Most people know that one of the benefits of companion planting is to attract bees which help pollinate fruiting plants. However, an equally vital benefit is attracting insects which will prey on and control pest insects such as aphids. Giving
More...Edibles General Info
Companion Planting
Many vegetables grow well with other plants in the garden and, using a few basic principles, organic gardeners can really have nature on their side in the biological control of pests. The most commonly documented companion plants help to repel
More...Grafted Plants Explained
It’s easy to get yourself totally confused and muddled when immersed in the heady world of horticulture – hybrids, cultivars, cross pollination…the list of terms goes on and on. But, there is one horticultural concept that we are hearing a
More...Edible Ornamental Gardens
Since Ancient Times, Edible Gardening and producing food was motivated by survival. The Egyptians, the Persians and the Romans developed ‘Paradise Gardens’ that became increasingly elaborate, intermingling ornamental and edible plants. In Medieval Times, Christian Monastery Gardens used function in
More...Vegie Patch Basics
There is nothing like the taste and satisfaction of growing your own vegies. Not only are there the health benefits of growing your own produce for your family, you are also helping the planet by reducing your food miles. Kids
More...Straw Bale Gardening
Have you ever thought about growing vegies in Straw Bales? Benefits of bales • Place an instant garden wherever the sun shines… even on concrete! • A way to avoid poorly draining, hard-to-work or diseased soil. • Less labour intensive.
More...Edible Gardening in Small Spaces
We do not all have access to large sunny gardens or even any garden at all. If you would like to grow food at home but feel like you don’t have the room, help is at hand. If you have
More...Preparing Your Winter Vegie Garden
Autumn is the best time to plant your winter vegetable garden. As the weather cools and the rain starts to fall more frequently it is a pleasure to get back into the garden, remove spent summer crops and plant vegetables
More...Heritage or Heirloom Varieties
Important note about plant availability.There are hundreds of factsheets on our website provided for your information. Not all plants will be available at all times throughout the year. To confirm availability please call (03) 8850 3030 and ask for the
More...Edible Flowers
Growing your own edible flowers mean you know that they haven’t been sprayed with pesticides and are safe to use. They enhance both the garden and the kitchen and add a gourmet touch to even the most basic dish. Not
More...Drought Tolerant Edible Plants
With Melbourne’s potential for very hot periods during summer, for exposed positions we need to think about heat tolerant produce plants. Even though there are many garden plants that burn and suffer through the heat without protection, there are also
More...Crop Rotation
What is it and why do it? Crop rotation is the seasonal rotation of vegetable crops from bed to bed. There are many variants of crop rotation but they all more or less achieve the same thing. The main reasons
More...Why Grow Your Own Food?
Growing your own fruit and vegetables is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do. 1) It saves water. According to a study done by David Holmgren, co-founder of ‘Permaculture’, (Holmgren Design Services) efficient backyard growers can use
More...What to do with your excess produce
Gluts, gluts, gluts. Funny word, but gluts in your produce garden are rather unfunny if you can’t get rid of the excess. It’s a familiar story: joy as we watch the new season’s vegetable and fruit crops starting out healthy
More...Backyard Chooks
Sceptics say that you can’t have a garden with chooks. They dig up plants, they make a mess of mulch, they leave droppings around, but this could be said of many pets. My experience is that a garden just isn’t
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