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.
Switch and Save – check out the Sustainable Macleod Clean Energy Expo
Sunday 19 November 11am - 3pmMacleod College, Carwarp Street, MacleodBook here Most of us are willing to reduce our impact on climate change by reducing our home energy use. How to make our homes more energy-efficient, while not blowing our budget needs careful...
Transplanting advanced trees
About 12 months ago, Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG) donated 3 advanced fruit trees to the Sustainable Macleod Community Garden. They were growing along the BAAG driveway that led to the landscaping yard and had to be removed to make way for North East Link works. I am...
What to plant in November in Melbourne
Seeds planted in October 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 November. Plant in punnets Capsicum and chilli, cucumber, eggplant, endive, lettuce and all...
Urgent jobs in the garden for November
Put out fruit fly lures and protein traps. Queensland fruit fly is already here in Macleod this season. Net your fruit trees with fine net, tying tightly at the base to prevent Queensland fruit fly entry and to protect from birds. Put out lures for codling moth in...
10 hints for a great summer vegie garden
10 hints for a great summer vegie garden Install dripline. El Nino has been declared, signalling a very dry summer ahead. The key to good vegies is consistent water which dripline will provide especially if set on a timer. Sustainable Macleod is running a workshop on...
Banyule Community Garden Tour
Banyule Community Garden Tour - 28 October 10am - 2.30pm If you want to explore Banyule's community gardens, you can take an electric bus around Banyule to discover our five community gardens! Organised by Banyule City Council, the event will include a tour of each...
No bin liners or food packaging for the green bin – not even compostable ones!
Last month we started a series on what NOT to put in the FOGO bin - that's the green bin which now takes a whole range of food items that can't go into your compost or worm farms, as well as food that can. Moving on from our first item last month - those small, round,...
Queensland Fruit Fly – Bulk buy of Cera Traps?
Would you be interested in a Cera Trap bulk buy where you can purchase only as many traps and as much liquid as you need? Cera Trap is very effective in controlling Queensland Fruit Fly. It is a protein liquid that attracts both males and females. The QFF drown in the...
Tips on growing ginger and turmeric
On my recent travels I was lucky enough to meet a man who grows ginger and turmeric in Queensland and he gave me some great tips. As well as confirming what I had written in a previous article in 2020 based on my own experience, I now have some specific tips to pass...
Sustainable Macleod Clean Energy Expo 2023
Sustainable Macleod Clean Energy Expo 2023 Sunday 19 November, 11am - 3pm Climate-proof your home, save money and help the planet! Would you like to reduce your home's energy consumption but don't know where to start? Have you wondered what it's like to own an EV?...
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...
Buy eggplant, chilli and capsicum seedlings
Eggplant, chilli and capsicum need a high soil temperature to germinate. They will not germinate in low temperatures. As it will be late in the season in the Melbourne climate before soil temperatures achieve sufficient warmth, it is wise to purchase these seedlings...
Testing your seed for viability
It can be disappointing to sow seed and none of it comes up. There's an easy way to check whether your seed is viable and how viable it is. Now is the time to test any seed you might want to sow this spring. Seeds have varied lifespans. Parsnip and angelica for...
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.