1. Good Organic Gardening - January-February 2016

grow naturally, eat fresh, live sustainably
Editor Kerry Boyne
Designer Jess Middleton
Contributors Claire Bickle, Jana Holmer,
Jo Immig, Melissa King, Megg Miller,
Joanna Rushton, Chris Stafford,
Erina Starkey, Jennifer Stackhouse,
Sandra Tuszynska
Food Photography
Kerry Boyne
Advertising Manager Miriam Keen
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Cover Photo Getty Images
Chairman/CEO Prema Perera
Publisher Janice Williams
Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva
Associate Publisher Karen Day
Associate Publisher Emma Perera
Circulation Director Mark Darton
Creative Director Kate Podger
Editorial & Production Manager
Anastasia Casey
Production Executive
Renu Bhatt
Prepress Manager Ivan Fitz-Gerald
Marketing & Acquisitions Manager
Chelsea Peters
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Welcome
to the issue
As we are putting this issue together,
it’s not even summer yet and we’re
having 37-degree days — in spring!
By the time you are reading this mag,
it has no doubt been even hotter. Do you have
insect problems — in the garden and your
living spaces? Read Jo Immig’s column to get a
different outlook on all the tiny, helpful creatures
that inhabit out world.
Of course, there is another side to the story.
Though we may be willing to share our crops
with them — who cares about a few holes here
and there? — there are times when they are so
numerous they want to devour the lot and leave
us nothing; that’s when we sometimes decide to
control them in a very targeted way. Caterpillars,
for example. Angie Thomas discusses Bacillus
thuringiensis, also known as Bt or Dipel, and
how it can be used to keep their numbers to
a manageable level.
As well as helpful (and less helpful) insects,
there are many many beneficial bacteria in our
gardens, as there are in our bodies; and just as
you can supplement with doses of probiotics
when your levels are down, it’s possible to
also boost the numbers of indigenous microorganisms
in your soil. Sandra Tuszynska
shows step by step how to make a batch of BIM
(beneficial indigenous micro-organisms).
Still in the realm of the tiny, Megg Miller
introduces us to gorgeous little bantam ducks.
I must confess I was unaware of these lovely
little feathered friends, even though I love
bantam chickens. Check them out — they’re as
cute as a baby’s bath duckie.
Of course, it’s still holidays and therefore,
says Claire Bickle, a great time to get the kids
out in the garden learning where their food
comes from, how to produce it themselves and
all about the other co-residents, from tiny lady
beetles to beautiful butterflies. There’s also
a fun growing project that any child can do,
even those who live in apartments. Claire also
continues her series on dealing with problems in
the patch, this issue focusing on diseases rather
than creepy crawlies and flying foes.
Jennifer Stackhouse shows that even crops
can be cute, such as little mouse melon (OK,
there’s an abundance of cuteness this issue).
They can be exotic as well: hot-pink dragon fruit
with their night-blooming flowers. Then there
are the everyday: passionfruit, beetroot, parsnip
and sweet corn from Jennifer and lettuce and
radishes from Melissa King. Melissa also covers
alpine strawberries, which are smaller than
modern varieties but worth growing for their
abundant harvest and fragrant flavour.
Have you noticed truffle-inoculated trees
for sale in one of the big hardware chains and
wondered if you should give it a go? In fact,
are truffles something the home gardener can
tackle? Jennifer has some answers for those
who love a big challenge. And just think how big
the rewards could be if you were successful.
Up front, Melissa also introduces some
plants worth considering for your garden,
both decorative and edible, and as usual down
the back Jo Rushton, aka the Organic Chef,
shows how to turn your harvest into simple but
delicious dishes, including a temptingly rich
chocolate cake made with beetroot — believe it!
Wishing you a relaxing summer, a happy New
Year and an abundant harvest,
Kerry
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