Better in the shade

Don’t let your organic crops wilt to mush in the blistering summer sun. Give them a chance with a little shade. PHIL DUDMAN shares his shady tips.

Biochar Experiment – An Update

Biochar has the potential to revolutionise gardening in a post carbon world. JUSTIN RUSSELL provides an update on an experiment using the product in his vegie garden to help grow a bumper crop of spuds.

Up the anti on composting

Summer brings an endless supply of composting material, so it’s time to get busy making as much as you can, says PHIL DUDMAN

COMPOST: The 12 Keys

PHIL DUDMAN answers essential questions on making compost.

Confessions of a weather watcher

JUSTIN RUSSELL explains why it's okay to be a "weather nerd", and describes his system for recording the rainfall and temperature in his cool climate garden.

Citrus: how to carry out winter maintenance

Citrus have provided us with a bumper crop of organic fruit again this season. So what now? PHIL DUDMAN shares his tips for pruning, spraying and fertilising in preparation for another productive year ahead.

Notes on Wood Chip Mulch

JUSTIN RUSSELL elaborates on the benefits of wood chip mulch to established fruit trees.

How to Grow Organic Container Crops

PHIL DUDMAN shares an idea for maximizing returns with container growing, along with his prized recipe for an organic potting mix that guarantees success every time.

Getting familiar with nude trees

Bare-rooted ornamental and fruit trees will be appearing in nurseries toward the end of the month. JUSTIN RUSSELL explains how to plant them using nature as a guide.

How to make straw bale gardens

They must be the ultimate in lazy gardening. PHIL DUDMAN explains how to turn a simple straw bale into a productive organic garden in seconds flat.

Making the Most of Frost

In viewing frost as just another issue to contend with in the battle to maintain a pristine backyard, modern gardeners miss the benefits of a decent freeze. Justin Russell welcomes the fiirst frost of the season.

The Wonders of Chook Poo

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