Sustainable Gardening Australia invites you to join us for an informal gathering and discussion evening in Melbourne on Monday June 17. Continue reading »
May 222013
May 212013
Some good news from the European Union this week where a two year restriction on the use of neonicotinoid chemicals, the world’s most used insecticide has been introduced to take effect from 1st December 2013. This decision is a result of strong community lobbying based on increasing scientific evidence that links the use of neonicotinoid chemicals to the serious decline in bee populations across North America and Europe. Continue reading »
May 072013
While the southern parts of Australia have donned winter pyjamas and flannelette sheets, the northern states are still revelling in warm, and mostly sunny autumn days. Regardless of the conditions in your little patch of paradise, there is still loads to do this month. Get set for those produce plants that need the cooler weather to grow. Continue reading »
May 072013
Lactuca sativa
Lettuce – a reliable summer favourite, salad filler and sandwich staple! But it can be grown year round, with very little tender loving care after making sure that there is adequate feed. With a large variety of types and therefore flavours, lettuce isn’t just reduced to your Cos or iceberg! Available as seedlings, but also germinates readily from seed. Sprinkle in some seed at any time of year and this quick growing vegetable will be ready in weeks. Continue reading »
Mar 302013
The perfect month for chocolate lovers and practical jokers alike, April is also a top time to get into the patch! There is a little bit of rain around, the weather is cooling down, and shed loads of stuff is ready to plant! So, don’t be a bunny, get into gardening this April! Hop to it! Continue reading »
Mar 222013
March, the month named after Mars, the Roman God of War, is an excellent month to wage war on your patch. Be it ripping out the weeds, mulching up a storm, or popping in a plethora of plants, March is the ultimate time to launch a full scale (but well planned) attack on you patch! So, all you weekend warriors… March into action!
Mar 122013
Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world, yet we use more water per capita than any other country. By reducing the amount of water we use in the garden, we can significantly save water and prevent the need to build more dams’. There are many ways gardeners can use water wisely to maintain a healthy garden. Continue reading »
Mar 052013
Beta vulgaris L. Cicla
Time and space-poor gardeners might find vegetables that can be picked or cut continuously over time a better option than ‘once off’ crops. Silverbeet definitely measures up, and, it easy to grow and can be sown almost all year round in most regions. What more could you ask for! Continue reading »
Feb 282013
Scaevola – groundcover species
What a popular garden plant this has become, and quite rightly so. The splendid fan flowers that give the genus its common name can be absolutely vivid, ranging in hue from white to blue and purple (rarely yellow). Continue reading »
Feb 252013
Despite the few very hot days we experienced in Melbourne the vegetable garden survived. I used shade cloth during the day and by the evening the plants sprung back from their limpness during the hot day. Continue reading »