Essential guide to seed saving

Saving seed is an important part of organic growing: it saves money, helps reduce food miles and means what you grow is better suited to your microclimate.

Start your spring crops early

Get your spring crops off to an early start by mimicking the growing conditions they’d usually expect in mid- to late spring.

Why won’t my seedlings grow?

Our horticultural experts answer a common question for gardeners who are trying to start their plants from seed: why won't my seedlings grow?

Seed sowing basics

Growing your own seedlings gives you greater diversity in your garden, as well as contributing to the heirloom seed saving community, writes Helen McKerral.

Seeds are free

These seeds are available for free, all you have to do is use them to grow food, save those seeds and then share with others.

Planting seed

First time sowing seed? Here's some tips for new growers to follow, as well as a guide to the plants best grown from seed and then planted out.

What to plant in February

It's horrid weather for planting, says Justin Russell, but try to get some winter crop seeds sown into punnets.

Sowing organic seeds

It's life affirming, says Penny Woodward, to plant seed and watch it grow.

How to save seeds

As seed company ownership tightens, now's the time to learn how to save your own seed writes Simon Webster.

Planting the seed

Growing vegies from seed has benefits aplenty, writes Annette McFarlane.

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.

Cool season favourite: English spinach

Of all the spinach options, English spinach has the superior flavour and texture, and the cool season is the best time to plant in most parts of Australia.