White Curl Grub
Hi, my name is: White Curl Grub (cockchafer in the southern states) Describe yourself: Well, I’m white and, as my name suggests, kinda curly (more C…
Pea Blight
Bacterial disease such as pea blight can be tricky to diagnose since bacteria aren't visible to the human eye; in fact they can only be seen under…
Is Biochar “Wonderstuff”?
Biochar has been hailed as a useful contributor to reducing the world’s increasing carbon emissions since it stores carbon in the soil1 . It has also…
Garden Predators
There are plenty of garden critters that are useful predators of plant pests, and SGA encourages home gardeners to reduce their chemical use, in…
Regenerative Gardening = Sustainable Gardening
Some people say that the place to be in gardening is no longer just in sustainability - it’s being regenerative. But isn't that where SGA been all…
Garden like a Natural Farmer
Who is the best person to advise how to grow food naturally? A Natural Farmer of course! They grow food for a living and if they get it wrong they…
Good Flies
Not all flies are bad! We are used to being concerned when we see a blowfly, thinking it carries disease, or being annoyed by those pesky common…
Early Blight of Tomatoes
Hi, my name is: Early Blight of Tomatoes Describe yourself: I'm a saucy little fungal disease with a real thing for the leaves of tomato plants!…
Codling Moth
If you want to protect your apple or pear trees prepare for this pest! He introduces himself here: Hi, my name is: Codling Moth Describe yourself:…
Gall (of Australian Native Trees)
Hi, my name is: Gall (of Australian Native Trees) Describe yourself: I guess some people would describe me as an abnormal growth on plant parts, but…
Carbon Emissions from Gardening
In a previous article we explored ways that gardeners can lock up carbon in the soil. Although increasing soil carbon is important, it doesn’t…
Compost, Worm and Weed Teas
If you are a gardener who tries to reduce your impacts on the natural environment, you will be using methods which avoid manufactured fertilisers,…
Pear and Cherry Slug
While most babies are cute, cuddly and adorable, this is definitely not the case for the offspring of the Black Sawfly Caliroa cerasi. The larvae,…
New Book “Tomato”- All Your Questions Answered and More
Tomato – Know, Sow, Grow, Feast, 2018 This new book by Penny Woodward, Janice Sutton and Karen Sutherland makes a major contribution to providing…
Citrus Leafminer
Describe yourself: I’m the tiny larvae of a beautiful silver moth, and am very rarely seen. That said, you can sure see my silvery trail of…
Winter Washing of Fruit Trees
Although it may look like there is not much happening with your fruit trees over winter, the microscopic world of fungi is making plans,…
Virus or Variegation
A common error gardeners make is to assume that appearance of coloured areas on leaves is caused by natural variegation, fungal infection or nutrient…
