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.
More tips for growing spectacular eggplants
Use net bags Plant in a row in full sun Keep very well watered Have you ever cut open a beautiful looking eggplant only to find a winding, black track through it? This is a poo trail from an eggfruit caterpillar. It is rare to see where the caterpillar has entered, or...
Taking action on textile waste
When you open your wardrobe or drawers you will probably see things that you haven't worn in ages. Chances are most were bought new, on a whim. All those shirts, singlets, pants, dresses, skirts, tops, scarves, jackets, socks, novelty clothing and of course school and...
What can we do to cool the urban heat island?
As summer warms up, the heat island effect is becoming more noticeable. Put simply, the heat island effect (UHI) comes about because cities create their own microclimates. Most gardeners are aware of the different microclimates created in backyards.
The magnificence of dragonflies
Across our north-eastern Melbourne suburbs, dragonflies (and their cousins damselflies) are relatively common. They are found right across Australia and all around the world. There are hundreds of species in Australia alone and it’s estimated there are about 5,000 species around the world.
Can I save zucchini seed?
Top tips for saving zucchini seeds allow fruit to fully mature on the vine until skin is hard cover male and female flowers with mesh bags and hand pollinate ferment the seed The short answer to whether you can save zucchini seed is 'yes' but it is a complicated...
What you need to know to grow an avocado
Top tips on growing avocados create excellent drainage stake your tree protect from wind and frost prepare your hole and add nutrients several months before planting Planting an avocado tree is quite straightforward as long as you have specific knowledge about site...
The case for growing your own avocados
Have you ever considered that when you buy an avocado you could be supporting a Mexican criminal cartel or supporting water rights in Chile that are resulting in thousands of small farmers being effectively deprived of their livelihoods? Mexico is the biggest producer...
Sustainable Macleod North East Link interview
The North East Link (‘NEL’) will have a huge impact on the community of Macleod and surrounding communities. In December 2021 I interviewed Michelle Giovas about the NEL, including the current design and implications for local residents. Michelle is one of the...
Productivity Commission ‘Right to Repair’ Report
The Productivity Commission handed down its final report to the Australian Government on 29 October 2021. It was released to the public on 1 December. This is potentially good news for consumers as it includes the right to competitive pricing for repairs and choice of...
FREE mesh bags to prevent Queensland Fruit Fly attacking your fruit!
Mesh bags with a fine weave are an excellent tool to combat Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF). The bags, which have a drawstring, can be slipped easily over bunches of fruit and secured around the branch. It's a good idea to place a circle of wire or a stick within the bag...
Five indigenous pollinator-attracting daisies
If you’re growing vegetables and fruit, you probably understand the benefits that pollinators bring to your garden. Many plants, particularly the cultivated varieties we grow for food, are self-fertile (don’t need other plants to pollinate them) but you’ll usually get...
Summer pruning of fruit trees
Why prune in summer? The simple answer is to reduce the height of out-of-control trees or to make netting and harvesting easier and safer. The more complex answer is to do with when trees are most likely to replace all the wood taken off. When pruned in winter, spring...
Remove unwanted fruit trees to help eliminate Queensland Fruit Fly
Removing unwanted fruit trees is of huge importance in combating Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF). In some states, this has been ordered by councils (including in Cobram, Victoria) and has had a positive effect in reducing QFF numbers. It is also a way of assisting the many...
Queensland Fruit Fly Blog #6 – Essential Action Now
Now is the time to net your fruit trees and vegies as pollination has taken place. When netting trees, secure the bottom of the net to the tree trunk or ground and make sure there are no holes. When using net bags make sure the fruit is not against the mesh as it can...
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.