Green Home

Make a cheap compost bin

June 18, 2013

JUSTIN RUSSELL explains how to make a compost heap from cheap, locally sourced materials.

How to control ants organically

May 20, 2013

Ants can be a real nuisance inside the home, but there’s no need to use highly toxic insecticides to control them, writes PHIL DUDMAN. Read on for some simple organic ant control strategies.

Organic strategies for household pests

May 1, 2013

It’s one thing to be organic outside in the garden, but all too easy to slip into conventional thinking inside the house. JUSTIN RUSSELL outlines some basic strategies for organic pest control around the home.

The sustainable block

April 27, 2013

After 11 years in Sydney, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Jeff Poole decided to realise their passions for gardening and living sustainably.

State of play

July 29, 2012

KYLIE McGREGOR looks at the importance of outdoor play and why children should be swapping screen time for ‘green’ time.

Recent research shows that our children are spending dramatically less time outdoors than previous generations and suffering what one expert has dubbed “nature-deficit disorder”.

How to Use Wood Ash

June 26, 2012

Wood heating is common throughout the cooler parts of Australia, but what to do with all that ash. JUSTIN RUSSELL recommends using it in the garden.

Sterilise your garden tools when moving between different crops to prevent transfer of disease.

Keep it Clean

May 31, 2012

Good garden hygiene is paramount to reducing the incidence of pests and diseases, writes PHIL DUDMAN.

Standout garden at MIFGS 2012

April 3, 2012

It didn’t win awards for cutting edge garden design, but it certainly warmed the heart of Organic Gardener’s PHIL DUDMAN during his visit to this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

The Wonders of Chook Poo

May 4, 2011

Haven't started enjoying the benefits of the humble backyard chicken? Justin Russell celebrates the wonder that is chook manure.

Strawbales & Sorbets

December 9, 2010

We catch up with LINDA COCKBURN and family on their quest for a self-sufficient lifestyle on the Apple Isle. Their owner-built house, being made without the use of concrete, PVC or chemical finishes, is progressing well. Linda and partner Trev are using locally-sourced materials such as clay, straw bales and timber – 400-year-old celery top pine otherwise destined for firewood. In their ‘spare time’ they’ve been making camembert cheese, planting raspberries and dealing with wayward ducks.