Gallery - How-to
Photos that illustrate ways to get started.
Mulching garden beds well in the heat of summer helps conserve moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
Martha Beasley
Mulching garden beds
Worm farms are a wonderful way to convert kitchen scraps to valuable plant fertiliser and plant tonics (in the form of worm juice). Read how JUSTIN RUSSELL set up a worm farm kit he found at the back of his shed: organicgardener.com.au/blogs/education-worm-farmer.
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Worm farms
When building raised garden beds and other garden structures, avoid treated timber which contains chemicals that can leach into the soil. JUSTIN RUSSELL explains more: organicgardener.com.au/blogs/natural-timber-best.
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Avoid treated timber
When choosing water tanks, steel is a long-lasting material that won’t have to be sent to landfill when it degrades in 10 or 20 years time.
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Steel water tanks
Compost heaps can be free-standing or contained. Always make them at least 1m x 1m so they generate good heat. JUSTIN RUSSELL explains how to make a compost heap from cheap, locally sourced materials: organicgardener.com.au/blogs/make-cheap-compost-bin.
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Compost heaps
When building or choosing chook enclosures, make sure the mesh is sturdy enough to keep out foxes, wild dogs, snakes and goannas.
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Chicken enclosures
Bamboo or even long sticks can be used to create growing structures for crops such as beans. Just create a tee pee shape and tie together at the top with wire or durable twine.
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Bamboo poles
If some of your vegie crops such as cucumber and zucchini are not producing fruit, or fruit withers on the vine, poor pollination may be the culprit. Hand pollinating the female flowers early in the morning can ensure a good harvest.
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Hand pollination
When choosing garden tools, especially ones that will be used regularly, look for long-lasting durable metal and wood. JUSTIN RUSSELL gives his advice: organicgardener.com.au/blogs/joy-quality-tools.
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Durable garden tools
When pruning or harvesting, make sure you dip your tools in methylated spirits before moving to a different plant or crop to reduce the chance of spreading disease.
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Keep pruning tools clean
Latest images
Summer raspberries fruiting on the left, autumn raspberries on the right
Wild orange and vanilla lip balm by Harriet Birrell
