Blog
Our blog features a variety of gardening and growing tips on topics such as soil biology, wicking bed construction, composting, grafting, pruning, water-saving and irrigation. Plus we regularly post recipes to help you make the most of the ‘seasonal glut’ and tips on how to live in a more sustainable way.
Could your next car be electric?
The advantages of choosing to drive an electric vehicle (EV) are clear. They can be charged at home, preferably from solar panels, they have zero emissions (once built) and they have fewer moving parts, requiring considerably less maintenance. It will shortly be...
Masters of disguise – the Tawny Frogmouth
Tawny Frogmouths are one of our most popular native birds. They recently came runner-up for the second time in 3 years in the Guardian/BirdLife Bird of the Year poll. In this article is some interesting information about these much-adored birds and some advice about...
Queensland Fruit Fly Blog #5
A reminder to put out your protein baits for Queensland Fruit Fly. These kill male and female flies. The Wild May lures are less critical now as they primarily tell you when QFF are around and plenty of people are catching them! It is a good idea to continue to use...
Net for success!
Netting selection is a vital aspect of insect control in the fruit and vegie garden. Appropriate mesh size will protect fruit and vegetables from a range of insects while inappropriate may increase the numbers of non beneficial insects including aphids and thrips....
Soil and Climate Change Part 2
In her previous article, Bev described the importance of looking after agricultural soil in order to store more CO2. In this article, she looks at the impact of regenerative farming techniques on improving soil. While still a small percentage of all farmers,...
Profile: Robin Gale-Baker
Sustainable Macleod members would know Robin Gale-Baker from the monthly Newsletter, her videos produced for Sustainable Macleod and her guidance and mentoring at Macleod Organic Community Garden. Others would recognise her for the wide range of sustainable projects,...
What to plant in December in Melbourne
Plant in punnets It is too late to raise most summer vegies in punnets because, by the time they are big enough to fruit, the season will be almost over. The following quick growing vegies and herbs are the exception: lettuce, rocket, and salad greens mustard greens...
Urgent jobs in the garden for December
Check fruit fly lures for fruit flies. These are the males. If present, paint eco-naturalure bait onto branches or onto a piece of wood and place in tree. This kills both male and female fruit flies. Net your fruit trees with fine net, tying tightly at the base to...
Growing cucurbits – cucumber, zucchini and pumpkin
Position Plant in September in punnets, or from October to December outside. Choose a site with full sun and shelter from wind. Soil Preparation Plant cucurbits as seed or seedlings on mounds of compost with a base of well rotted animal manure. The manure should be...
Botany for home gardeners
Did you know we all use botanical theory in our garden, even if we don't realise it? By learning more about how plants work, we can make the most of how we manage our gardens. In this workshop we share interesting snippets of botany and how we can apply the...
What to plant in November in Melbourne
Seeds planted in October in punnets that have reached the 4-leaf stage can be pricked out and planted in potting mix in trays or pots. These can be planted in the garden late November. Plant in punnets Capsicum and chilli, cucumber, eggplant, endive, lettuce and all...
Urgent jobs in the garden for November
Put out fruit fly lures and protein traps. Queensland fruit fly is already here in Macleod this season. Net your fruit trees with fine net, tying tightly at the base to prevent fruit fly entry and to protect from birds. Put out lures for codling moth in apples, pears...
The how and why of wicking beds
A comprehensive workshop on the how and why of wicking beds, including detailed explanation and notes on how to put together these water-saving, high-cropping beds. Learn: How to decide if wicking beds are right for you What materials are required How to assemble...
Re-opening the community garden
Many of you have asked about when Macleod Organic Community Garden will be reopened for Members. Sustainable Macleod takes its duty of care to members seriously and will be taking all necessary steps to reopen safely. We are all keen to be able to get back into the...
Join Sustainable Macleod
Become a member and get access to the community garden, the tool library and our seed library. We welcome all members of the community and have regular events and workshops to enjoy.