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.
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...
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...
Possums raiding my vegie patch
Possums raiding suburban Melbourne home vegetable gardens is a common occurrence. While they are native to our areas, both ringtail and brushtail possums are in larger numbers than they would have been pre-colonisation - and they have less to eat in winter. The...
Nuclear energy – taboo no more?
Environmental activists have long opposed the introduction of nuclear energy to Australia. With the planned shutdown of coal-fired power stations possibly by 2034, what are the options for generating power, and should nuclear energy be considered? Recent talk of...
August Queensland Fruit Fly Alert – put out Wild May now
As early as possible in August, hang lures with Wild May in them (20ml of the liquid) 1.2 to 2 metres above the ground in the canopy of trees such as lemons. Wild May only attracts the males, and is vital to mop up those that are overwintering. Trapping the males also...
Preparing a spring/summer vegetable garden
The first section here covers soil preparation, watering tips and site selection. With these covered, not much can go wrong! Below this section, are 7 families of vegetables and herbs with specific guidelines for each. It is worth reading the whole article to get a...
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...
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.