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.
July – September: key months for garlic success!
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...
September garlic hint
In September, garlic bulbs will be swelling. This is the time to make sure they are watered deeply twice a week, well mulched and weed free. Spray with a seaweed solution (not a nitrogen based fertiliser) such as Seasol about every 3 weeks. Protect from cockatoos with...
What to plant in September in Melbourne
What seeds to plant in September in Melbourne and how to plant them Tips by Robin-Gale Baker. First, any seeds planted in August in punnets that have reached the 4-leaf stage can be taken out and planted in potting mix in trays or pots. These can be planted in the...
Queensland Fruit Fly September alert – put out Ceratrap now
As early as possible in September, hang Ceratrap lures in the canopy of trees such as lemons. This is in addition to Wild May which should have been in place during August and attracts overwintering males only. Ceratrap is a protein bait that attracts both males and...
Urgent jobs in the garden for September
Make compost. 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 then replace). Sow seeds in punnets and/or plant...
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...
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