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.
Macleod Pop-Up Pantry
Let's get Macleod Pop-Up Pantry off the ground! Sustainable Macleod member Angela Chung, supported by member Gaby Guthrie (next door neighbour), has launched Pop-Up Pantry from home. This is a great initiative and just what Macleod needs. For so long we have been...
How dirty is the water you’re swimming in?
Did you know there were several days earlier this month when the quality of the water in all of Melbourne’s popular swimming spots in the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay was deemed not safe to swim in? Water quality in our swimming spots often looks good enough (but who...
Eat less meat to fight climate change
Many people these days are aware of the link between eating meat and climate change. Raising large animals, particularly beef cattle, has a significant impact on the level of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere. The production of dairy products has...
Defeating pear and cherry slug
A close inspection of pear and cherry trees at this time of year, is likely to reveal small, black slimy slugs on almost every leaf. The pear and cherry slug munches its way through the green chlorophyll of the leaves, leaving behind a lacy network of veins that is...
Microwave your Queensland Fruit Fly infected fruit
At the Sustainable Macleod Community Garden we have been experimenting with destroying fruit fly by microwaving bowls of infected fruit for 10 minutes on high. Soft patches or sting marks on the skin indicate the presence of fruit fly but if in doubt, cut the fruit...
Why are my tomatoes still green?
There’s been a fair bit of consternation this tomato season about when, or if, tomatoes are going to ripen. The good news is that they probably will but there are some things to take into account and some not to do. Like all vegetables, the movement from seed or...
Silverbeet Dolmas
Congratulations to Emily Willocks who won this months #inseason #cookoff with her silverbeet dolmates. Emily noted that she usually uses roo instead of lamb and often likes to use red rice. Thanks for a great recipe Emily! 50g minced lamb 1 cup rice (uncooked) 1 small...
Fighting food waste beyond the fridge
Next time you open your fridge or cupboard, check one of those bottom shelves. Chances are you will find something past its ‘use-by date’, some stale biscuits, leftovers that someone forgot to eat, lettuce that didn’t get stored property and now it has to be thrown...
Festive ice bowl
Making a festive ice bowl to hold prawns, ice cream, or other frozen desserts can be a lot of fun, especially with children or grandchildren. Take: 2 stainless steel bowls of the same shape, one larger than the other fresh flower petals and leaves water Place one bowl...
Changing rain patterns affect Macleod
Many members of Sustainable Macleod have commented on the changing temperatures we are experiencing in Melbourne. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 2019 was the warmest year on record, with severe and lasting droughts. Temperature rise is particularly evident in...
Cooling the heat island
Urban infrastructure (ie. roads, footpaths, buildings, and concrete driveways) contributes significantly to the build-up of heat in the environment. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect can add 2-4 degrees Celsius in cities. Compared to rural areas the effect measures...
Which mulch?
Last year, prices for organic mulch were at record highs with lucerne bales $60 each. The news this year is better but by no means is mulch cheap. Lucerne is down to $32.95, pea straw $24.95, wheat straw $19.95 per bale and sugar cane mulch is $17.95 a pack. What are...
Your surprising best friend in dealing with snails
Blue-tongue lizards are one of the most iconic reptiles in Australia. They are not very timid, have gorgeous markings and that distinctive blue tongue. Actually there are six types of blue-tongues in Australia - including the Eastern Blue-Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua...
Shade cloth- need, purpose and options
Shade cloth structures, whether temporary or permanent, are likely to be ever more necessary for home gardeners as we experience more heat waves and higher temperatures. Even a single day of scorching heat can do irreversible damage to our edible gardens. Heat waves...
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.