Blog
Our blog features a variety of gardening and growing tips on topics such as soil biology, wicking bed construction, composting, grafting, pruning, water-saving and irrigation. 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.
Visiting the Chelsea Physic Garden in London
I recently visited the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and have written here about what a wonderful experience it was. The Chelsea Physic Garden was established 351 years ago in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London. It resides by the Thames River...
The epic migrations of our local eels
The Birrarung (Yarra River) is home to the much-maligned, but fascinating short-finned eel (Anguilla australis). These unremarkable-looking eels make two epic migration journeys, spanning thousands of kilometers.Short-finned eels begin their lives in the Coral Sea...
A Banyule bicycle revolution
It's time for a bicycle-led transport revolution. The cost of living crisis, rising petrol prices and increased road congestion should have us all on our bikes. A recent visit to London and Strasbourg was a reminder of what a remarkable form of transport the bicycle...
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 the Yarra Valley. 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...
Defeat citrus gall wasp (and Queensland Fruit Fly) with kaolin clay!
Citrus gall wasp, an Aussie wasp originally from Queensland, can affect all citrus but seems most prevalent in lemon, lime, cumquat and grapefruit trees. The galls result from the injection of eggs by the adult wasp into the soft stems of citrus trees in spring. Here...
Urgent jobs in the garden for October
Remove non-compliant netting if you have not done so and fold it up so birds can't get tangled in it if it is lying around. This net is illegal from 1 September.* Add potash or wood ash (both potassium) to soil to increase flower and fruit set. Tie hessian or...
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...
Misunderstood mistletoes
Mistletoes are a fascinating group of parasitic plants that have evolved to depend on their host trees for water and nutrients. They play a significant yet often misunderstood role in the natural environment. These plants are not just parasites or Christmas...
Electric driving in the UK
Having driven an electric vehicle in Australia for over two years, a recent trip to the UK gave us an opportunity to see how drivers in other countries are managing the electric transition. We also wanted to see how distance driving in the UK compared to our two trips...
Sustainable Macleod’s Tomato List 2024
16 varieties for you to choose from The following tomato varieties are being grown by Sustainable Macleod for the 2024 season. Financial members are entitled to 6 FREE plants on Saturday 14 September - Tomato Gala Day. Come to the Sustainable Macleod Community Garden...
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. Word from the Yarra Valley QFF project is that this is an...
Bad companion plants in the vegie garden
What vegetables are bad companions? Good companion plants are those that benefit each other or one benefits the other. Bad companion plants are those that negatively affect each other or one the other. The effect generally comes through chemicals given off by a...
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 picked out and planted in potting mix in trays or pots. These can be planted in the...
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...
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.