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.
Welcome baby ducklings
Have you got close to a pair of ducks lately and been hissed or flapped at? It’s a sure sign that Spring is here and nesting season, and the first of the ducklings are now appearing. I was recently riding along the main Yarra Trail at Banyule Flats and saw a pair of...
Soil and climate change – part 1
Emissions of carbon dioxide from agriculture constitute around 20% of Australia’s total CO2 emissions. Cow farts get a lot of publicity, but the real concern is in the degradation of our soil. Soil underpins the productive wealth of Australian agriculture. We rely on...
Bikes in Banyule
What an incredible machine the bicycle is. Using a relatively small expenditure of energy, it is possible to travel considerable distances for commuting or pleasure. Once the original machines, such as penny farthings were given a chain drive and two equal-sized...
We need to talk about…your green waste bin
Doing the right thing with household waste can seem like a simple thing. But waste management is a complex beast and it’s easy to get things mixed up. When you combine products claiming to be compostable, varying council rules and throw in human error, stuff ends up...
Growing the humble radish
Easy and quick to grow from seed Can be grown all year round Plant every couple of weeks for a continuous supply Radishes need finely tilled soil 20 - 30cm deep Prepare garden soil by tilling the soil to at least 20 to 30cm deep, depending on the variety you are...
The passionate vine! Top tips for growing passionfruit
Top tips for growing passionfruit: plant new vines in spring build a strong trellis before planting plant bee-attracting flowers as an understory maintain yearly. Passionfruit vines are South American in origin and in Australia were originally a tropical plant, grown...
Eating the humble radish
I remember my mother made radish roses for the salad on Sundays during the summer with the other produce from our garden. Lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, spring onions and beetroot were the mainstays. We also grew peas and beans, but they were only eaten with meat and...
September garlic hint
In September, garlic bulbs will be swelling. This is the time to make sure they are watered deeply twice a week, well mulched and weed free. Spray with a seaweed solution (not a nitrogen based fertiliser) such as Seasol about every 3 weeks. Protect from cockatoos with...
What to plant in September in Melbourne
What seeds to plant in September in Melbourne and how to plant them Tips by Robin-Gale Baker. First, any seeds planted in August in punnets that have reached the 4-leaf stage can be picked out and planted in potting mix in trays or pots. These can be planted in the...
Sustainable Macleod Kids
Sustainable Macleod Kids, a group for parents, grandparents, other family members and associated kids, is about to be launched on Facebook today. This is a private group for paid (adult) members of Sustainable Macleod to join on behalf of themselves and their kids,...
Queensland Fruit Fly Strategy Blog #4 – Put out protein bait NOW!
In September the temperature at sunset, on some days, will reach 16C and Queensland Fruit Fly WILL MATE. Initially, they will sting and lay eggs in citrus fruit and any fruit left on trees from last season, then they will infest stone fruit, apples, quinces and pears...
Urgent jobs in the garden for September
Remove non compliant netting which is illegal from 1 September.* Make compost. Add potash or wood ash (both potassium) to soil to increase flower and fruit set. Tie hessian or cardboard around apple, pear and quince tree trunks for codling moth to lay in (remove and...
Your plastic free ideas and resources
Last month we posted 31 daily tips, resources and ideas from members for Plastic Free July on our social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram). We appreciate that not all members use social media, so here is a wrap-up of some of the ideas and resources for...
Ribbit ribbit, what frog is that?
As spring approaches, more and more frogs can be heard calling. Because they’re so good at camouflaging themselves, you’re much more likely to hear a frog than see one. There are plenty of frogs local to Macleod. Once you know the sounds you’re listening for, it’s not...
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.