Journal

How to Test Garden Soil for Nutrients and ContaminantsSoil testing forms the backbone of any productive garden, yet many Australian hobbyists skip this step and wonder why their tomatoes sulk. The country's vast…
Growing Cucumbers Vertically on Trellises to Save SpaceCucumbers are vigorous, productive plants, but their sprawling vines can quickly take over a backyard bed, courtyard or balcony. Growing them vertically on a…
oring Garden Tools the Smart Way to Prevent RustAussie gardeners know the feeling all too well. You reach for your favourite secateurs or shovel after a long weekend of pruning, only to find an orange bloom…
How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden with WildflowersAussie backyards are perfectly placed to become havens for bees, butterflies, and native birds, and adding wildflowers is one of the easiest ways to make that…
the perfect greenhouse heater size for your growing spaceAcross Australia, hobby and commercial growers face a surprisingly wide range of heating challenges. A backyard polytunnel in Hobart endures winter frosts that…
Sowing and growing spinach through cool Australian seasonsSpinach (Spinacia oleracea) rewards Australian home gardeners with one of the fastest, most reliable cool-season leafy greens. The plant thrives when…
How to overwinter tender perennials in a garage or basementTender perennials can survive an Australian winter when their roots, crowns or tubers are protected from cold snaps. Plants such as begonias, coleus,…
Growing peonies for cut flowers in the Midwest and AustraliaPeonies are among the most rewarding flowers for a cutting garden. Their bold blooms, elegant foliage and long vase life make them popular with florists,…
A practical guide to controlling aphids on indoor and outdoor plantsAphids rank among the most persistent pests faced by gardeners across Australia. From the humid subtropical gardens of Brisbane to the dry Mediterranean…
How to build a simple compost bin from wood palletsA simple compost bin made from wood pallets can turn kitchen scraps, garden prunings and autumn leaves into useful soil conditioner. The design is inexpensive,…