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 Ph: 02 9887 0604 | Fax: 02 9878 5553 Mob: 0414 969 693 Email: mkeen@universalmagazines.com.au Advertising Production Co-ordinator Hannah Felton 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 Subscription enquiries: 1300 303 414 Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head office: (02) 9805 0399 <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Gardening</strong> Vol. 6 No. 5 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. 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ISSN 1837-9206 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXV ACN 003 026 944 universalmagazines.com.au 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 <strong>Organic</strong> 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 We are a member of See us on facebook at www.facebook.com/<strong>Good</strong><strong>Organic</strong><strong>Gardening</strong>Magazine or contact us via email : infoGOG@universalmagazines.com.au
Veggies picked ripe from your own garden taste better and are more nutritious. The Scotts Pure <strong>Organic</strong> range of soils and plant foods are certified organic and have no added chemicals. They feed for three months, so your plants get all the essential nutrients they need. For expert gardening advice call 1800 804 219 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or visit scottspureorganic.com.au
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