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.
Storage is now the issue, not generation of energy
Energy storage is the new frontier for the achievement of energy independence in Australia. With 4 million households and businesses sporting rooftop solar, and 4 million more projected to do soin the next few years, energy generation is no longer the issue. Energy...
Urgent jobs in the garden for May
Make compost. Collect autumn leaves to make leaf litter or to add to compost. Add sparingly to compost as too much in a layer causes matting. Mix leaves well with other ingredients to prevent this. Net brassicas and Asian greens with exclusion netting, weighing down...
Growing perfect peas
Top tips for growing peas water pea seed at planting and not again until they shoot plant in slightly alkaline soil (pH 7-7.5) support climbing peas with a trellis or frame With a little care, peas are very easy to grow. Autumn, winter and spring are ideal planting...
The Banyule community battery launch!
I was thrilled to attend the launch of a 400kW community battery on 24 April. The battery was launched by Shaun Readon, CEO of Jemena, Kate Thwaites, MP for Jagajaga and Felicity Gordon, local artist. Banyule-Jemena-Federal Government partnership This is a community...
Bringing back balance with ecological burning
In Victoria’s dry forests and native grasslands, fire often gets a bad rap. But when used thoughtfully and respectfully, fire can be a powerful force for regeneration. Some people may have noticed smoke from Cherry Street Reserve in Macleod a few weeks ago. It wasn’t...
Queensland Fruit Fly alert – April
As in March, your winter fruit is at risk. At risk right now are persimmons, guavas, feijoas, pomegranates (despite their tough skin) and citrus, but any fruit including berries is susceptible. This is the time to put out Wild May again because the females are dying...
Why autumn is the best time to plant indigenous species
It’s been a long dry summer. According to the Bureau of Meterology, during December, January and February Viewbanks’s mean temperature was 2.1 degrees above average and rainfall was about 80%. And March has hardly been cool. If you’ve struggled to keep exotic plants...
Soil amendments and fertilisers: are they the same?
The terms ‘soil amendment’ and ‘fertiliser’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but in fact mean quite different things. However, some substances such as compost and aged manures can function as both. Amendment Soil amendment refers to a substance that conditions...
How can your solar panels be remotely turned off?
In last month's clean energy article, I explored the impact a nuclear energy industry would have on homeowners' rooftop solar. This month I follow on with an explanation of exactly what the mechanism would be that would allow this to happen. Let me begin by saying...
Indigenous grasses: summer blooms for your garden
When you think of flowers in late summer, grasses probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But Melbourne’s locally native (indigenous) grasses put on a beautiful show at this time of year, with delicate flowers that shimmer in the sunlight and attract all...
What would nuclear policy mean for your solar panels?
What would nuclear policy mean for your solar panels? Have you considered what the introduction of nuclear energy would mean for your solar panels? You have, no doubt, installed solar or are considering doing so, to lower your energy costs, to reduce cost-of-living...
Electrifying my home with Goodbye Gas
It’s been an interesting journey to make my 25-year-old home more sustainable. Originally, I installed a 1 kW solar system, and solar boost for my original gas hot water system. I added a thermal assessment of my home, draught proofing, and extra insulation. More...
Urgent jobs in the garden for March
Save seeds from the garden. Net fruit trees including citrus, guava, feijoa, pear, apple, quince, loquat, persimmon, grape and olive. Also net tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums and chillies. Use fine net, tying tightly at the base to prevent Queensland Fruit Fly entry...
March garlic hint
March is the time to prepare your beds for planting in March or April depending on garlic varieties chosen. Choose a site with full sun which is well drained. If not well drained or the soil is heavy, build a raised bed. Do not grow garlic where you have previously...
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.