macleod
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.