3. Good Organic Gardening - May-June 2016 AvxHome.in
3. Good Organic Gardening - May-June 2016 AvxHome.in 3. Good Organic Gardening - May-June 2016 AvxHome.in
grow naturally, eat fresh, live sustainably MAY/JUNE Garden to table FERMENTING & PICKLING SEASONAL CROPS JENNIFER STACKHOUSE PLANT PROFILE: APPLES CLEVER CROPS: FLOWER SPROUTS & TAZZIBERRY + EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MULCH CLAIRE BICKLE MORE ON BIODYNAMICS WITH A MOON PLANTING GUIDE DIY FOLIAR FERTILISER HOW TO BREW MANURE TEA Heirloom Rhubarb Vol. 7 No. 1 MAY/JUN 2016 AUS $7.95* NZ $7.90 (Both incl. GST) PLUS • TURMERIC • WHAT NEEDS DOING IN YOUR PATCH RIGHT NOW MELISSA KING CABBAGE | SNOWPEAS + WHAT’S NEW THIS SEASON MEGG MILLER AUSTRALIAN LANGSHAN CHICKENS
- Page 4 and 5: CONTENTS Contents 52 58 6 Managing
- Page 6 and 7: grow naturally, eat fresh, live sus
- Page 8 and 9: THE GRAPEVINE | News the grapevine
- Page 10 and 11: THE SEASONAL GARDEN | With Melissa
- Page 12 and 13: CLEVER CROP | Flower sprouts Flower
- Page 14: CLEVER CROP | Tazziberry Tazziberry
- Page 17 and 18: Words Jennifer Stackhouse Photos Fl
- Page 19 and 20: WHOLE SLOW JUICER EVERYDAY PROFESSI
- Page 21 and 22: Turmeric | POWER PLANT just as an o
- Page 23 and 24: Rhubarb | FAMILY HEIRLOOMS to honou
- Page 25 and 26: Rhubarb | FAMILY HEIRLOOMS The gree
- Page 27 and 28: Ripe dragonfruit in Emil’s garden
- Page 29 and 30: Emil Wenner | GARDENING FOLK Emil f
- Page 31 and 32: Marleen & Ronald van der Winckel |
- Page 33 and 34: Marleen & Ronald van der Winckel |
- Page 35 and 36: Royal Mail Hotel | AMAZING GARDEN T
- Page 37 and 38: Royal Mail Hotel | AMAZING GARDEN P
- Page 39 and 40: Mulch | WEEKEND GARDENING Leaf litt
- Page 41 and 42: Mulch | WEEKEND GARDENING Take-home
- Page 43 and 44: Soil Health | THE UNDERGROUND Compo
- Page 46 and 47: TIME TO PLANT | Cabbage Cabbage Bra
- Page 48 and 49: GARDEN DIARY | Late autumn Things t
- Page 50 and 51: GARDEN DIARY | Early winter Things
grow naturally, eat fresh, live susta<strong>in</strong>ably<br />
MAY/JUNE<br />
Garden<br />
to table<br />
FERMENTING & PICKLING<br />
SEASONAL CROPS<br />
JENNIFER<br />
STACKHOUSE<br />
PLANT PROFILE:<br />
APPLES<br />
CLEVER CROPS:<br />
FLOWER SPROUTS<br />
& TAZZIBERRY<br />
+ EVERYTHING YOU NEED<br />
TO KNOW ABOUT MULCH<br />
CLAIRE<br />
BICKLE<br />
MORE ON<br />
BIODYNAMICS<br />
WITH A MOON<br />
PLANTING GUIDE<br />
DIY FOLIAR<br />
FERTILISER<br />
HOW TO BREW<br />
MANURE TEA<br />
Heirloom<br />
Rhubarb<br />
Vol. 7 No. 1<br />
MAY/JUN <strong>2016</strong><br />
AUS $7.95*<br />
NZ $7.90<br />
(Both <strong>in</strong>cl. GST)<br />
PLUS<br />
• TURMERIC<br />
• WHAT NEEDS DOING<br />
IN YOUR PATCH RIGHT NOW<br />
MELISSA KING<br />
CABBAGE | SNOWPEAS<br />
+ WHAT’S NEW THIS SEASON<br />
MEGG MILLER<br />
AUSTRALIAN<br />
LANGSHAN CHICKENS
CONTENTS<br />
Contents<br />
52<br />
58<br />
6 Manag<strong>in</strong>g Editor’s Note<br />
A small tribute to our farmers,<br />
plus what’s <strong>in</strong> this issue<br />
8 The Grapev<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Jo Immig discusses the role<br />
of <strong>in</strong>dustrial agriculture <strong>in</strong> the<br />
warm<strong>in</strong>g of our planet<br />
10 What’s Hot<br />
Horticulturist Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
profiles some lovely specimens<br />
to spruce up your garden<br />
12 & 14 Clever Crops<br />
Jennifer Stackhouse looks at<br />
two clever crops: flower sprouts<br />
and Tazziberries<br />
16 Plant Profile<br />
Once, almost every garden<br />
had an apple tree and for good<br />
reason: this iconic fruit is healthy<br />
and delicious<br />
20 Power Plant<br />
Turmeric has been hailed as the<br />
anti-<strong>in</strong>flammatory wonder spice.<br />
Why not grow your own?<br />
22 Family Heirloom<br />
An old-fashioned favourite that’s<br />
used like a fruit but is actually<br />
a vegetable: rhubarb<br />
38<br />
26 <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Folk<br />
Come and browse around<br />
Brisbanite Emil Wenner’s<br />
urban orchard<br />
30 <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Folk<br />
The Van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel family have<br />
built an organic bus<strong>in</strong>ess and a<br />
way of life <strong>in</strong> Tasmania<br />
34 Amaz<strong>in</strong>g Garden<br />
Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel has<br />
one of the f<strong>in</strong>est restaurant<br />
kitchen gardens we’ve ever seen<br />
38 Weekend <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong><br />
Mulch<strong>in</strong>g, done properly, is a little<br />
more complex than you th<strong>in</strong>k,<br />
says Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
42 The Underground<br />
As we all know, soil health is the<br />
basis of life. Angie Thomas offers<br />
an overview<br />
46 Time to Plant<br />
It’s a good time to put <strong>in</strong> carrots,<br />
snowpeas and sugar snaps, says<br />
Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
4 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
CONTENTS<br />
48 Th<strong>in</strong>gs to Do<br />
Jennifer Stackhouse does a<br />
roundup of what needs do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the garden right now<br />
52 Biodynamics Basics<br />
Part II of Claire Bickle’s<br />
explanation of how<br />
biodynamics works, look<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
the biodynamic preparations<br />
56 Moon Plant<strong>in</strong>g Calendar<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d out when to sow and when<br />
not to <strong>in</strong> <strong>May</strong> and <strong>June</strong><br />
58 Weekend <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong><br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g food plants <strong>in</strong> pots<br />
has never been easier,<br />
accord<strong>in</strong>g to Claire Bickle<br />
61 The Shed<br />
Follow<strong>in</strong>g up on her comfrey<br />
tea how-to, Sandra Tuszynska<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduces us to the magic of<br />
manure tea<br />
64 Short Shoots<br />
Innovative and imag<strong>in</strong>ative<br />
ideas for your garden from<br />
our young organic gardener<br />
66 Feathered Friends<br />
Megg Miller says the Australian<br />
Langshan breed can give ISA<br />
Browns a real run for their money<br />
70 People’s Choice Awards<br />
Announc<strong>in</strong>g the category w<strong>in</strong>ners<br />
72 Fermented Foods Special<br />
Temporarily replac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Garden to Table is our special<br />
on the benefits of ferment<strong>in</strong>g<br />
foods — with recipes<br />
83 What’s Hot From<br />
Our Advertisers<br />
Products and services<br />
92 Books<br />
New books for gardeners<br />
and cooks<br />
42<br />
16<br />
34<br />
22<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 5
grow naturally, eat fresh, live susta<strong>in</strong>ably<br />
Editor Kerry Boyne<br />
Designer Jess Middleton<br />
Contributors Claire Bickle,<br />
Jana Holmer, Jo Immig, Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Megg Miller, Chris Stafford, Er<strong>in</strong>a Starkey,<br />
Jennifer Stackhouse, Sandra Tuszynska<br />
Food Photography<br />
Kerry Boyne<br />
National Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Manager<br />
Miriam Keen<br />
Ph: 02 9887 0604 | Fax: 02 9878 5553<br />
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Email: mkeen@universalmagaz<strong>in</strong>es.com.au<br />
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Heather Smith<br />
Cover Photo Getty Images<br />
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Associate Publisher Emma Perera<br />
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Welcome<br />
to the issue<br />
On a recent trip to Tasmania, I was<br />
rem<strong>in</strong>ded once aga<strong>in</strong> of the deep<br />
respect I have for the men and<br />
women who grow our food — our<br />
farmers. Hav<strong>in</strong>g a brother who presents The<br />
Country Hour on Hobart ABC radio meant<br />
specially arranged tours of a cherry and apple<br />
orchard, a v<strong>in</strong>eyard, and a spectacular mixed<br />
farm that produces everyth<strong>in</strong>g from poppies for<br />
medication and plants for essential oils to sheep<br />
and beautiful Black Angus cattle.<br />
It’s truly awe-<strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g to see not just the<br />
sheer hard work our farmers put <strong>in</strong>, but also<br />
their extraord<strong>in</strong>ary courage <strong>in</strong> tak<strong>in</strong>g risks that<br />
city folk can barely even imag<strong>in</strong>e. Not just the<br />
massive f<strong>in</strong>ancial outlays on equipment <strong>in</strong> order<br />
to keep abreast, and be<strong>in</strong>g at the mercy of the<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly fickle elements, which of course<br />
goes hand <strong>in</strong> hand with farm<strong>in</strong>g, but also their<br />
will<strong>in</strong>gness to try someth<strong>in</strong>g new and different<br />
to see if they can make a go of it.<br />
The only off note was realis<strong>in</strong>g just how<br />
much of our f<strong>in</strong>est produce leaves these shores<br />
for Ch<strong>in</strong>a, Japan and other countries because<br />
farmers need to make a decent return for all<br />
that work and <strong>in</strong>vestment — and they’re not<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g to get it from the big supermarkets, which<br />
just squeeze them harder and harder.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g our own food <strong>in</strong> our own backyards<br />
seems such a small th<strong>in</strong>g by comparison, but it’s<br />
important nonetheless. In fact, visit<strong>in</strong>g these<br />
farms just made me feel I should try harder<br />
to produce more and to source what I don’t<br />
grow from farmers’ markets and roadside<br />
stalls. (Luckily, I live <strong>in</strong> a rural area and can<br />
buy th<strong>in</strong>gs such as honey, w<strong>in</strong>e and olive oil<br />
from neighbours.)<br />
Clearly, if you’ve bought this magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />
you have similar ideas and are look<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation and <strong>in</strong>spiration to turn your<br />
backyard or acreage <strong>in</strong>to an edible oasis.<br />
Or perhaps, like our amaz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Folk,<br />
you have already.<br />
So, this issue, the crops we feature <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
flower sprouts, a recently developed cross<br />
between Brussels sprouts and kale, along<br />
with Tazziberry, which despite its name is not<br />
I also saw bumble bees up close <strong>in</strong> Tasmania<br />
— too cute to be so unwanted!<br />
a native and is otherwise known as Chilean<br />
guava, as well as apples, rhubarb, cabbage,<br />
snowpeas and sugar snaps. The Power Plant<br />
this issue is turmeric, a spice with particularly<br />
potent therapeutic powers.<br />
In our regular Feathered Friends feature, we<br />
learn all about the Australian Langshan, a breed<br />
of chicken that can give the ISA Brown a run for<br />
its money <strong>in</strong> the egg-lay<strong>in</strong>g stakes. What’s more,<br />
the Australian Langshan is longer lived with a<br />
milder temperament.<br />
We also focus on keep<strong>in</strong>g soil healthy and<br />
alive, and take a closer look at mulch<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
how we should be do<strong>in</strong>g it — it’s not quite<br />
as straightforward as you th<strong>in</strong>k — along with<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g manure tea to use both directly on the<br />
soil and as a foliar fertiliser. Plus, we present part<br />
two of basic biodynamics along with a moon<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g guide for <strong>May</strong> and <strong>June</strong>, as well as<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g produce <strong>in</strong> pots.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, replac<strong>in</strong>g our usual Garden to Table<br />
pages is a special section on fermented foods<br />
and pickl<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>credible health<br />
benefits and how to make some items us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
either the excess from your garden or bought<br />
produce grown by hard-work<strong>in</strong>g farmers<br />
somewhere <strong>in</strong> this land of climatic variety.<br />
Until next issue, happy grow<strong>in</strong>g and pickl<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Kerry<br />
See us on facebook at www.facebook.com/<strong>Good</strong><strong>Organic</strong><strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />
or contact us via email : <strong>in</strong>foGOG@universalmagaz<strong>in</strong>es.com.au
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THE GRAPEVINE | News<br />
the grapev<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Environmental news and updates compiled by Jo Immig<br />
Through cultivation<br />
practices that leave the<br />
soil bare and pesticides<br />
that disturb microorganisms,<br />
it’s estimated<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial agriculture<br />
has reduced global<br />
carbon stocks <strong>in</strong> soil by a<br />
whopp<strong>in</strong>g 50–70 per cent.<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> the regeneration<br />
While our attention has been focused on<br />
re<strong>in</strong>vent<strong>in</strong>g the way we produce energy,<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g the switch from fossil fuels to<br />
renewables, the role <strong>in</strong>dustrial agriculture plays<br />
<strong>in</strong> warm<strong>in</strong>g the planet is a bl<strong>in</strong>d spot that’s<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ally gett<strong>in</strong>g some attention.<br />
The word on many people’s lips is<br />
“regeneration”. Trend<strong>in</strong>g hashtags and websites<br />
are popp<strong>in</strong>g up like milk thistle to promote the<br />
role that regenerative agriculture has to play <strong>in</strong><br />
cool<strong>in</strong>g the planet, restor<strong>in</strong>g healthy soils and<br />
feed<strong>in</strong>g everyone well.<br />
At the COP21 climate change negotiations<br />
<strong>in</strong> Paris, the French government launched the<br />
“4 per 1000” <strong>in</strong>itiative, which aims for a 0.4<br />
per cent annual growth rate <strong>in</strong> soil carbon. This,<br />
they ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>, could halt the present <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
<strong>in</strong> atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.<br />
It didn’t get much media attention but more<br />
than 100 partners signed the <strong>in</strong>itiative, which<br />
aims to improve organic matter content and<br />
promote carbon sequestration <strong>in</strong> soils through<br />
the application of agricultural practices<br />
adapted to local situations.<br />
This might not seem new to those who’ve<br />
been practis<strong>in</strong>g organic farm<strong>in</strong>g for years, but<br />
a fresh badge might offer a way past the stale<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e that organics is a niche form of agriculture<br />
with little capacity to feed the starv<strong>in</strong>g millions.<br />
But by all accounts — <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the UN <strong>in</strong> its<br />
2013 report Wake Up Before It Is Too Late —<br />
local, small-scale organic farms are the only<br />
way we can feed the world.<br />
So what is regenerative agriculture? Its<br />
underly<strong>in</strong>g philosophy is to work with nature<br />
and the <strong>in</strong>escapable wisdom of biology. Sitespecific<br />
farm<strong>in</strong>g techniques are applied <strong>in</strong> ways<br />
that take care of the environment, communities<br />
and f<strong>in</strong>ances, lead<strong>in</strong>g to productive and<br />
healthy farms that take care of soil, improve<br />
biodiversity and sequester carbon.<br />
It turns out a critical piece of the carbon<br />
sequestration challenge lies <strong>in</strong> the way we treat<br />
the soil. Carbon makes up about 50 per cent<br />
of soil organic matter, or humus, and is vital<br />
for healthy soils. Industrial agriculture largely<br />
ignores it and focuses on levels of nitrogen,<br />
phosphorous and potassium (NPK).<br />
Through cultivation practices that leave the<br />
soil bare and the application of pesticides that<br />
disturb soil micro-organisms, it’s estimated that<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial agriculture has reduced global carbon<br />
stocks <strong>in</strong> soil by a whopp<strong>in</strong>g 50–70 per cent.<br />
The major reservoirs <strong>in</strong> the carbon cycle<br />
on Earth comprise the atmosphere, terrestrial<br />
biosphere, the oceans and the sediments,<br />
which <strong>in</strong>clude rocks, fresh water and soil<br />
carbon. Carbon has flowed between these<br />
reservoirs as a result of chemical, physical and<br />
biological processes <strong>in</strong> a relatively stable way<br />
for thousands of years.<br />
Human activity has essentially disrupted the<br />
global carbon cycle well beyond any natural<br />
fluctuations expected over time. We’ve done<br />
this by pump<strong>in</strong>g vast quantities of carbon<br />
dioxide <strong>in</strong>to the atmosphere burn<strong>in</strong>g fossil fuels<br />
and, by clear<strong>in</strong>g forests and leav<strong>in</strong>g the soil<br />
CanStockPhoto<br />
8 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
are, underm<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the ability of ecosystems to<br />
extract carbon from the atmosphere.<br />
What does regenerative agriculture<br />
<strong>in</strong>volve? The philosophy and design science<br />
of permaculture are employed to create<br />
food-produc<strong>in</strong>g farms set with<strong>in</strong> their<br />
surround<strong>in</strong>g ecosystems. There’s no po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
apply<strong>in</strong>g methods suitable for farms <strong>in</strong> another<br />
bioregion if they don’t work where you are.<br />
The soil food web, the teem<strong>in</strong>g micro-life<br />
that makes soil a liv<strong>in</strong>g entity, is the key. With<br />
the addition of thermal compost and compost<br />
teas, lifeless soils get a kick-start and microorganisms<br />
(bacteria, fungi, nematodes etc) get<br />
to work, stor<strong>in</strong>g carbon and creat<strong>in</strong>g healthy<br />
soil, much <strong>in</strong> the way our own gut flora work.<br />
No-till crop production methods are used to<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a healthy soil ecosystem and to limit<br />
soil compaction, <strong>in</strong>crease nutrient availability<br />
and soil fertility, as well as improve water<br />
<strong>in</strong>filtration rates.<br />
The use of perennial crops ensures there<br />
are liv<strong>in</strong>g roots <strong>in</strong> the soil 100 per cent of<br />
the time, which prevents soil erosion and<br />
compaction while also feed<strong>in</strong>g the soil food<br />
web and creat<strong>in</strong>g more soil.<br />
Polycultures — grow<strong>in</strong>g different plants<br />
together — are used over monocultures, which<br />
aren’t found <strong>in</strong> nature. Polyculture reduces<br />
plant diseases, ensures <strong>in</strong>sect diversity,<br />
improves soil fertility, <strong>in</strong>creases habitat and<br />
improves crop resilience to climate stress.<br />
Effective ways to capture water that would<br />
otherwise run off are achieved us<strong>in</strong>g keyl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
strategies and watershed regeneration. The<br />
<strong>in</strong>novative Australian farmer Peter Andrews<br />
developed Natural Sequence Farm<strong>in</strong>g, which<br />
employs these methods to great success.<br />
Regenerative agriculture is captur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
enthusiasm of a young generation desperately<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g for ways to turn the climatic Titanic<br />
around. It’s a much-needed response and<br />
a movement that’s gather<strong>in</strong>g momentum<br />
because it offers tangible solutions.<br />
Resources<br />
* Regeneration International<br />
regeneration<strong>in</strong>ternational.org<br />
* The Soil Story thesoilstory.com<br />
* Kiss the Ground kisstheground.com<br />
* Ecological Agriculture Australia<br />
ecoag.org.au<br />
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<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 9
THE SEASONAL GARDEN | With Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW<br />
Present<strong>in</strong>g some of the latest and greatest plants that will make<br />
excellent additions to your garden at this time of year<br />
Broccoli<br />
‘Romanesco’<br />
The plant: ‘Romanesco’ is an Italian heirloom<br />
variety of broccoli that dates back to the 16th<br />
century. It is decorative <strong>in</strong> the garden and<br />
kitchen, with unique, spirall<strong>in</strong>g, lime-green<br />
heads up to 1kg <strong>in</strong> weight, which look both alien<br />
and beautiful at the same time. ‘Romanesco’<br />
has a love ly, f<strong>in</strong>e texture and mild, slightly<br />
sweet flavour. It’s delicious lightly steamed and<br />
seasoned with a squeeze of lemon, a dash of<br />
olive oil and a p<strong>in</strong>ch of salt.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g: Broccoli ‘Romanesco’ prefers a sunny<br />
position and well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed soil. Before plant<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
dig <strong>in</strong> plenty of compost and organic matter to<br />
nourish the soil and add a couple of handfuls of<br />
lime if necessary. Plants grow to around 60cm<br />
tall and should be spaced roughly 30–40cm<br />
apart. The dense heads will be ready to harvest<br />
10 or so weeks from plant<strong>in</strong>g as seedl<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Design: The lime-green heads are a decorative<br />
addition to the vegetable patch or kitchen<br />
garden. Plant ‘Romanesco’ next to purple<br />
cabbages or burgundy-leafed lettuces for<br />
strik<strong>in</strong>g contrast. diggers.com.au<br />
Nand<strong>in</strong>a ‘Blush’<br />
The plant: ‘Blush’ is a dwarf form of<br />
Nand<strong>in</strong>a grow<strong>in</strong>g to 60–70cm tall and<br />
wide with attractive bamboo-like foliage.<br />
This variety is extra-special, tak<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
fiery t<strong>in</strong>ts of colour when many other<br />
nand<strong>in</strong>as are still green. It produces<br />
gorgeous red new growth <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and autumn, but it’s most breathtak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
through the w<strong>in</strong>ter months when the<br />
whole bush turns vivid red.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g: It grows best <strong>in</strong> full sun or part<br />
shade with good dra<strong>in</strong>age, but it will<br />
tolerate less-than-perfect conditions and,<br />
once established, copes well with drought<br />
and frost. Let it grow naturally or prune to<br />
shape every few years if needed.<br />
Design: It’s the perfect choice for a low,<br />
<strong>in</strong>formal hedge or border or make a feature<br />
of it en masse <strong>in</strong> an Asian-style garden.<br />
ozbreed.com.au<br />
10 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
With Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g | THE SEASONAL GARDEN<br />
Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’<br />
The plant: For colour and <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> every season, you can’t go<br />
past Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’. And the name really says it all! The<br />
foliage is a kaleidoscope of chang<strong>in</strong>g colour year-round, but it’s<br />
particularly attractive dur<strong>in</strong>g autumn and w<strong>in</strong>ter when the leaves<br />
ignite with t<strong>in</strong>ts of orange and fiery red. It has a dense, compact<br />
habit, grow<strong>in</strong>g to just 70cm tall and 90cm wide.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g: For best results, grow Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’ <strong>in</strong> a<br />
sunny spot with well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed soil. It’s a tough plant, which,<br />
once established, stands up well to dry conditions. Just give<br />
it a light prune <strong>in</strong> early spr<strong>in</strong>g, along with a good dose of<br />
slow-release fertiliser.<br />
Design: Its naturally compact form makes it a top choice for<br />
a low-grow<strong>in</strong>g hedge, border or potted showpiece, or why not<br />
mass-plant it for a splash of dramatic colour? pma.com.au<br />
Spanish Licorice<br />
Glycyrrhiza glabra<br />
The plant: A perennial herb that grows to 1m tall and wide with<br />
violet (sometimes white), sweetpea-like flowers followed by small<br />
pods. Spanish licorice is grown for its sweet roots (underground<br />
stems), which conta<strong>in</strong> glycyrrhiz<strong>in</strong>, a compound 50 times sweeter<br />
than sugar. Glycyrrhiz<strong>in</strong> is the key <strong>in</strong>gredient <strong>in</strong> licorice. It also has<br />
age-old therapeutic benefits and is said to relieve heartburn and<br />
<strong>in</strong>digestion, lower cholesterol levels and boost immunity.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g: Glycyrrhiza glabra prefers full sun or part-shade and welldra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
soil. Two- to three-year-old roots can be harvested <strong>in</strong> late<br />
autumn or w<strong>in</strong>ter. Dig a hole close to the plant to expose the roots.<br />
Design: Glycyrrhiza glabra is at home <strong>in</strong> the kitchen or flower<br />
garden, but it can be quite vigorous, so grow it where you can<br />
conta<strong>in</strong> the roots to stop it spread<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to unwanted areas.<br />
diggers.com.au<br />
THEY SAY YOU CAN’T PUT MEAT, OIL, DAIRY,<br />
CITRUS OR ONIONS INTO A COMPOST BIN.<br />
This is true for most composters except the Compot.<br />
So forget everyth<strong>in</strong>g you once knew and try a Compot to dispose<br />
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ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW 4 EASY STEPS:<br />
1. Dig a hole and<br />
plant your Compot.<br />
2. Fill it with all<br />
your kitchen waste.<br />
<strong>3.</strong> Lock on lid and cover<br />
loosely with anyth<strong>in</strong>g but dirt.<br />
4. Now forget about it until you<br />
need to top it up with more waste.<br />
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www.compot.com.au or call 07 3358 3716<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 11
CLEVER CROP | Flower sprouts<br />
Flower sprouts<br />
Brassica oleracea<br />
Also known as brukale, this tasty hybrid<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>es the names and flavours of Brussels<br />
sprouts and kale<br />
Words Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
This crop is actually the result<br />
of some very clever breed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Brukale, also known as flower<br />
sprouts, is a cross between a<br />
Brussels sprout and kale — hence its name.<br />
The plant forms sprout-like, edible flower<br />
buds with the rich purple tones and frilled<br />
leaves of kale. It’s tasty, versatile to prepare,<br />
attractive and nutritious.<br />
If you’ve tried to grow Brussels sprouts <strong>in</strong><br />
Flower sprouts<br />
label<br />
Common names: Brukale, flower sprouts<br />
Botanical name: Brassica oleracea<br />
Gemmifera group<br />
Family: Brassicaceae (cabbage family)<br />
Requires: Full sun, well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed soil<br />
Dislikes: High temperatures, dry<strong>in</strong>g out<br />
Suitable for: Vegetable gardens,<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
Habit: Annual<br />
Needs: Cool season<br />
Propagation: Seed<br />
Difficulty: Medium<br />
the past and failed, brukale may be easier<br />
to grow. Its frilly, purple and green sprouts<br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly make it a very pretty addition to<br />
the vegie garden.<br />
Brukale was developed <strong>in</strong> the UK several<br />
years ago and is now available <strong>in</strong> seed<br />
packets for home gardeners to grow. It’s<br />
best planted dur<strong>in</strong>g late summer or autumn<br />
and can be harvested with<strong>in</strong> 16–20 weeks<br />
from sow<strong>in</strong>g. Autumn sow<strong>in</strong>gs provide w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
and spr<strong>in</strong>g vegetables.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g tips<br />
Start seeds <strong>in</strong> a seed punnet or tray <strong>in</strong> seedrais<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mix. Once the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs are large<br />
enough to handle (around 7cm high), transfer<br />
them to the garden or a raised vegetable bed.<br />
These are big, strapp<strong>in</strong>g plants, so allow at<br />
least 60cm between each plant and space the<br />
rows 60cm apart.<br />
The plants grow best <strong>in</strong> rich, well-cultivated<br />
soil. Keep them grow<strong>in</strong>g strongly with regular<br />
water<strong>in</strong>g and applications of liquid fertiliser or<br />
a side dress<strong>in</strong>g of organic vegetable fertiliser.<br />
Watch out for brassica pests such as aphids<br />
and the green caterpillars of the cabbage white<br />
butterfly. Squash any pests you see.<br />
The edible flowers form on the stem as<br />
with Brussels sprouts and ripen from the base<br />
of the plant up the stem. The sprouts can be<br />
harvested as needed, then steamed, sautéed,<br />
stir-fried or sliced for a crunchy salad.<br />
If you’ve tried to grow<br />
Brussels sprouts <strong>in</strong><br />
the past and failed,<br />
brukale may be easier<br />
to grow. Its frilly, purple<br />
and green sprouts<br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly make it a<br />
very pretty addition to<br />
the vegie garden.<br />
Brukale Petit Posy seeds are available<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g autumn from the Johnsons’<br />
World Kitchen range <strong>in</strong> garden centres.<br />
See johnsons-seeds.com.au<br />
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12 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
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CLEVER CROP | Tazziberry<br />
Tazziberry<br />
Myrtus ugni<br />
Though it hails not from the Apple Isle<br />
but from faraway Chile, this bittersweet<br />
fruit has made itself at home<br />
Words Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
After lunch at a friend’s house, the<br />
hostess places a bowl of small, red<br />
berries on the table. “Tazziberries,”<br />
she says. “Try them.”<br />
They are little berries with a pleasant<br />
mix of sweet and tart flavours that makes<br />
them very moreish. Although there are some<br />
commercial growers, this is not a fruit that’s<br />
widely available, which makes it a treat to enjoy<br />
straight from your own bush <strong>in</strong> the garden.<br />
Tazziberry is a market<strong>in</strong>g name as the<br />
berries are not native to Tasmania (<strong>in</strong>deed,<br />
across the ditch they’re known as New Zealand<br />
cranberries). Rather, they come from South<br />
America, mak<strong>in</strong>g their other common name,<br />
Chilean guava, a more accurate description.<br />
The Tazziberry is part of the genus Myrtus<br />
Tazziberry label<br />
Common name: Tazziberry, Chilean guava,<br />
strawberry myrtle, ugniberry<br />
Botanical name: Myrtus ugni<br />
Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family)<br />
Requires: Full sun to part shade, welldra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
soil<br />
Dislikes: Prolonged wet soils or dry<strong>in</strong>g out<br />
Suitable for: Low edible hedge, conta<strong>in</strong>er<br />
Habit: Shrub 1.5–3m tall<br />
Needs: Occasional prune<br />
Propagation: Seed, cutt<strong>in</strong>g, potted plants<br />
Difficulty: Easy<br />
The shrub isn’t just pretty<br />
while <strong>in</strong> fruit. In spr<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
it’s smothered <strong>in</strong> clusters<br />
of small, p<strong>in</strong>k, bellshaped<br />
flowers.<br />
and has given its name to the large Myrtaceae<br />
family, which also <strong>in</strong>cludes Australian natives<br />
such as the eucalypt and lilly pilly.<br />
The small, round, red berries are highly<br />
ornamental as well as edible and, when they<br />
ripen <strong>in</strong> autumn, they transform what could be<br />
a compact, retir<strong>in</strong>g bush <strong>in</strong>to a feature <strong>in</strong> the<br />
garden. The shrub isn’t just pretty while <strong>in</strong> fruit.<br />
In spr<strong>in</strong>g, it’s smothered <strong>in</strong> clusters of small,<br />
p<strong>in</strong>k, bell-shaped flowers.<br />
This shrub has long been grown <strong>in</strong> cool<br />
climates as a low-care, evergreen hedge, but its<br />
commercial potential has only been explored <strong>in</strong><br />
the past decade <strong>in</strong> Australia.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g tips<br />
Tazziberries are a no-fuss plant <strong>in</strong> the right<br />
climate, which is cool to mild, so are best<br />
grown <strong>in</strong> the southern parts of Australia. Once<br />
established, they need little care other than a<br />
light clip after harvest to keep them <strong>in</strong> shape.<br />
The new growth is bronze toned.<br />
For abundant berries, apply fertiliser <strong>in</strong><br />
spr<strong>in</strong>g and extra water when times are dry.<br />
Spread a th<strong>in</strong> (2–5cm) layer of organic mulch<br />
around the plant.<br />
As the shrubs are compact, easy to prune,<br />
tolerant of both sun and part shade and<br />
adaptable to all sorts of soils, they make an<br />
ideal hedge plant for a 1–2m hedge.<br />
Eat the fruit fresh off the bush as you garden<br />
or gather them to add to breakfast cereal, mix<br />
through an autumn fruit salad or use a handful<br />
to top desserts.<br />
Sciadopitys, Peganum CC<br />
14 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
PLANT PROFILE | Apples<br />
The orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
fruit<br />
From the Garden of Eden to our<br />
own backyards, apples have always<br />
been the most tempt<strong>in</strong>g of fruits<br />
16 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Words Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
Photos Flem<strong>in</strong>g’s Nurseries & PlantNet<br />
There’s noth<strong>in</strong>g as excit<strong>in</strong>g as bit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a crisp, crunchy organic apple<br />
picked straight from your own<br />
backyard tree. Even my dogs enjoy<br />
fresh apples and eagerly collect fallen fruit.<br />
The chooks, too, keep the w<strong>in</strong>dfalls under<br />
control (and the pests) by free rang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
under the trees.<br />
Apples are ready to harvest from late<br />
summer well <strong>in</strong>to w<strong>in</strong>ter but most ripen<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g autumn. Include early and late<br />
varieties <strong>in</strong> a plant<strong>in</strong>g to extend the harvest<br />
of fresh fruit.<br />
In my old and battered CWA Cookery<br />
Book, the largest section of dessert and<br />
pudd<strong>in</strong>g recipes focuses on apples. They<br />
also feature heavily <strong>in</strong> the preserves chapter.<br />
After enjoy<strong>in</strong>g two bumper apple harvests<br />
from the trees <strong>in</strong> my Tasmanian garden,<br />
I can understand why. When you have<br />
a crop of apples, you want lots of ideas<br />
on how to use them. A well-established<br />
productive tree can yield up to 900 apples<br />
— that’s a lot of eat<strong>in</strong>g!<br />
Keep enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the flavour and nutrition of<br />
apples by learn<strong>in</strong>g how to store fresh apples<br />
(see box) as well as preserv<strong>in</strong>g them for the<br />
months ahead. Apples can be preserved by<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g bottled, stewed and frozen, dried or<br />
made <strong>in</strong>to juices, ciders, chutneys and jellies.<br />
Where to<br />
grow apples<br />
Apples fruit <strong>in</strong> areas with cool to cold<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ters and mild summers. There are two<br />
critical factors for success with apples.<br />
One is to match the variety to the hours<br />
of chill<strong>in</strong>g experienced through w<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong><br />
your part of the world, and the other is to<br />
ensure the variety you are grow<strong>in</strong>g has a<br />
match<strong>in</strong>g poll<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
Most apples are high-chill fruit. This<br />
Royal Gala<br />
means they need long hours of chill<strong>in</strong>g<br />
while they are dormant through w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />
Hours of chill<strong>in</strong>g are accumulated dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ter when temperatures fall below 7°C.<br />
Most apples need around 800 hours.<br />
This is why they grow best <strong>in</strong> the cooler<br />
southern regions (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Tasmania)<br />
and <strong>in</strong> highland and elevated areas such<br />
as Stanthorpe <strong>in</strong> Queensland, the Blue<br />
Mounta<strong>in</strong>s and Southern Highlands of<br />
New South Wales, and the Adelaide Hills <strong>in</strong><br />
South Australia.<br />
There’s good news for would-be apple<br />
growers <strong>in</strong> warmer regions, though. There<br />
are low-chill varieties that fruit <strong>in</strong> areas<br />
where the w<strong>in</strong>ters aren’t bone-chill<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
cold. ‘Golden Dorset’, ‘Tropical Anna’ and<br />
‘Tropical Beauty’ require less than 300<br />
hours of chill<strong>in</strong>g, so can grow <strong>in</strong> colder<br />
parts of the subtropics. They can crosspoll<strong>in</strong>ate<br />
each other, so grow at least two.<br />
Poll<strong>in</strong>ators<br />
The other critical factor for a good harvest is<br />
poll<strong>in</strong>ation. Most apples only form fruit when<br />
their flowers receive pollen from a different<br />
apple variety. This is known as crosspoll<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
The poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g variety needs to<br />
be compatible and flower at the same time<br />
and <strong>in</strong> a nearby location. Bees do the work of<br />
carry<strong>in</strong>g pollen between trees.<br />
In areas where there are lots of apple trees,<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g a compatible cross-poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g variety<br />
<strong>in</strong> the orchard may not be critical as there is<br />
probably a cross-poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g tree close by <strong>in</strong><br />
someone else’s garden.<br />
In areas where apples are not as common,<br />
though, it can be vital to have a poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />
variety <strong>in</strong> the orchard. Where space is a<br />
problem, it’s possible to plant a multi-grafted<br />
tree that carries the desired variety and<br />
its poll<strong>in</strong>ator. As well, trees can be grown<br />
as duos; that is, two trees planted <strong>in</strong>to one<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g hole.<br />
Apples | PLANT PROFILE<br />
Where space is a<br />
problem, it’s possible to<br />
plant a multi-grafted<br />
tree that carries the<br />
desired variety and<br />
its poll<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
There are apple trees that act as poll<strong>in</strong>ators<br />
for a wide range of varieties, and plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
these trees with<strong>in</strong> the orchard <strong>in</strong>creases<br />
harvest. Crab apples are universal<br />
poll<strong>in</strong>ators. As these are also highly<br />
ornamental, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a crab apple <strong>in</strong> the<br />
garden will boost most apple crops. (Last<br />
issue we featured crab apples.)<br />
Other apples that poll<strong>in</strong>ate a wide range<br />
of varieties are ‘Delicious’, ‘Granny Smith’<br />
and ‘Jonathan’ (one of the most versatile<br />
poll<strong>in</strong>ators to grow). Some apples, however,<br />
are very specific and need a particular<br />
poll<strong>in</strong>ator, so always double-check poll<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
requirements before plant<strong>in</strong>g an apple tree.<br />
Although most varieties need a poll<strong>in</strong>ator,<br />
some apples are self-poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g (but their<br />
crops are generally better with crosspoll<strong>in</strong>ation).<br />
‘Beauty of Bath’ is an heirloom,<br />
self-poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g apple. Also self-poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />
are ‘Braeburn’ and the columnar Baller<strong>in</strong>a<br />
varieties. The compact variety ‘P<strong>in</strong>kabelle’ is<br />
partially self-poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Jonathan<br />
Golden Delicious<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 17
PLANT PROFILE | Apples<br />
How to store<br />
fresh apples<br />
Apples keep well, especially <strong>in</strong> the<br />
crisper section <strong>in</strong> the fridge or <strong>in</strong> a<br />
cool area such as a pantry or cellar.<br />
Only store undamaged apples. Use any<br />
that are bruised or damaged to dry,<br />
stew, bottle or for juice. Apples keep<br />
best stored <strong>in</strong> racks or nestled <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
box <strong>in</strong> a cool cellar. Regularly check<br />
stored apples and remove any show<strong>in</strong>g<br />
signs of deteriorat<strong>in</strong>g. The ethylene<br />
released by rott<strong>in</strong>g apples can cause<br />
others to spoil. Well-stored apples last<br />
<strong>in</strong> good condition for many months. In<br />
commercial cold storage, apples can be<br />
stored for up to six months.<br />
Gala Trixzie<br />
Small-grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
varieties<br />
Choose from modern or heritage varieties<br />
when plant<strong>in</strong>g apples, but also look at<br />
the size of the full-grown tree. In the wild,<br />
apples grow <strong>in</strong>to huge trees (around 6–8m<br />
high and 4–5m wide) but <strong>in</strong> backyards and<br />
home orchards, smaller is better. Not only<br />
do they fit <strong>in</strong>to a restricted space, they are<br />
also easier to manage and to harvest than<br />
tower<strong>in</strong>g trees.<br />
Many apples are now available as dwarf<br />
varieties. Their compact size is due to the<br />
use of dwarf<strong>in</strong>g rootstock, which keeps<br />
trees at a manageable size for prun<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>tenance. ‘Trixzie Gala’, a red, earlyto-mid-season<br />
apple grows around 2.5m<br />
high and wide. Plant this variety with its<br />
poll<strong>in</strong>ator, ‘P<strong>in</strong>k Lady’, which is also available<br />
on dwarf<strong>in</strong>g rootstock.<br />
Another option for a small space is a<br />
columnar apple. These are tall but naturally<br />
narrow and upright <strong>in</strong> shape. Although the<br />
trees are narrow, the apples produced are full<br />
P<strong>in</strong>k Lady<br />
Many apples are<br />
now available as<br />
dwarf varieties. Their<br />
compact size is due<br />
to the use of dwarf<strong>in</strong>g<br />
rootstock, which keeps<br />
trees at a manageable<br />
size for prun<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>tenance.<br />
sized. They can be planted as a m<strong>in</strong>i-orchard,<br />
grown aga<strong>in</strong>st a fence or divider, or grown <strong>in</strong><br />
a conta<strong>in</strong>er on a patio.<br />
Baller<strong>in</strong>a columnar apples have been<br />
grown <strong>in</strong> Australia for several decades with<br />
good results. New to the columnar offer<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
are two varieties released this year. ‘Cumulus’<br />
and ‘Herald’ grow 3m high but just 60cm<br />
wide and need little prun<strong>in</strong>g. Both have<br />
red fruit and are late-season, long-stor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and disease-resistant (they are resistant to<br />
apple scab and mildew) varieties. Grow <strong>in</strong><br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ers, raised beds or as a row along<br />
a fence. Poll<strong>in</strong>ators <strong>in</strong>clude each other,<br />
‘P<strong>in</strong>kabelle’ and several other columnar<br />
apples, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g ‘Pom P<strong>in</strong>k’, ‘Pom-for-you’<br />
and ‘Harmony’.<br />
Plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Apples are best planted <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter when<br />
they are available as bare-rooted stock.<br />
Heritage or unusual varieties may need to<br />
be ordered ahead from specialist growers<br />
along with appropriate poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g varieties.<br />
Expect apples to take three years to beg<strong>in</strong><br />
to produce fruit. Dwarf trees may fruit more<br />
quickly (with<strong>in</strong> a year or two of plant<strong>in</strong>g).<br />
As well as w<strong>in</strong>ter chill<strong>in</strong>g, apples need rich,<br />
deep soils and a sunny position. Keep trees<br />
well watered dur<strong>in</strong>g summer as the crop is<br />
form<strong>in</strong>g. Major pests are codl<strong>in</strong>g moth (which<br />
attacks fruit) and woolly aphid (which attacks<br />
the stems and roots).<br />
Dwarf and columnar apples need little<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g but larger apples require prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
their early years to create a strong framework<br />
of branches and to open up the centre of the<br />
tree. Always remove upright vigorous growth<br />
that doesn’t produce flowers. Apples can also<br />
be espaliered (grown to branch horizontally<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st a wall or frame).<br />
Where to<br />
buy apple trees<br />
Apples are available <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter at most garden<br />
centres and hardware stores <strong>in</strong> areas where<br />
they grow. Specific varieties can be ordered<br />
via retailers or direct from growers. Heritage<br />
varieties are often available at specialist<br />
orchards or at apple-tast<strong>in</strong>g events. For more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation on dwarf or columnar apples, visit<br />
flem<strong>in</strong>gs.com.au or plantnet.com.au.<br />
Monty’s Surprise<br />
An apple a day<br />
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”<br />
is a catchy say<strong>in</strong>g but modern research<br />
suggests apples are packed with healthgiv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
nutrients. An apple found <strong>in</strong><br />
New Zealand has been shown to have<br />
extremely high levels of health-giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
flavonoids and antioxidants <strong>in</strong> its supersized<br />
fruit. The variety is called ‘Monty’s<br />
Surprise’. Individual apples can be<br />
12cm <strong>in</strong> diameter. It’s available on dwarf<br />
rootstock so, despite its massive fruit<br />
size, trees grow around 2m high and just<br />
1m wide. It’s available at garden centres<br />
<strong>in</strong> South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria<br />
and Western Australia or onl<strong>in</strong>e from<br />
plantnet.com.au<br />
18 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
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POWER PLANT | Turmeric<br />
<strong>Good</strong> as gold<br />
As well as turmeric’s many cul<strong>in</strong>ary uses, especially <strong>in</strong> curries,<br />
the Southeast Asian native has powerful medic<strong>in</strong>al benefits<br />
Words Kerry Boyne<br />
Like its close cous<strong>in</strong>, g<strong>in</strong>ger, turmeric<br />
(Curcuma longa, syn.<br />
C. domestica) has significant anti<strong>in</strong>flammatory<br />
properties and a long<br />
history of use <strong>in</strong> Asia and India for arthritis<br />
and other <strong>in</strong>flammatory conditions. Of course,<br />
it’s also the ma<strong>in</strong> spice <strong>in</strong> curry powders and<br />
pastes. Its ma<strong>in</strong> constituent, curcum<strong>in</strong>, is<br />
show<strong>in</strong>g promise as a preventative aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
several types of cancer. It has also been<br />
shown to lower cholesterol, support the liver<br />
and have an anti-coagulant action. More<br />
recent scientific research has focused on its<br />
role <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
A perennial and native to Southeast Asia,<br />
turmeric is easy to grow <strong>in</strong> temperate to<br />
tropical regions that are frost free; <strong>in</strong> fact, <strong>in</strong><br />
subtropical and tropical regions, it can grow<br />
so prolifically, you may have to cull it annually.<br />
In cooler climates, grow it <strong>in</strong> a greenhouse or<br />
a pot so you can move it to a warm balcony<br />
<strong>in</strong> the cold months.<br />
The plant has a lovely flower, so you’ll<br />
enjoy grow<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong> your garden or a pot, even<br />
CanStockPhoto, Kerry Boyne<br />
20 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Turmeric | POWER PLANT<br />
just as an ornamental. It grows taller than<br />
g<strong>in</strong>ger and has f<strong>in</strong>ger-like rhizomes, which<br />
are the parts of the plant used <strong>in</strong> cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and medic<strong>in</strong>ally.<br />
Turmeric needs fertile, well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed soil<br />
and will be happy <strong>in</strong> full sun or part shade. It<br />
can be planted now or any time of the year<br />
<strong>in</strong> tropical and subtropical regions but <strong>in</strong> cool<br />
and temperate climates, you’ll need to wait<br />
until spr<strong>in</strong>g to plant. It likes to be moist but if<br />
it’s too wet for too long, the rhizomes will rot.<br />
You can grow it from a shop-bought piece<br />
of turmeric root and, as with g<strong>in</strong>ger, bury it<br />
about 10cm deep and, if plant<strong>in</strong>g more than<br />
one, keep them at least 30cm apart. Feed<br />
with manure or liquid fertiliser dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g period.<br />
Harvest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The f<strong>in</strong>ger-shaped rhizomes should be<br />
ready for harvest<strong>in</strong>g about n<strong>in</strong>e months after<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g. You’ll know they are mature enough<br />
when the lower leaves start to turn yellow<br />
and the stems become dry. You can either<br />
harvest the whole clump or dig very carefully<br />
around the edges and just take what you<br />
need, as you need it.<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Turmeric is usually dried and ground but it<br />
can be used fresh as well. Sun-dry<strong>in</strong>g is the<br />
traditional method, but if you have a food<br />
dehydrator it makes the job easy. You can<br />
slice the root before dry<strong>in</strong>g and, once dry,<br />
store <strong>in</strong> air-tight jars until you need to gr<strong>in</strong>d<br />
it to a powder, which can be done <strong>in</strong> a food<br />
processor. Make sure you pulse it, though, so<br />
it doesn’t heat up and lose nutrients.<br />
Turmeric leaves are often used <strong>in</strong><br />
Malaysian cuis<strong>in</strong>e for cook<strong>in</strong>g fish. As with<br />
banana leaves, the fish is wrapped up like a<br />
parcel so the leaf flavour is imparted and the<br />
fish is kept moist.<br />
Golden Milk<br />
Golden milk is an Ayurvedic remedy used<br />
to treat arthritis and other <strong>in</strong>flammatory<br />
conditions, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g colds and sore throats.<br />
It’s traditionally made with cow’s milk but you<br />
can use soy, rice, almond, oat or coconut milk<br />
if you prefer. You can also add other spices,<br />
such as cloves and cardamom. If a cup of<br />
milk is not to your taste, add the paste to a<br />
smoothie or to yoghurt. Some people even<br />
take the paste straight from a spoon. Note:<br />
turmeric sta<strong>in</strong>s, so handle it carefully.<br />
Turmeric Paste<br />
¼ cup turmeric powder<br />
½ cup pure water<br />
In a small pot, simmer the turmeric and<br />
water for 5–10 m<strong>in</strong>utes, stirr<strong>in</strong>g to dissolve<br />
it <strong>in</strong>to a thick paste. Allow to cool and<br />
transfer to a clean jar and store <strong>in</strong> the fridge<br />
for 2–3 weeks.<br />
Golden Milk<br />
1 cup milk of your choice<br />
1 tsp turmeric paste<br />
1 tsp almond oil<br />
Honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)<br />
Heat but don’t boil the milk. Add the<br />
turmeric paste and stir for a m<strong>in</strong>ute or two.<br />
Remove from the heat and add the oil. Add<br />
sweetener if desi red.<br />
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FAMILY HEIRLOOMS | Rhubarb<br />
The pie<br />
plant<br />
Rhubarb is an old-fashioned favourite<br />
and it’s easy to see why. Its tasty, bright<br />
stems look as tantalis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the garden<br />
as they do on the plate<br />
Words Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Photos Diggers Club<br />
Like many of us, I have childhood<br />
memories of feast<strong>in</strong>g on rhubarb<br />
and apple pie with lash<strong>in</strong>gs of<br />
vanilla ice cream or dollops of thick<br />
fresh cream. And, while there is no deny<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that rhubarb and apple are a match made<br />
<strong>in</strong> heaven, rhubarb’s tart flavour also goes<br />
well with pears, berries, cheeses, yoghurt,<br />
almonds, g<strong>in</strong>ger, honey and hazelnuts, just<br />
to name a few.<br />
So you can use it <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> all k<strong>in</strong>ds of<br />
desserts, from rhubarb and berry trifle to<br />
rhubarb and custard tart, and even savoury<br />
dishes such as beetroot and rhubarb salad.<br />
Americans often mix it with strawberries<br />
<strong>in</strong> tarts and preserves and traditionally it<br />
has been used <strong>in</strong> German kitchens to make<br />
Rhabarber Blechkuchen, a rhubarb sheet<br />
cake. It’s also a key <strong>in</strong>gredient <strong>in</strong> kompot, a<br />
non-alcoholic beverage popular throughout<br />
Eastern and Central Europe as well as<br />
Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan.<br />
In the garden, rhubarb — sometimes<br />
called the pie plant — is a leafy vegetable<br />
with thick, brightly coloured stems that can<br />
be red, p<strong>in</strong>k, green or spotted depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on the variety. The leaves of the plant<br />
are poisonous, so be sure to only eat the<br />
rhubarb stalks.<br />
If you’re after a variety you won’t f<strong>in</strong>d<br />
<strong>in</strong> the shops, try grow<strong>in</strong>g Rhubarb ‘Mount<br />
Tambor<strong>in</strong>e’ with extra-large stems. This<br />
Queensland beauty has rich, ruby-red stalks<br />
that have double the impact, <strong>in</strong> the ground<br />
and on the table. Or you might like to try<br />
‘Red Dragon’, which has sweet, dark-red<br />
stems and a strong, vigorous growth habit.<br />
‘W<strong>in</strong>ter Wonder’ takes centre stage<br />
through the cooler months with rich, deepred<br />
stalks that step <strong>in</strong>to the limelight just<br />
as other varieties are ready to be cut back,<br />
and makes a lovely border around the<br />
vegie patch.<br />
Rhubarb ‘Vi ctoria’ is a classic heirloom<br />
variety and a good reliable cropper for<br />
the backyard. It was <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> 1837<br />
22 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Rhubarb | FAMILY HEIRLOOMS<br />
to honour Queen Victoria, so it has been<br />
grown and cherished by gardeners for<br />
close to 180 years. ‘Victoria’ boasts large,<br />
bright, p<strong>in</strong>k-red stems and a milder,<br />
sweeter flavour than other types. There<br />
are also old heirloom varieties with stems<br />
that are all or mostly green <strong>in</strong> colour, with a<br />
lovely sweet flavour.<br />
If you’re a city gardener or short on<br />
space, look out for compact varieties such<br />
as ‘Ruby Red Dwarf’, which crops well <strong>in</strong><br />
tight spots and decorative pots. It has<br />
short, thick, ruby-red stems and pretty,<br />
blue-green foliage.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Rhubarb is a herbaceous perennial that<br />
needs plenty of room to grow, so f<strong>in</strong>d a<br />
dedicated space for it <strong>in</strong> the kitchen or<br />
flower garden. It can be grown from crowns<br />
or planted as seed, but seed-grown plants<br />
are variable so crowns are usually best.<br />
Or you may know someone who has a big<br />
clump that can be divided. Plants enjoy a<br />
cold w<strong>in</strong>ter, so are best grown <strong>in</strong> areas that<br />
aren’t too hot or humid.<br />
The best time to plant rhubarb crowns is<br />
somewhere from <strong>May</strong> to October. Rhubarb<br />
likes a sunny position, but it will tolerate<br />
a bit of shade. For best results, grow it <strong>in</strong><br />
well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed soil that has been prepared<br />
with plenty of compost and organic matter.<br />
Rhubarb is relatively pest and disease<br />
free, but plants can be susceptible to<br />
Mt Tambor<strong>in</strong>e<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 23
FAMILY HEIRLOOMS | Rhubarb<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ter Wonder<br />
Rhubarb stalks are known as petioles<br />
crown rot so if dra<strong>in</strong>age is poor, grow it on<br />
mounds or <strong>in</strong> raised beds.<br />
Plant crowns so they are covered<br />
with just a few centimetres of soil and<br />
water well dur<strong>in</strong>g dry weather. Feed<br />
plants regularly with a complete organic<br />
liquid food that encourages good stem<br />
development and top up garden beds with<br />
compost each year <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Harvest<br />
Because rhubarb is a perennial, you can look<br />
forward to years of copious harvests. But<br />
you will need to exercise a bit of patience.<br />
Harvest rhubarb only very lightly <strong>in</strong> the<br />
first year and prune out any flower stems<br />
that develop. By year two or three, you’ll be<br />
pick<strong>in</strong>g a healthy crop of stalks for cakes,<br />
pies and crumbles.<br />
A homegrown crop of rhubarb is worth<br />
the wait. Just remember to never harvest<br />
more than half of the stems at one time.<br />
It’s best to harvest the stems by hand. Just<br />
grab the stalk nice and low and pull so you<br />
don’t leave a stub beh<strong>in</strong>d that could rot.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation, diggers.com.au<br />
Sometimes known as the pie<br />
plant rhubarb is delicious <strong>in</strong><br />
pies and crumbles<br />
CanStockPhoto<br />
24 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Rhubarb | FAMILY HEIRLOOMS<br />
The green or speckled<br />
varieties are not as popular<br />
Kompot, a traditional Polish<br />
strawberry and rhubarb dr<strong>in</strong>k<br />
Rhubarb label<br />
Common name: Rhubarb<br />
Botanical name: Rheum rhabarbarum<br />
Family: Polygonaceae<br />
Aspect: Sun to part-shade<br />
Soil: Fertile, well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
Climate: Cool to subtropical<br />
Habit: Upright<br />
Difficulty: Moderate<br />
Traditional German<br />
rhubarb sheet cake<br />
Rhabarber Blechkuchen<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 25
GARDENING FOLK | Emil Wenner<br />
Last year Emil harvested<br />
1.5kg of beans from his<br />
coffee plant<br />
The fruits of<br />
his labour<br />
Emil and Katr<strong>in</strong>a Wenner’s suburban Brisbane block is a thriv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organic orchard and a haven for chooks and wildlife alike<br />
Words & photos Sandra Tuszynska<br />
Emil Wenner, a retired tradesman and<br />
enthusiastic gardener, lives with<br />
his family <strong>in</strong> Holland Park on the<br />
south side of Brisbane. In 1969, he<br />
emigrated to Australia from Karlsruhe, a city<br />
<strong>in</strong> the Black Forest region of Germany.<br />
Emil rem<strong>in</strong>isces on his post-war life <strong>in</strong><br />
Germany: “My parents fed a family of seven<br />
children almost entirely from their garden.<br />
In fact, there was always some surplus<br />
produce to give away. My mum cooked<br />
delicious vegetarian meals from the family’s<br />
garden vegetables.”<br />
Around 30 years ago, Emil and his wife<br />
Katr<strong>in</strong>a bought the house, which her father<br />
built and where she grew up. At the time,<br />
Lady F<strong>in</strong>ger banana trees were already<br />
established. Emil planted some palm trees,<br />
which grew rapidly. He later replaced them<br />
with other fruit trees.<br />
The large Bowen mango tree <strong>in</strong> the corner<br />
of the 700m 2 block was the first fruit tree he<br />
grew from seed. Dur<strong>in</strong>g one season, the family<br />
harvested 250 mangoes from this tree, only a<br />
small proportion of the tree’s entire crop.<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce then, Emil has planted an astonish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
variety of fruit trees around the house,<br />
which will become a fruitful paradise <strong>in</strong><br />
years to come. These <strong>in</strong>clude passionfruit,<br />
starfruit, oranges, mandar<strong>in</strong>s, lemons, limes,<br />
lemonade, black sapote, avocados, olives,<br />
grapes, papaya and loquats, as well as aloe<br />
vera and various herbs.<br />
Last year, he harvested 1.5kg of coffee<br />
beans from his coffee bush and jokes, “I<br />
have to learn how to roast it now, so I can’t<br />
give up coffee.”<br />
Emil and his son also planted a neem tree<br />
<strong>in</strong> the front yard. Neem is renowned for its<br />
medic<strong>in</strong>al properties and used widely <strong>in</strong> India<br />
for dental and other hygiene care. The boys<br />
also planted a soursop tree, another amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
plant that’s come under rigorous scientific<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigation for its medic<strong>in</strong>al and anticarc<strong>in</strong>ogenic<br />
properties.<br />
However, Emil’s favourite is the exoticlook<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dragon fruit: “I just keep putt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
cutt<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to the ground. It grows so well and<br />
doesn’t require much water or care. I just love<br />
the flowers and the fruit of this plant.”<br />
26 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Ripe dragonfruit <strong>in</strong> Emil’s garden<br />
Here comes the sun<br />
Until recently, a large proportion of the<br />
backyard had been shaded by a neighbour’s<br />
enormous eucalypt, prevent<strong>in</strong>g cultivation.<br />
However, the tree was old and posed a threat<br />
to the neighbour’s house so it had to be<br />
chopped down.<br />
As Emil admits, “It was sad to see the tree<br />
go; it must have been over a hundred years<br />
old. It was so big it shaded four properties, so<br />
we couldn’t grow much <strong>in</strong> its shade — and<br />
now there is all this light!”<br />
Elderberry has thrived <strong>in</strong> the shade and<br />
the chickens just love the berries. Emil<br />
laughs, “They eat it until their poo turns<br />
blue!” The elderberry has taken over the<br />
once-shaded backyard, its sapl<strong>in</strong>gs sprout<strong>in</strong>g<br />
everywhere. Emil cuts them and uses them<br />
Emil loves his chickens<br />
Elder flowers<br />
The boys also planted<br />
a soursop tree, an<br />
amaz<strong>in</strong>g plant that’s<br />
come under rigorous<br />
scientific <strong>in</strong>vestigation<br />
for its medic<strong>in</strong>al and<br />
anti-carc<strong>in</strong>ogenic<br />
properties.<br />
as mulch when they get out of hand. He<br />
and Katr<strong>in</strong>a add that it’s possible to make<br />
refresh<strong>in</strong>g beverages and cough syrups from<br />
both berries and flowers.<br />
In the newly sunny backyard, Emil has<br />
planted an avocado tree. “Avocados don’t<br />
like to have wet feet,” he says. “So I don’t<br />
overwater it <strong>in</strong> the clay soil.”<br />
Emil fertilises his fruit trees and garden<br />
with Seasol, worm cast<strong>in</strong>gs and compost,<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g dolomite, as calcium is needed for<br />
flower<strong>in</strong>g. He <strong>in</strong>corporates these <strong>in</strong>to the soil<br />
or around trees two months before flower<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Then he waters the soil once a week and<br />
covers it with sugarcane mulch.<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g susta<strong>in</strong>ably<br />
Susta<strong>in</strong>ability is someth<strong>in</strong>g Emil feels<br />
passionate about. “I’ve always desired to<br />
have a green, susta<strong>in</strong>able lifestyle. So when<br />
our hot water system broke, we jumped at<br />
the idea of <strong>in</strong>stall<strong>in</strong>g a solar heat<strong>in</strong>g system.<br />
This was at least 20 years ago and we were<br />
perhaps one of the first families <strong>in</strong> Holland<br />
Park to have it. Now we also have 12 solar<br />
Bananas<br />
panels to offset our electricity costs.”<br />
Emil has set up a greywater system to<br />
divert shower and bath water onto the<br />
garden and fruit trees. The family is rigorous<br />
about us<strong>in</strong>g mostly eco-friendly and natural<br />
products and uses ra<strong>in</strong>water for dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
water<strong>in</strong>g the garden.<br />
Emil also has a worm farm and a compost<br />
b<strong>in</strong>, so food scraps are shared between them,<br />
the chooks and the female brush-tail possum<br />
and her offspr<strong>in</strong>g, which sleep <strong>in</strong> a nest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
box he built high up <strong>in</strong> the mango tree. Every<br />
even<strong>in</strong>g, Emil goes down to feed the possum<br />
and her baby; they feel comfortable with him<br />
and at home <strong>in</strong> his garden. When there’s an<br />
abundance of mangoes, papayas and palm<br />
berries, the possums, fly<strong>in</strong>g foxes and birds<br />
flock to Emil’s fruitful feast.<br />
Most of what is grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the garden,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the many papaya trees, is selfsown.<br />
Emil also allows weeds to come up<br />
and doesn’t spend much time weed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the garden, as he later uses the weeds<br />
as mulch.<br />
Neither does he m<strong>in</strong>d the <strong>in</strong>sects that<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d a habitat <strong>in</strong> the garden: “I feed the<br />
grasshoppers to the chickens, which they<br />
love. Whenever I plant any vegies from the<br />
cabbage family, caterpillars soon decimate<br />
them. However, I don’t m<strong>in</strong>d this as I know<br />
they will become butterflies.”<br />
Emil usually uses an eco-friendly oil and<br />
soap spray to deter citrus st<strong>in</strong>kbugs, as he<br />
loves his citrus fruit. He adds, “Lemon is<br />
the only citrus fruit that can be eaten <strong>in</strong><br />
its entirety, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the sk<strong>in</strong>. When<br />
blended and consumed, a lemon a day<br />
keeps the doctor away. Lemons are truly<br />
a preventive medic<strong>in</strong>e.”<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 27
GARDENING FOLK | Emil Wenner<br />
Passionfruit flower<br />
One of the possum youngsters<br />
Dragonfruit flowers last only one night<br />
Nest<strong>in</strong>g box for the<br />
possums<br />
28 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Emil Wenner | GARDENING FOLK<br />
Emil feeds comfrey to his chickens<br />
Caterpillar of Swallowtail Butterfly<br />
Feed<strong>in</strong>g the possums<br />
He creates a comfrey t<strong>in</strong>cture for aches and<br />
pa<strong>in</strong>s: “I submerge comfrey leaves and roots<br />
<strong>in</strong> alcohol and use it for sores, wounds and<br />
bodily aches. When I experience back pa<strong>in</strong>, I<br />
rub <strong>in</strong> the t<strong>in</strong>cture and f<strong>in</strong>d that the pa<strong>in</strong> goes<br />
away the next day.”<br />
The birds & the bees<br />
Emil also feeds comfrey leaves to his<br />
chickens. He orig<strong>in</strong>ally had 10 chooks<br />
but now only three rema<strong>in</strong>. He f<strong>in</strong>ds the<br />
English purebred is the healthiest and most<br />
productive. “She’s five years old and still<br />
produces eggs, although we don’t expect eggs<br />
from our chooks. I love my chickens; they have<br />
a good life and we let them die a natural death.”<br />
To ensure his chooks receive plenty of<br />
calcium to form their eggs, Emil crushes<br />
the eggshells and then feeds them back to<br />
the chickens.<br />
Emil f<strong>in</strong>ds the Brisbane climate makes it<br />
difficult to grow certa<strong>in</strong> varieties of crops <strong>in</strong> the<br />
usually hot summer months. For example, his<br />
favourite th<strong>in</strong>gs to grow are cucumbers and<br />
tomatoes but by November, the tomatoes are<br />
prone to fruit-fly <strong>in</strong>festation so that’s when he<br />
starts his cucumbers.<br />
The gardener has also realised his pumpk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
don’t produce fruit. He speculates that there<br />
aren’t enough bees and other poll<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>sects, so he’s very keen to set up a bee<br />
habitat to <strong>in</strong>vite them to his garden.<br />
Future organic endeavours <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
experiment<strong>in</strong>g with different fruit varieties<br />
while cont<strong>in</strong>uously striv<strong>in</strong>g to create an<br />
ever more susta<strong>in</strong>able lifestyle for himself<br />
and his family, as well as the various animals<br />
he cares for.<br />
Emil also has a worm farm and a compost b<strong>in</strong>,<br />
so food scraps are shared between them, the<br />
chooks and the female brush-tail possum and her<br />
offspr<strong>in</strong>g, which sleep <strong>in</strong> a nest<strong>in</strong>g box he built high<br />
up <strong>in</strong> the mango tree.<br />
Soursop is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
studied for its amaz<strong>in</strong>g<br />
health benefits<br />
Emil’s top tips<br />
Break up clay soil with dolomite,<br />
compost and worm cast<strong>in</strong>gs to attract<br />
earthworms.<br />
Use your weeds as mulch (mak<strong>in</strong>g sure<br />
the seeds are absent).<br />
Research the medic<strong>in</strong>al and nutritional<br />
properties of the plants you grow.<br />
Recycle all your food scraps back<br />
to the soil through worm farm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and compost<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Use greywater to water your trees<br />
and garden, mak<strong>in</strong>g sure to use only<br />
eco-friendly, biodegradable soaps<br />
and detergents.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 29
GARDENING FOLK | Marleen & Ronald van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel<br />
Ronald and Marleen<br />
second time<br />
round<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong>ally from the Netherlands, these herb farmers moved to Australia<br />
twice to realise their dream of an organic way of life<br />
Words & photos Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
& Emma van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel<br />
Amid fields of medic<strong>in</strong>al poppies,<br />
potatoes and graz<strong>in</strong>g cattle and<br />
sheep, a patch of vivid purple<br />
lavender stands out aga<strong>in</strong>st the<br />
red soil. I am <strong>in</strong> Barr<strong>in</strong>gton <strong>in</strong> northwest<br />
Tasmania about 20 m<strong>in</strong>utes from the port<br />
city of Devonport. It’s a lush region with<br />
roll<strong>in</strong>g green hills and views to mounta<strong>in</strong>s. In<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ter, those mounta<strong>in</strong>s are often snowclad.<br />
As I slow down to admire the straight,<br />
even rows of lavender flowers, I notice<br />
other <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g crops and a small sign<br />
read<strong>in</strong>g “Marleen Herbs of Tasmania”. I turn<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the driveway.<br />
The Marleen of Marleen Herbs is Marleen<br />
van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel. She and husband Ronald live<br />
with their family <strong>in</strong> a Federation-style timber<br />
house with a cottage garden, vegetable and<br />
herb beds, fruit trees and chooks. There are<br />
rustic outbuild<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a purpose-built<br />
bread oven, shade houses and a vast but<br />
picturesque timber-clad shed. Huge walnut<br />
trees overhang some of the build<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Beyond the house, <strong>in</strong> addition to the eyecatch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lavender crop, are fields planted<br />
with organic herbs and medic<strong>in</strong>al plants.<br />
The farm is a beautiful and productive<br />
place with a backdrop of mounta<strong>in</strong>s, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the ever-chang<strong>in</strong>g Mount Roland, paddocks<br />
and native eucalypts.<br />
Chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
hemispheres<br />
Marleen and Ronald say they have been<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g herbs organically s<strong>in</strong>ce they began<br />
farm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> The Netherlands <strong>in</strong> 1982. It suited<br />
their desire to live an organic lifestyle. By<br />
1987, they were able to buy a property.<br />
The family first moved to Tasmania<br />
<strong>in</strong> 2000. They tell me they settled near<br />
Delora<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the north of the state but<br />
after three years decided to return to the<br />
Netherlands. Despite mov<strong>in</strong>g back to Europe,<br />
their yen for an Australian life didn’t abate.<br />
“We spent lots of time th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and talk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about Australia,” says Marleen. “In 2008, our<br />
eldest son, Cyriel, travelled around Australia<br />
and when he reached Tasmania, we asked<br />
him to look at land <strong>in</strong> the northwest, which<br />
we’d seen on the <strong>in</strong>ternet.”<br />
The northwest of Tasmania is a rich<br />
farm<strong>in</strong>g area with deep volcanic soils and a<br />
usually reliable ra<strong>in</strong>fall of around 1500mm<br />
a year. The climate is Mediterranean, which<br />
means cold, wet w<strong>in</strong>ters followed by warm,<br />
30 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Marleen & Ronald van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel | GARDENING FOLK<br />
The farm is a beautiful and productive place with a backdrop of mounta<strong>in</strong>s,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the ever-chang<strong>in</strong>g Mount Roland, paddocks and native eucalypts.<br />
hot summers. The long, warm summers<br />
provide plenty of sunsh<strong>in</strong>e to enhance the<br />
medic<strong>in</strong>al properties of herb crops.<br />
Cyriel visited the 40ha property, took soil<br />
samples and explored its roll<strong>in</strong>g hills. He gave<br />
the Barr<strong>in</strong>gton property the thumbs up and<br />
even went to the auction to bid on behalf of<br />
his parents. The area’s local doctor, who had<br />
owned the property for decades, had run<br />
horses there.<br />
“We liked the property as it had never been<br />
cultivated, which meant it could be easily<br />
transformed <strong>in</strong>to a certified-organic farm,”<br />
Marleen expla<strong>in</strong>s. “Its topography of hills<br />
and gentle slopes means it is not affected<br />
by run-off from neighbour<strong>in</strong>g properties and<br />
we could see there was plenty of room for<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g shelter belts.”<br />
While they waited for the land to ga<strong>in</strong><br />
organic certification, they leased the house<br />
to a farmer who ran dairy cows and kept the<br />
paddocks weed free by slash<strong>in</strong>g. After three<br />
years, they achieved organic certification and<br />
moved back to Australia to plant herbs.<br />
Second start<br />
The second move was a success. Five years<br />
on, the family is well and truly established<br />
<strong>in</strong> Australia. Cyriel is a forester with a keen<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>able energy. He lives on the<br />
property with his partner, Anne. Marleen<br />
and Ronald’s daughter, Jasmijn , is a midwife<br />
at the local hospital and has an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><br />
herbs. Niels is study<strong>in</strong>g economics at the<br />
University of Tasmania, and Emma, who was<br />
the last of the four children to return to<br />
Australia, has completed studies <strong>in</strong> natural<br />
therapies and is work<strong>in</strong>g with her parents<br />
on the farm.<br />
Emma is expand<strong>in</strong>g the farm’s product<br />
range with dried herbal teas and has taken<br />
over the production of gemmos, a special<br />
range of organic therapies where essences are<br />
extracted from buds steeped <strong>in</strong> oils. Emma has<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased the range of gemmos to 60 varieties,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g chestnut, hawthorn, birch, hazel and<br />
blackcurrant. She is also cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g her studies<br />
<strong>in</strong> western herbal medic<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Variety of crops<br />
Around 200 crops are produced annually.<br />
They range from traditional herbs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lavender, ech<strong>in</strong>acea, goldenrod and rosemary,<br />
to niche crops grown for specialist medic<strong>in</strong>al<br />
uses, such as gemmos.<br />
The herbs are transformed on-site <strong>in</strong>to<br />
organic t<strong>in</strong>ctures, essences and extracts.<br />
All process<strong>in</strong>g is done <strong>in</strong> a state-of-the-art<br />
laboratory built by Ronald and housed <strong>in</strong>side<br />
an unassum<strong>in</strong>g timber barn. The materials<br />
Lavender and<br />
ech<strong>in</strong>acea<br />
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one<br />
of the farm’s largest crops. Flowers are<br />
harvested <strong>in</strong> summer around Christmas<br />
time. Marleen and Ronald grow a dwarf<br />
lavender variety, which they believe<br />
produces the best essence and is easy to<br />
manage and harvest.<br />
Once the flowers have been gathered<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g a specially adapted electric<br />
harvester, they are processed <strong>in</strong>to<br />
lavender essences and oils, and are<br />
also dried.<br />
Another important crop is ech<strong>in</strong>acea.<br />
Three species are grown: Ech<strong>in</strong>acea<br />
angustifolia, E. purpurea and E. pallida.<br />
Ech<strong>in</strong>acea angustifolia is grown for its<br />
roots, which are dried. The other species<br />
are now less <strong>in</strong> demand for medic<strong>in</strong>al use.<br />
they produce are exported around the world,<br />
particularly to Europe.<br />
Their ma<strong>in</strong> customers are phytotherapeutic<br />
and homoeopathic bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
that use certified-organic materials for herbal<br />
medic<strong>in</strong>es. Herbs are also sold fresh, dried<br />
and frozen.<br />
The production shed and laboratory are<br />
housed <strong>in</strong> a barn all built from scratch by<br />
Ronald. In the foreground is one of the<br />
ech<strong>in</strong>acea plant<strong>in</strong>gs (E. pallida)<br />
An overview photo<br />
with a herb field, the<br />
hazelnuts, a newly<br />
planted v<strong>in</strong>eyard and<br />
Mount Roland<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 31
GARDENING FOLK | Marleen & Ronald van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel<br />
Gett<strong>in</strong>g the fire<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
“bakehouse” ready<br />
to bake bread<br />
Daisy the family dog<br />
A large flock of hens is part of<br />
the organic life on the farm<br />
Marleen welcom<strong>in</strong>g me to<br />
her Barr<strong>in</strong>gton herb farm.<br />
The dense box hedges are<br />
more than a century old<br />
Marleen and daughter<br />
Emma with their<br />
ech<strong>in</strong>acea crop<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dset<br />
Marleen and Ronald have made every<br />
part of their farm organic and susta<strong>in</strong>able.<br />
Weed<strong>in</strong>g is done by hand or by harrow<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
while pests and diseases are managed<br />
without harmful chemicals.<br />
“We don’t have many disease problems,<br />
however one plant that regularly suffers<br />
problems is pepperm<strong>in</strong>t, which gets rust,”<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>s Marleen. “There are rust-resistant<br />
varieties <strong>in</strong> Europe but these are not<br />
available here.”<br />
Without access to her preferred variety,<br />
Marleen manages rust with heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and water<strong>in</strong>g to encourage new diseasefree<br />
growth.<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> mulches are used around<br />
perennial and tree crops to reduce weeds<br />
and the paddocks are ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed with<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able methods that <strong>in</strong>crease the<br />
biodiversity. Large compost heaps<br />
recycle the waste from crops while<br />
contour ditches capture run-off and<br />
direct it to the 20-megalitre dam <strong>in</strong> the<br />
lowest part of the farm.<br />
Water harvested from all the build<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
is used both for the house and for cool<strong>in</strong>g<br />
systems such as the water-cooled vacuum<br />
distillation equipment.<br />
Seed-sown annual crops are planted us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organic or non-chemically treated seed.<br />
Many seeds are also saved from year to year<br />
and re-sown. Marleen regularly saves seeds<br />
from ech<strong>in</strong>acea, verbascum and valerian for<br />
replant<strong>in</strong>g. Seed crops are also part of their<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g mix. They grow organic seeds for<br />
The Diggers Club, produc<strong>in</strong>g the company’s<br />
organic ‘Lazy Housewife’ beans among<br />
other crops.<br />
32 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Marleen & Ronald van der W<strong>in</strong>ckel | GARDENING FOLK<br />
Emma displays some<br />
of the gemmos she is<br />
prepar<strong>in</strong>g from buds<br />
harvested on the farm<br />
Marek adds moisture to<br />
the compost<br />
The crops are planted over six separate<br />
fields. The schedule of plant<strong>in</strong>g, which is<br />
highly complex due to the large range of<br />
crops and the tim<strong>in</strong>g of harvests, is managed<br />
by Ronald, who uses computerised stock<br />
records to keep track of plant<strong>in</strong>g and harvest<br />
times and crop rotations. Green manure crops<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g lentils, clovers and oats are sown to<br />
renew soil fertility after areas are harvested.<br />
Clever ideas<br />
Much of the harvest<strong>in</strong>g is done by hand,<br />
although mechanical harvesters are used for<br />
more robust crops.<br />
Of particular importance to Ronald and<br />
the family is reduc<strong>in</strong>g their use of fossil fuel.<br />
The farm is well served by solar energy,<br />
which is harnessed via panels and batteries<br />
to provide the energy to run the farm’s<br />
electric tractor and harvester as well as<br />
pumps and other equipment.<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g a kit imported from the US, Ronald<br />
modified an old red Allis-Chalmers tractor<br />
to run on battery power. Cyriel made<br />
the battery-powered lavender harvester<br />
by modify<strong>in</strong>g a harvester and add<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
electric eng<strong>in</strong>e from a forklift.<br />
As well as reduc<strong>in</strong>g their use of fossil fuel,<br />
the electric tractor and harvester are quiet<br />
and don’t belch fumes or drip oil. Ronald says<br />
it’s more pleasant and less stressful to work<br />
with electric-powered mach<strong>in</strong>ery. As the<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>es work <strong>in</strong> the fields, spare batteries<br />
are recharged from solar panels. “The power<br />
we generate provides enough energy to<br />
harvest what we can handle <strong>in</strong> a day,” says<br />
Marleen. “It all works really well.”<br />
The herbs are also dried susta<strong>in</strong>ably as<br />
natural heat from the roof space above the<br />
workshop is used to heat the air that dries<br />
the plants.<br />
It’s a busy and demand<strong>in</strong>g life but one<br />
Marleen and Ronald love. “We work every day,”<br />
says Marleen. “We just enjoy be<strong>in</strong>g here on the<br />
farm. We never tire of it and never get bored!”<br />
Future plans<br />
Despite their success, the family’s farm isn’t<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g to stand still. Future plans <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g cattle onto the property. Cattle are<br />
an important part of manag<strong>in</strong>g the fields <strong>in</strong><br />
an organic system, Marleen expla<strong>in</strong>s. She<br />
says they plan to build shedd<strong>in</strong>g to house<br />
the cattle to make it easier to gather the<br />
manure, which could then be applied to the<br />
soil as fertiliser.<br />
Marleen would also love to rear Maran<br />
chickens, a French heritage breed that lays<br />
dark-brown eggs. She is hop<strong>in</strong>g to f<strong>in</strong>d a<br />
breeder to get her flock started.<br />
Keen to share their knowledge, the family<br />
have also begun to run field days for natural<br />
therapists. Visit<strong>in</strong>g a work<strong>in</strong>g organic farm<br />
allows practitioners to better understand<br />
how the therapies they rely on are grown and<br />
processed, says Marleen.<br />
Around 200 crops are<br />
produced annually.<br />
They range from<br />
traditional herbs,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g lavender,<br />
ech<strong>in</strong>acea, golden<br />
rod and rosemary, to<br />
niche crops grown for<br />
specialist medic<strong>in</strong>al<br />
uses, such as gemmos.<br />
Another overview of a part<br />
of the farm with one of the<br />
herb fields, the v<strong>in</strong>eyard<br />
and Mount Roland<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 33
AMAZING GARDEN | Royal Mail Hotel<br />
Gardener extraord<strong>in</strong>aire,<br />
Michelle Shanahan<br />
Stamp of<br />
approval<br />
Even <strong>in</strong> far-flung Melbourne, foodies are agog about the Royal Mail<br />
Hotel and its organic produce, thanks to chef Rob<strong>in</strong> Wickens and<br />
kitchen gardener Michelle Shanahan<br />
Words Jana Holmer<br />
Photos Jana Holmer & Royal Mail Hotel<br />
the small town of Dunkeld lies at<br />
the base of Mount Sturgeon at the<br />
southern end of the Grampians,<br />
three hours from Melbourne.<br />
For roughly one-and-a-half centuries, the<br />
Royal Mail Hotel has stood on the Glenelg<br />
Highway <strong>in</strong> Dunkeld. It began as a bluestone<br />
<strong>in</strong>n for travellers, stables and a stag<strong>in</strong>g post<br />
for the Cobb & Co mail service, a function<br />
that gave it its name.<br />
In the late 1990s, a multi-million-dollar<br />
refurbishment graced the orig<strong>in</strong>al colonial<br />
structure with a modern, glass-enclosed<br />
room hous<strong>in</strong>g an award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g restaurant<br />
with a world-class w<strong>in</strong>e list, as recognised by<br />
UK-based The World of F<strong>in</strong>e W<strong>in</strong>e magaz<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Not every rural eatery can boast two hats<br />
<strong>in</strong> The Age <strong>Good</strong> Food Guide and some of the<br />
credit must go to Michelle Lee Shanahan, who<br />
lives <strong>in</strong> one of the hotel’s old outly<strong>in</strong>g cottages<br />
and presides over the kitchen garden, with its<br />
spectacular backdrop of the Grampians and<br />
loom<strong>in</strong>g Mount Abrupt, just 7km away.<br />
Formerly from Kurri Kurri <strong>in</strong> the NSW<br />
Hunter Valley, Michelle has a diploma <strong>in</strong><br />
horticulture and landscape design and has<br />
been garden<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce she could walk.<br />
“As an only child, I always loved my nanna’s<br />
hydrangeas,” she recalls. “I’d potter around<br />
the farmhouse, create a garden and learn<br />
about plants. This made me very content.”<br />
With a natural aff<strong>in</strong>ity for garden<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
Michelle considers herself a nurturer and is<br />
very much attracted to a susta<strong>in</strong>able lifestyle.<br />
34 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Royal Mail Hotel | AMAZING GARDEN<br />
The restaurant menu is set<br />
by what crops are produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Before mov<strong>in</strong>g here, she built a mud-brick<br />
house and lived off the grid. This made her<br />
very conscious of waste and she preserved,<br />
recycled and reused whatever and whenever<br />
she could. She admits she “could talk about<br />
this for hours”.<br />
Just add water<br />
The hotel garden comprises a hectare of<br />
country long recognised as f<strong>in</strong>e graz<strong>in</strong>g land.<br />
Before it was turned <strong>in</strong>to a flourish<strong>in</strong>g kitchen<br />
garden, says Michelle, “It used to be a horse<br />
paddock about n<strong>in</strong>e months of the year.”<br />
The ground must still hold plenty of<br />
organic nutrients because among the<br />
crops that go gangbusters here are globe<br />
artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, rhubarb,<br />
radish, beetroot, potatoes, pumpk<strong>in</strong>, garlic,<br />
zucch<strong>in</strong>i “or anyth<strong>in</strong>g that [chef] Rob<strong>in</strong><br />
wants to cook with. It’s a fantastic garlicgrow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
area.”<br />
Heirloom vegetables are ma<strong>in</strong>ly grown<br />
from seed; us<strong>in</strong>g igloos to extend the grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
seasons allows them to produce year-round.<br />
On Michelle’s iPad is a spreadsheet<br />
with an exhaustive list of fruit trees, herbs,<br />
vegetables and anyth<strong>in</strong>g else Rob<strong>in</strong><br />
Wickens might use <strong>in</strong> the kitchen. If he<br />
asks for a specific lettuce from Europe,<br />
she’ll try to obta<strong>in</strong> seeds from overseas<br />
and grow it for him. The list ranges from<br />
microgreens and vegies to fruit and flowers<br />
and <strong>in</strong>cludes more than 680 seeds, tubers<br />
or plants that Michelle has either grown<br />
or is grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Dunkeld enjoys cold, wet w<strong>in</strong>ters, hot,<br />
dry summers and occasional frosts. It gets<br />
600mL of ra<strong>in</strong> a year, mostly <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter but<br />
also <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g and autumn. In summer,<br />
temperatures can soar to 40°C.<br />
With all that ra<strong>in</strong>, adds Michelle, “There<br />
are raised beds for dra<strong>in</strong>age, otherwise<br />
water would sit and stagnate.” Additional<br />
water needs are met with a class-C osmosis<br />
irrigation system: “It waters large areas at<br />
once, but we notice that globe artichokes, for<br />
example, don’t need that much water.”<br />
Water-sav<strong>in</strong>g measures <strong>in</strong>clude mulch,<br />
drippers, compost and close observation of<br />
soil moisture, which Michelle tests regularly<br />
by stick<strong>in</strong>g a f<strong>in</strong>ger <strong>in</strong> the earth.<br />
The nitty gritty<br />
For Michelle, it comes naturally to grow<br />
vegetables without chemicals. It’s the way she<br />
has always done it and she couldn’t th<strong>in</strong>k of<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g worse than apply<strong>in</strong>g a chemical to<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g she or anyone else might consume.<br />
“Grow<strong>in</strong>g produce organically is the easiest<br />
way to grow,” she avers. “Why would I want to<br />
make it harder?”<br />
For fertilisers, she uses blood and bone,<br />
compost, animal manures and potash. “If I<br />
hear of anyone gett<strong>in</strong>g rid of anyth<strong>in</strong>g such<br />
as rotten hay or a farmer who has spoilt some<br />
produce, I’ll source it for the kitchen garden.”<br />
Michelle’s approach to pest control is just<br />
as simple and consists of exclusion methods<br />
such as cloches and nett<strong>in</strong>g. She has also<br />
used beneficial <strong>in</strong>sects to control spider<br />
mite, as well as cultural control such as crop<br />
rotation and sow<strong>in</strong>g bio-mustard to manage<br />
nematodes. “But observation is your greatest<br />
tool: look and deal with daily issues.”<br />
Michelle considers<br />
herself a nurturer<br />
and is attracted to a<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able lifestyle.<br />
Before mov<strong>in</strong>g here, she<br />
built a mud-brick house<br />
and lived off the grid.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 35
AMAZING GARDEN | Royal Mail Hotel<br />
Succulent raspberries <strong>in</strong><br />
the foreground, Grampians<br />
<strong>in</strong> the background<br />
Chemical free and<br />
full of flavour<br />
Garlic dry<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Visit<strong>in</strong>g wildlife, however, calls for a<br />
robust response. “The Grampians are home<br />
to thousands of wallabies, kangaroos and<br />
possums, all of which frequent the garden on<br />
occasion. Bush rats burrow <strong>in</strong>, eat the roots of<br />
plants and then the plant falls down, just like<br />
that. They’re a dreadful pest,” says Michelle.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, the garden has “tree guards<br />
specifically designed <strong>in</strong> steel or wrought iron<br />
to cover fruit trees, which are then netted<br />
to deter pests. Special cas<strong>in</strong>gs that look<br />
like cages cover vegetables to protect<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st rodents and possums. We just keep<br />
mulch<strong>in</strong>g and all the vegetables and fruit<br />
trees flourish <strong>in</strong> it.”<br />
As for compost, her simple philosophy is,<br />
“What goes out of the garden comes back<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the garden.” There is no worm farm: “Let<br />
worms do their job <strong>in</strong> the garden — and there<br />
are plenty of them.”<br />
Garden to plate<br />
As for the restaurant’s requirements beyond<br />
fruit, veg and herbs, says Michelle, “Other<br />
aspects of the bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong>clude large farm<br />
hold<strong>in</strong>gs that produce the beef and lamb<br />
served <strong>in</strong> the d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g room. There are more<br />
than 100 chooks and we’re just start<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
honey and mushroom production.”<br />
The chef regularly shows off the garden to<br />
overnight guests, Michelle says proudly. “To<br />
be able to see the produce as it is grown and<br />
then experience it on the plate is very special.<br />
“The fact is, absolutely everyth<strong>in</strong>g we grow<br />
is for the sole benefit of the restaurant. Chefs<br />
come to pick daily and create a menu that’s<br />
dictated by the garden.”<br />
Small wonder that, when asked what her<br />
favourite part of the garden might be, Michelle<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ds it hard to s<strong>in</strong>gle out any one th<strong>in</strong>g. “Every<br />
bit of it,” she says. “I just love it.”<br />
Michelle’s top tips<br />
Have passion and <strong>in</strong>tegrity.<br />
Learn from your mistakes and those<br />
of others.<br />
Choose species that are well suited to<br />
your climate or adapt the environment<br />
to suit the plant.<br />
Compost, compost and more compost.<br />
Mulch!<br />
A magnificent garden<br />
36 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Royal Mail Hotel | AMAZING GARDEN<br />
Protection from birds<br />
The view from the kitchen<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce British-born chef Rob<strong>in</strong> Wickens jo<strong>in</strong>ed the team at the Royal<br />
Mail, the focus of the kitchen garden has shifted from “basic produce<br />
like carrot, onion, potato, silverbeet and pumpk<strong>in</strong>” to produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
garnishes such as white asparagus and watercress.<br />
The garden has also ref<strong>in</strong>ed its crops, he says, “by select<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
right varieties that fit our needs. For example, Cyl<strong>in</strong>dra beetroot is a<br />
less common variety but one we use a lot.”<br />
Rob<strong>in</strong> makes suggestions to garden specialist Michelle to grow, say,<br />
spaghetti squash on a needs basis. They’ve expanded the garden by<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g a snail farm and cultivat<strong>in</strong>g mushrooms to further extend the<br />
range of one of Australia’s most susta<strong>in</strong>able restaurants.<br />
“Kitchen gardens are a massive trend <strong>in</strong> the restaurant <strong>in</strong>dustry at<br />
the moment,” Rob<strong>in</strong> po<strong>in</strong>ts out, “though most only use the garden for<br />
PR [purposes]. Not many would be able to provide the resources and<br />
time needed to do it on the scale we do.<br />
“You also need to be open to chang<strong>in</strong>g the menu as produce is<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g used up, which isn’t that common <strong>in</strong> kitchens.”<br />
It goes without say<strong>in</strong>g that few hotel kitchens have a dedicated<br />
garden, let alone an organic one. Rob<strong>in</strong> is no newcomer to organics,<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g kept a small herb and vegie garden at his home <strong>in</strong> Apollo Bay.<br />
For him, it’s all about taste.<br />
“<strong>Organic</strong>ally grown vegetables have <strong>in</strong>tense flavour, not that forced,<br />
watery, washed-out flavour you tend to get with vegetables grown<br />
commercially. You do leave yourself open to the elements more, and<br />
not all vegetables are uniform or perfect <strong>in</strong> shape and size.”<br />
They look pretty perfect on the plate, though.<br />
Chef Rob<strong>in</strong> Wickens<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 37
WEEKEND GARDENING | Mulch<br />
MUCH ADO<br />
ABOUT MULCH<br />
Protect<strong>in</strong>g the soil surface with a mulch layer is the gardener’s<br />
secret weapon <strong>in</strong> the fight aga<strong>in</strong>st heat, drought, heavy ra<strong>in</strong> and weeds.<br />
Here are tips on how to select and best use mulch<br />
CanStockPhoto<br />
38 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Mulch | WEEKEND GARDENING<br />
Leaf litter makes good mulch<br />
Words Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
Mulches keep soil cool on<br />
hot days, suppress weeds,<br />
protect soil from damage<br />
from heavy ra<strong>in</strong>s, reduce<br />
water loss and, as organic mulches break<br />
down, add nutrients to the soil.<br />
Many gardeners believe that the deeper<br />
the mulch layer, the better. But, while deep<br />
mulches may suppress weeds and add<br />
organic matter as they break down, it appears<br />
that deep layers of mulch can lead to soil<br />
problems, especially <strong>in</strong> times of low ra<strong>in</strong>fall.<br />
Too much mulch<br />
Soil expert Kev<strong>in</strong> Handreck has conducted<br />
studies <strong>in</strong>to mulches. His research has<br />
revealed that deep applications of f<strong>in</strong>e, waterabsorb<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mulches <strong>in</strong>hibit water reach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the soil and contribute to water repellency<br />
<strong>in</strong> soils. In cottage-style and permaculture<br />
gardens, deep mulch<strong>in</strong>g also <strong>in</strong>hibits selfseed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of annuals and perennials.<br />
In his book <strong>Good</strong> Gardens with Less<br />
Water, Kev<strong>in</strong> expla<strong>in</strong>s that f<strong>in</strong>e mulches,<br />
especially where they <strong>in</strong>clude an added<br />
wett<strong>in</strong>g agent, hold water. If there isn’t much<br />
water fall<strong>in</strong>g on the garden, the mulch may<br />
stop water reach<strong>in</strong>g the soil and hydrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the plants. Mulches with high levels of dust<br />
can also absorb moisture and prevent it<br />
reach<strong>in</strong>g the soil.<br />
“A 100mm-thick layer of f<strong>in</strong>e mulch with<br />
a wett<strong>in</strong>g agent added to it could trap up<br />
to 60mm of ra<strong>in</strong> or spr<strong>in</strong>kler water before<br />
any water reaches the soil,” Kev<strong>in</strong> expla<strong>in</strong>s.<br />
“Mulches with high proportions (greater than<br />
80 per cent) of particles larger than 5mm are<br />
best at lett<strong>in</strong>g ra<strong>in</strong> reach the soil.”<br />
He also warns that <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the depth<br />
of coarse mulches above 35mm has no<br />
benefit <strong>in</strong> reduc<strong>in</strong>g water loss. The best<br />
coarse mulches reduce water loss by up<br />
to 63 per cent.<br />
These f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs have led Kev<strong>in</strong> to<br />
recommend us<strong>in</strong>g a 5–10mm layer of f<strong>in</strong>e<br />
mulch overlaid by a 35mm layer of coarse<br />
mulch as the best mulch<strong>in</strong>g regime for<br />
gardens. Total mulch<strong>in</strong>g layers should not be<br />
greater than 50mm <strong>in</strong> depth. The f<strong>in</strong>e mulch<br />
could be compost or well-rotted manure,<br />
which breaks down to feed the soil.<br />
Natural systems<br />
Kev<strong>in</strong> also recommends us<strong>in</strong>g mulches that<br />
best reflect the natural grow<strong>in</strong>g conditions<br />
of the plants that are be<strong>in</strong>g mulched. For<br />
example, cacti and succulents grow naturally<br />
<strong>in</strong> sandy and rocky areas so are best mulched<br />
with <strong>in</strong>organic mulches.<br />
Native woodland plants (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g many<br />
vegetables) grow amid a natural mulch of<br />
fallen leaves and bark and so do best with<br />
coarse, organic mulches. This type of mulch<br />
also improves the beneficial bacteria and other<br />
organisms <strong>in</strong> the soil.<br />
To read more of Kev<strong>in</strong>’s mulch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
recommendations, visit books.google.com.au<br />
and search for mulches.<br />
Select<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the best mulch<br />
There are many coarse, water-repellent<br />
mulch<strong>in</strong>g products. Chopped or shredded<br />
bark, green prun<strong>in</strong>gs and gravel all fit the bill.<br />
For an organic gardener, it’s important<br />
to select and use mulches that are free<br />
of contam<strong>in</strong>ants, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g pesticides and<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>gs can<br />
be mulched<br />
... deep applications of<br />
f<strong>in</strong>e, water-absorb<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mulches <strong>in</strong>hibit water<br />
reach<strong>in</strong>g the soil and<br />
contribute to water<br />
repellency <strong>in</strong> soils ...<br />
deep mulch<strong>in</strong>g also<br />
<strong>in</strong>hibits self-seed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of annuals and<br />
perennials.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 39
Liv<strong>in</strong>g mulch:<br />
sweet potato<br />
Did you<br />
know?<br />
Mulch can also be used on<br />
top of pott<strong>in</strong>g mix <strong>in</strong> pots. It<br />
reduces weed germ<strong>in</strong>ation and<br />
keeps soil temperatures lower.<br />
Waste garden products, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g chopped<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>gs, can be used as coarse mulch.<br />
Pebble mulch<br />
works for cacti<br />
other chemicals. As most mulches are bulky,<br />
transport costs can be high, add<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
price of the product as well as <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g its<br />
carbon footpr<strong>in</strong>t. Ideally, mulches should be<br />
a waste product that’s available nearby to<br />
reduce transport and handl<strong>in</strong>g costs.<br />
The first place to look for mulches is<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the garden. Waste garden products,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g chopped prun<strong>in</strong>gs, can be used as<br />
coarse mulch. To turn prun<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to mulch,<br />
simply shred us<strong>in</strong>g a mulcher or chop with<br />
secateurs, then apply the coarse mulch<br />
directly to the garden.<br />
Alternatively, the heap of shredded or<br />
chopped prun<strong>in</strong>gs can be allowed to compost<br />
before it’s added to the garden as mulch.<br />
Compost, aged manure and dried grass<br />
clipp<strong>in</strong>gs may also be readily available with<strong>in</strong><br />
a garden situation. These products can be<br />
used as the recommended f<strong>in</strong>e mulch layer<br />
under a deeper layer of coarser mulch. As<br />
this high-nutrient layer breaks down, it feeds<br />
the soil and offsets any nitrogen losses<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the breakdown of the ma<strong>in</strong>, coarser<br />
mulch product.<br />
Beyond the garden, look for waste<br />
products from local food process<strong>in</strong>g or<br />
agriculture, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g pea straw (the<br />
rema<strong>in</strong>s of pea plants after the crop<br />
is harvested) along with commercially<br />
available products such as spoiled<br />
lucerne or hay, chopped or shredded bark,<br />
chopped lucerne, sugar cane or green<br />
waste from tree prun<strong>in</strong>gs. When apply<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
keep the layer th<strong>in</strong> and make sure it’s<br />
readily penetrated by water.<br />
CanStockPhoto
Mulch | WEEKEND GARDENING<br />
Take-home<br />
message<br />
Follow these guidel<strong>in</strong>es<br />
when select<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
apply<strong>in</strong>g mulch:<br />
• More than 80 per<br />
cent of mulch particles<br />
should exceed 5mm<br />
<strong>in</strong> diameter.<br />
• Spread f<strong>in</strong>e mulch<br />
over the soil —<br />
especially if it’s lack<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organic matter — then<br />
cover it with a layer<br />
of coarse mulch.<br />
• Water-repellent<br />
mulches are preferred<br />
as they don’t absorb<br />
and hold water,<br />
prevent<strong>in</strong>g it from<br />
reach<strong>in</strong>g the soil.<br />
• A total mulch depth<br />
of 50mm is ideal for<br />
most garden situations.<br />
• Select mulches to<br />
replicate the needs<br />
of the plants be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
grown.<br />
Type Examples Best uses Longevity Comment<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> mulch<br />
Inorganic mulch<br />
Green mulch<br />
Bark,<br />
compost,<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
straw<br />
Gravel,<br />
crushed rock,<br />
recycled<br />
glass,<br />
recycled<br />
build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
materials<br />
Ground-cover<br />
plants, clover,<br />
legum<strong>in</strong>ous<br />
plants<br />
Around actively<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g plants<br />
such as vegetables<br />
and flower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
plants<br />
Around droughthardy<br />
plants<br />
that need good<br />
dra<strong>in</strong>age such as<br />
cacti, succulents<br />
and plants grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from a rhizome<br />
such as iris. Useful<br />
for suppress<strong>in</strong>g<br />
weeds where<br />
there are no plants<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Garden beds,<br />
vegetable beds<br />
that are rest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Breaks down<br />
rapidly so must<br />
be renewed once<br />
or twice a year.<br />
Coarse organic<br />
mulch is slow to<br />
break down<br />
Breaks down<br />
very slowly.<br />
Rarely needs<br />
renewal<br />
Depends on<br />
the lifespan of<br />
the plant. Can<br />
be dug <strong>in</strong> to<br />
enrich soils<br />
Seek waste products<br />
that are local and free<br />
or low cost<br />
<strong>May</strong> have a high<br />
environmental cost<br />
if m<strong>in</strong>ed. Look for<br />
locally available waste<br />
or recycled products.<br />
Some <strong>in</strong>organic<br />
mulches are expensive<br />
Expensive to grow with<br />
advanced plants but<br />
cheap from seeds or<br />
cutt<strong>in</strong>gs. Legum<strong>in</strong>ous<br />
green mulches add<br />
nitrogen to soils<br />
(Lepp<strong>in</strong>gton) Pty Ltd<br />
ABN 36 001 123 726<br />
1675 The Northern Road Br<strong>in</strong>gelly NSW 2556<br />
Phone: (02) 4773 4291 Fax: (02) 4773 4104 Email: sales@lpcmilk.com<br />
www.organicfertilisers.com.au<br />
Suppliers of certified poultry and cow manures.<br />
Fresh or composted delivered <strong>in</strong> bulk.<br />
Great for all types of agriculture <strong>in</strong>dustries.<br />
Poultry manure which can be spread <strong>in</strong> residential<br />
areas, golf courses, sport<strong>in</strong>g ovals and parks.<br />
Also ask us about our reduced low odour.<br />
Member of Australian <strong>Organic</strong> Association
THE UNDERGROUND | Soil health<br />
What goes around<br />
comes around<br />
Enrich<strong>in</strong>g and improv<strong>in</strong>g our soil means giv<strong>in</strong>g back at least as<br />
much as is taken out, so it can keep on giv<strong>in</strong>g us healthy plants<br />
CanStockPhoto<br />
42 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Soil Health | THE UNDERGROUND<br />
Compost b<strong>in</strong><br />
Words & photos Angie Thomas<br />
Soil is the most important aspect of our<br />
gardens and good-quality, organically<br />
rich, healthy soil is the key to grow<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
thriv<strong>in</strong>g plants. Our garden soils are a<br />
mix of rock m<strong>in</strong>erals, organic matter, moisture<br />
and micro-organisms, and are usually<br />
grouped <strong>in</strong>to three broad types: clay soil,<br />
sandy soil and loam.<br />
Clay soils (sometimes called heavy soils)<br />
are made up of very small particles. They<br />
store water well, which may be beneficial<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g dry conditions but can lead to<br />
waterlogg<strong>in</strong>g and poor plant health when<br />
conditions are wet. Clay soils also hold<br />
nutrients effectively. They can, however, be<br />
difficult to cultivate, be<strong>in</strong>g thick and sticky<br />
when wet and often rock-hard when dry.<br />
Sandy soils (sometimes called light soils)<br />
are made up of large particles, with big<br />
spaces (pores) <strong>in</strong> between the particles.<br />
They dra<strong>in</strong> well, are well aerated and are<br />
easy to cultivate. However, sandy soils don’t<br />
reta<strong>in</strong> water and nutrients very well.<br />
Soil <strong>in</strong> between clay and sandy types is<br />
often referred to as loam and has a mix of<br />
small and large particles, together<br />
with organic matter, mak<strong>in</strong>g it one of<br />
the best soil types.<br />
Quality soil conta<strong>in</strong>s lots of organic<br />
matter, which is anyth<strong>in</strong>g that used to be<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>cludes rema<strong>in</strong>s of plants and<br />
animals. Add<strong>in</strong>g lots of organic matter is<br />
a crucial step to creat<strong>in</strong>g the best possible<br />
soil <strong>in</strong> your garden, no matter what type<br />
of soil you started out with. <strong>Organic</strong> matter<br />
improves soil structure by <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g<br />
aeration and dra<strong>in</strong>age <strong>in</strong> clay soils, which<br />
will benefit root growth. In sandy soils,<br />
organic matter will help with water and<br />
nutrient retention.<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> matter also provides a source of<br />
food for worms and beneficial soil microorganisms.<br />
Earthworms are magnificent<br />
helpers <strong>in</strong> the garden and should be<br />
encouraged at every opportunity. They<br />
help convert organic matter and fertilisers<br />
<strong>in</strong>to nutrients that plants can use. Worm<br />
excrement, often called “cast<strong>in</strong>gs”, is a rich<br />
source of organic nutrients. Earthworms<br />
also help improve soil structure and aerate<br />
the soil by creat<strong>in</strong>g tunnels, which makes<br />
it easier for plant roots to grow and spread.<br />
Beneficial soil micro-organisms also play<br />
a significant role <strong>in</strong> soil health and plant<br />
nutrition as they are part of the process<br />
that helps turn organic matter and fertilisers<br />
<strong>in</strong>to plant-available nutrients. A healthy<br />
population of beneficial soil micro-organisms<br />
can also help reduce plant diseases, similar<br />
to the way healthy gut bacteria <strong>in</strong> our bodies<br />
can help boost our immune systems.<br />
Both earthworms and beneficial soil<br />
micro-organisms prefer mild temperatures<br />
and moist soil with lots of organic matter<br />
to feed on. So keep<strong>in</strong>g the soil surface<br />
protected with organic mulch, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
good moisture levels and gently add<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organic matter <strong>in</strong>to the soil will help<br />
encourage lots of great soil micro-organisms<br />
and earthworms.<br />
The easiest ways to <strong>in</strong>crease the amount<br />
of organic matter <strong>in</strong> your soil <strong>in</strong>clude us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organic fertilisers and mulches, mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your own compost and grow<strong>in</strong>g green<br />
manure crops. See Jennifer Stackhouse’s<br />
comprehensive feature on mulch<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
page 38.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 43
THE UNDERGROUND | Soil health<br />
A green manure crop<br />
Fertilisers<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> fertilisers are made from once-liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
organisms and <strong>in</strong>clude materials such as<br />
manures (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g chicken, cow, horse,<br />
sheep and guano), blood and bone, fish and<br />
feather meal. Different sources of organic<br />
material will provide fertilisers with different<br />
levels and types of nutrients. For example,<br />
cow manure conta<strong>in</strong>s fewer nutrients than<br />
chicken manure.<br />
“Complete” organic fertilisers that<br />
conta<strong>in</strong> a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of the three ma<strong>in</strong><br />
nutrients — nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)<br />
and potassium (K) — are ideal as not only<br />
are they a source of organic matter, but<br />
they also provide plants with the nutrition<br />
they need to stay healthy and productive.<br />
Some organic fertilisers and tonics don’t<br />
conta<strong>in</strong> these three essential nutrients. For<br />
example, seaweed alone does not conta<strong>in</strong><br />
the nutrients to provide plants with a<br />
complete feed.<br />
It’s important that manures and<br />
other organic fertilisers are composted<br />
before use. Raw manures can conta<strong>in</strong><br />
harmful pathogens that gardeners<br />
could be exposed to and are sometimes<br />
referred to as “hot”, mean<strong>in</strong>g they are too<br />
rich to be used as is and could damage<br />
plants. Raw manures can also conta<strong>in</strong><br />
weed seeds.<br />
Correct compost<strong>in</strong>g helps reduce<br />
harmful pathogen levels, start the<br />
breakdown process so that nutrients are <strong>in</strong><br />
a gentler form and are safe for plants, and<br />
helps kill weed seeds. Purchas<strong>in</strong>g precomposted<br />
organic fertilisers is an easy and<br />
convenient way to ensure the fertilisers are<br />
ready and safe to use.<br />
Compost<br />
We all create a potential source of<br />
valuable organic matter <strong>in</strong> our kitchens<br />
and gardens with food scraps and<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>gs. Compost<strong>in</strong>g these materials<br />
at home not only reduces the amount<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g to landfill, but also gives you lots<br />
of lovely, rich organic matter to use <strong>in</strong><br />
your garden. There are lots of compost<strong>in</strong>g<br />
systems available, from a homemade<br />
bay <strong>in</strong> the corner of the backyard to<br />
enclosed compost tumblers and<br />
kitchen bench units.<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> matter<br />
improves soil structure<br />
by <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g aeration<br />
and dra<strong>in</strong>age <strong>in</strong> clay<br />
soils, which will benefit<br />
root growth. In sandy<br />
soils, organic matter<br />
will help water and<br />
nutrient retention.<br />
Whatever method you have room for <strong>in</strong><br />
your garden, not wast<strong>in</strong>g organic matter<br />
and mak<strong>in</strong>g your own compost helps the<br />
planet, and your soil (and the worms) will<br />
love you for it. Mix homemade compost<br />
<strong>in</strong>to garden beds or pott<strong>in</strong>g mix before<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g or apply around the base of<br />
plants, then mulch over the top to protect<br />
the compost from direct sunlight.<br />
Green manure<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g a green manure crop is a fantastic way<br />
to add organic matter to the soil. Green manure<br />
is leafy foliage that’s grown then dug <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the soil rather than be<strong>in</strong>g harvested. A green<br />
manure crop is ideal to recharge a depleted<br />
area of the vegie patch or <strong>in</strong> preparation for<br />
future plant<strong>in</strong>gs. It’s a great, low-ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
crop to establish before go<strong>in</strong>g on holidays.<br />
Here’s an easy how-to process for grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your own green manure crop:<br />
• Gently cultivate the top few centimetres<br />
of soil to create a soft soil layer for the<br />
green manure seeds to be sown. Mix some<br />
handfuls of organic fertiliser <strong>in</strong>to the area to<br />
improve the soil and give the green manure<br />
crop a great start.<br />
• The easiest green manure seed mix is a<br />
blend of bird seed and a packet of pea<br />
seed. The bird seed will grow a range of<br />
different leafy plants such as wheat, millet<br />
and sorghum and the peas will provide<br />
an important source of nitrogen. You can<br />
also purchase special pre-blended green<br />
manure crop seed mixes.<br />
• Broadcast the seeds generously over the<br />
surface, then cover with a th<strong>in</strong> layer of soil.<br />
• Keep the area moist until the seedl<strong>in</strong>gs are<br />
established. Your green manure patch will be<br />
full of lush green foliage <strong>in</strong> a few weeks.<br />
• Just before the plants flower (after two to<br />
three months), cut the them close to the<br />
ground, then dig everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the soil,<br />
chopp<strong>in</strong>g up the leaves and plants as much<br />
as possible.<br />
• To f<strong>in</strong>ish, spr<strong>in</strong>kle some more organic<br />
fertiliser over the area, then mulch with<br />
sugar cane or straw and leave for a month,<br />
which gives the green manure time to break<br />
down and enrich the soil.<br />
Soil pH<br />
For healthy soil, it’s also a good idea to test<br />
the pH. This is the measure of acidity or<br />
alkal<strong>in</strong>ity. Most plants prefer a pH of 6–7.5<br />
(slightly acidic to slightly alkal<strong>in</strong>e). If the pH<br />
strays too far from this range, many plants will<br />
struggle to access all the right nutrients as<br />
6–7.5 is where most nutrients are available.<br />
For example, iron is less available when the<br />
soil is alkal<strong>in</strong>e and iron is a common nutrient<br />
deficiency. The correct soil pH also helps keep<br />
earthworms and soil micro-organisms happy.<br />
pH can be tested with kits available at hardware<br />
stores and nurseries and can be adjusted with<br />
lime if it’s too low or sulphur if it’s too high.<br />
So, to have a healthy and wonderfully<br />
productive garden that is heaven for<br />
earthworms and micro-organisms, start<br />
with an orga nically rich soil.<br />
44 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
TIME TO PLANT | Cabbage<br />
Cabbage<br />
Brassica oleracea var. capitata<br />
An age-old favourite for both hot meals and salads, cabbage<br />
is a must, especially <strong>in</strong> the cooler months<br />
Words Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Cabbages play a strong role <strong>in</strong><br />
the garden and kitchen through<br />
the com<strong>in</strong>g months. They stand<br />
proud <strong>in</strong> the cool-season vegie<br />
patch, provid<strong>in</strong>g colour and texture when<br />
it’s needed most, and they’re an essential<br />
<strong>in</strong>gredient <strong>in</strong> hearty dishes <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sausages with braised cabbage or favourites<br />
such as coleslaw.<br />
Cabbage ‘Red Drumhead’ is as decorative<br />
<strong>in</strong> the garden as it is on the table, with rich<br />
dark–purple heads that are jam-packed with<br />
antioxidants and contrast<strong>in</strong>g blue-green<br />
outer leaves. ‘Red Express’ is another<br />
strik<strong>in</strong>g form, with deep red heads that<br />
weigh up to 1.8kg. Savoy cabbages have a<br />
wonderful flavour and the French heirloom<br />
‘Savoy Vertus’ is one of the best, cherished<br />
for its sweet, mild flavour and attractive,<br />
cr<strong>in</strong>kled, blue-green foliage. It’s a great<br />
choice for tasty coleslaw.<br />
‘January K<strong>in</strong>g’ is another proven performer.<br />
It’s a semi-Savoy type with attractive green,<br />
Most cabbages are<br />
grown as a cool-season<br />
crop but if you choose<br />
varieties carefully, you<br />
can produce them<br />
year-round.<br />
p<strong>in</strong>k and blue leaves and big, tasty heads<br />
up to 6.5kg <strong>in</strong> weight. If space is limited, try<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>i cabbages with compact heads.<br />
Most cabbages are grown as a coolseason<br />
crop but if you choose varieties<br />
carefully, you can produce them year-round.<br />
And, while they generally prefer cooler<br />
climates, there are some types, such as<br />
Sugarloaf cabbages, that are more tolerant of<br />
warm temperatures.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g conditions: Cabbages enjoy<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> full sun <strong>in</strong> a rich, well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
soil, so prepare beds first with plenty of<br />
compost and organic matter. They prefer a<br />
pH somewhere around 6–6.5, so add lime to<br />
the soil if necessary. Give them a good dose<br />
of liquid organic fertiliser every two weeks<br />
throughout the grow<strong>in</strong>g season.<br />
Sow<strong>in</strong>g seed: Sow cabbage seeds 6–10mm<br />
deep <strong>in</strong>to trays of seed-rais<strong>in</strong>g mix and<br />
transplant <strong>in</strong>to the garden four to six weeks<br />
later. Space plants 40cm apart, with 60–<br />
70cm between rows.<br />
Cabbage label<br />
Common name: Cabbage<br />
Botanical name: Brassica oleracea var.<br />
capitata<br />
Requires: Full sun; well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed soil<br />
Dislikes: Weed competition, lack of<br />
water<br />
Suitable for: Garden beds, conta<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
(m<strong>in</strong>i forms)<br />
Habit: Small bush<br />
Needs: Friable soil, regular water<br />
Propagation: Seed, seedl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Difficulty: Easy<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g tip: Guard young seedl<strong>in</strong>gs from<br />
<strong>in</strong>vad<strong>in</strong>g cabbage white butterflies with a<br />
protective net or try grow<strong>in</strong>g red cabbages,<br />
which can be less prone to attack.<br />
Harvest: Cabbages can take 12–14 weeks or<br />
longer to mature. You’ll know it’s harvest time<br />
when the heads feel firm and solid.<br />
46 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Snow peas & sugar snaps | TIME TO PLANT<br />
Snow peas & sugar snaps<br />
Pisum sativum var. saccharatum & macrocarpon<br />
Mangetouts, or peas that are eaten whole, are easy to grow<br />
and versatile <strong>in</strong> the kitchen<br />
CanStockPhoto, Kerry Boyne<br />
Words Melissa K<strong>in</strong>g<br />
If you haven’t crunched your way through<br />
a crop of snow peas or sugar snaps, you’re<br />
truly miss<strong>in</strong>g out. Unlike common garden<br />
peas, which are usually shelled, snow peas<br />
and sugar snap peas can be devoured whole<br />
straight from the v<strong>in</strong>e or used to br<strong>in</strong>g sweet<br />
flavour and crisp texture to Asian-style<br />
stir-fries and fresh garden salads.<br />
There are climb<strong>in</strong>g snow peas, which<br />
grow to 2m tall and produce sweet, crunchy<br />
pods that are delicious picked fresh and<br />
eaten whole, or dwarf types that produce<br />
good yields on plants that grow to just<br />
60cm. Look out for named varieties such as<br />
climb<strong>in</strong>g ‘Yakumo’, which is both decorative<br />
and tasty with its big, flat, light-green pods<br />
and showy purple flowers, or ‘Melt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Mammoth’, which boasts a heavy crop of<br />
deliciously tasty pods on a 2m-tall plant.<br />
‘Oregon Sugar’ is a bush variety that’s full<br />
of flavour with crisp, tender pods on a plant<br />
just 70cm tall.<br />
Also look out for climb<strong>in</strong>g sugar snap<br />
peas, which can reach 2m with a plump,<br />
tasty crop that can be eaten pod and<br />
all straight from the garden or shelled.<br />
‘Cascadia’ is a very productive variety, with<br />
sweet, juicy pods on a climb<strong>in</strong>g plant just<br />
over a metre tall.<br />
Dwarf varieties reach<strong>in</strong>g just 60cm tall<br />
can be grown with little support. ‘Sugar<br />
Ann’ is one of the sweetest bush types<br />
around and highly productive, smothered<br />
<strong>in</strong> crisp, pale-green pods that snap like a<br />
green bean.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g conditions: If you’ve grown a good<br />
crop of common garden peas at home, you’ll<br />
likely have success with edible podded peas,<br />
too, because their cultivation requirements<br />
are similar. Edible podded peas prefer cool,<br />
moist grow<strong>in</strong>g conditions, so direct-sow<br />
the seed from autumn to spr<strong>in</strong>g. Choose<br />
Young, tender pea shoots<br />
are edible too. They have<br />
a dist<strong>in</strong>ctive pea flavour<br />
and taste fabulous<br />
<strong>in</strong> salads.<br />
a sunny, sheltered spot and prepare the<br />
soil first with compost and organic matter.<br />
Apply lime to the soil if need be as peas<br />
don’t like acidity. Plant seeds 3–5cm deep<br />
and 7cm apart.<br />
Grow<strong>in</strong>g tip: You’ll need to erect a trellis<br />
or tepee for taller climb<strong>in</strong>g varieties. Dwarf<br />
varieties are generally self-support<strong>in</strong>g but may<br />
benefit from a short trellis or other support.<br />
Harvest: Snow peas are best picked when<br />
flat and unripe and before they become str<strong>in</strong>gy<br />
and the peas start to swell, so harvest the pods<br />
every few days so they don’t over-mature.<br />
Sugar snap peas are picked when the pods are<br />
plump and rounded.<br />
Harvest tip: Young, tender pea shoots<br />
are edible too. They have a dist<strong>in</strong>ctive pea<br />
flavour and taste fabulous <strong>in</strong> salads.<br />
Snow peas & sugar<br />
snaps label<br />
Common names: Snow peas, sugar<br />
snaps, snap peas, mangetout<br />
Botanical name: Pisum sativum var.<br />
saccharatum & macrocarpon<br />
Family: Fabaceae<br />
Requires: Full sun, sheltered<br />
Dislikes: Acidity<br />
Suitable for: Vegetable gardens,<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
Habit: Annual<br />
Needs: Cool, moist season<br />
Propagation: Seed<br />
Difficulty: Medium<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 47
GARDEN DIARY | Late autumn<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>gs to do <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>May</strong><br />
Autumn has its own smell, a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of the scent of soil after ra<strong>in</strong> and<br />
decompos<strong>in</strong>g leaves. It’s a great time to garden<br />
By Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
Vegetables<br />
COOL & TEMPERATE<br />
In cool and <strong>in</strong>land areas, it’s time to be on<br />
frost alert. The icy rem<strong>in</strong>ders of w<strong>in</strong>ter are<br />
likely to beg<strong>in</strong> this month. Frosts br<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
end to pumpk<strong>in</strong> v<strong>in</strong>es, sweet potatoes and<br />
even choko v<strong>in</strong>es, but help clear up pests<br />
and weeds. Clear away frost-damaged annual<br />
vegies (harvest any vegies that rema<strong>in</strong> on<br />
the v<strong>in</strong>es). The cleared space can be used<br />
for late-w<strong>in</strong>ter and spr<strong>in</strong>g sow<strong>in</strong>g of kale and<br />
other brassicas, along with peas.<br />
TROPICAL<br />
The dry and mild weather of autumn<br />
provides ideal grow<strong>in</strong>g conditions for a wide<br />
range of vegetables. Get plant<strong>in</strong>g! Legumes,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g beans, broad beans and peas,<br />
can go <strong>in</strong>, along with salad vegetables such<br />
1<br />
as tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens and<br />
herbs. Plant asparagus crowns <strong>in</strong> a raised,<br />
well-dra<strong>in</strong>ed bed where they can be grown<br />
for several years.<br />
Fruit<br />
COOL & TEMPERATE<br />
Prepare to protect subtropical fruit trees<br />
(such as lemon and other citrus) <strong>in</strong> cold,<br />
frost-prone areas. Even where frosts are not<br />
common, cold w<strong>in</strong>ter w<strong>in</strong>ds can damage<br />
these sensitive plants. Move potted plants<br />
<strong>in</strong>to shelter, wrap citrus trunks to protect<br />
the graft area (use hessian or corrugated<br />
cardboard) and cover other frost-susceptible<br />
plants such as mango.<br />
Deciduous fruit trees survive the w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
chills by enter<strong>in</strong>g dormancy. This means they<br />
can be planted now and <strong>in</strong> the months ahead<br />
as bare-rooted plants. View what’s available<br />
at your local nursery or order bare-rooted<br />
stock direct from suppliers. Always check<br />
whether a fruit or nut tree needs a poll<strong>in</strong>ator<br />
to form fruit and plant the appropriate<br />
poll<strong>in</strong>ator as well. Some plants are available<br />
multi-grafted with a compatible poll<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
Although they are dormant, it’s still necessary<br />
to protect their roots from dry<strong>in</strong>g out before<br />
they are planted. Ensure roots are well<br />
wrapped or protected with soil or pott<strong>in</strong>g mix.<br />
TROPICAL<br />
Custard apples come <strong>in</strong>to their own now as<br />
the large, green, knobby fruit beg<strong>in</strong>s to ripen.<br />
Some trees take many years to produce any<br />
fruit — even named, grafted varieties — so<br />
patience and often hand poll<strong>in</strong>ation are<br />
required. Don’t be put off by the outside; the<br />
cool cream flesh <strong>in</strong>side is always delicious<br />
(spit out the brown seeds). To keep trees<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g and productive, apply a little slowrelease<br />
organic fertiliser each season. For a<br />
fast-cropp<strong>in</strong>g, compact plant, look out for<br />
‘Tropic Sun’, which is more reliably self-fertile<br />
than older varieties and has fewer seeds.<br />
Compost & soil<br />
COOL & TEMPERATE<br />
Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to rake and pile up the season’s<br />
bounty of fallen leaves. Add them to compost<br />
and leaf b<strong>in</strong>s. Use any of last year’s leaf<br />
mould to dig <strong>in</strong> to prepare the soil for new<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>gs or to cover w<strong>in</strong>ter-bare soil before<br />
spr<strong>in</strong>g plant<strong>in</strong>gs. This nutritious mulch can<br />
also be spread around fruit<strong>in</strong>g trees.<br />
TROPICAL<br />
Soil, particularly sandy soil, under a thick<br />
layer of mulch can become water repellent.<br />
Current research suggests a th<strong>in</strong> layer<br />
of coarse mulch provides all the benefits<br />
without block<strong>in</strong>g out water or caus<strong>in</strong>g<br />
water repellence <strong>in</strong> soils . Water the area<br />
to be mulched well, spread a th<strong>in</strong> layer of<br />
compost over the soil then top with several<br />
centimetres of coarse mulch. For more on the<br />
best ways to mulch, see page 38.<br />
2<br />
CanStockPhoto<br />
48 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Late autumn | GARDEN DIARY<br />
4<br />
5<br />
3<br />
Squash ’em<br />
Brassicas, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g kale, cabbage, Brussels<br />
sprouts and broccoli, are magnets for cabbage<br />
white butterflies. Regularly <strong>in</strong>spect the leaves<br />
for these very hungry green caterpillars and<br />
squash any you spot, along with their eggs,<br />
which may be found under the leaves.<br />
1. Collect fallen leaves for the compost heap or to use as mulch<br />
2. Asparagus plants will produce for several years<br />
<strong>3.</strong> Protect your brassicas from the cabbage white butterfly caterpillar<br />
4. A th<strong>in</strong> layer of coarse mulch is preferable to deep mulch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
5. Custard apples are ripen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> tropical areas<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 49
GARDEN DIARY | Early w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>gs to do <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>June</strong><br />
On the calendar, <strong>June</strong> marks the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of w<strong>in</strong>ter but it’s<br />
often a time of settled weather and short but pleasant days.<br />
Make the most of the good weather to work <strong>in</strong> your garden<br />
By Jennifer Stackhouse<br />
Vegetables<br />
COOL & TEMPERATE<br />
In cold zones, it can be tempt<strong>in</strong>g to put the<br />
garden to bed over w<strong>in</strong>ter. If you want a break<br />
or plan to be away, simply lay mulch over the<br />
garden as crops are harvested and the plants<br />
pulled out. This will deter weeds and break<br />
down to feed the soil. Another option is to sow<br />
a green manure crop to be dug <strong>in</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g early<br />
spr<strong>in</strong>g. Legumes are the best crops to grow<br />
to naturally improve soil fertility as they add<br />
nitrogen. For those who want to make the most<br />
of the cooler conditions to grow for an earlyspr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
harvest, plant broad beans, peas and<br />
bassicas. In very cold areas, postpone plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
peas until later <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter. Not all crops need to<br />
be harvested all at once. Carrots, parsnips and<br />
many other root vegetables can be pulled from<br />
the ground as they are needed dur<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />
TROPICAL<br />
Any vegetable can be grown almost<br />
anywhere; it’s just a matter of f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
time of the year with the right conditions.<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong> the tropics is the season to grow<br />
vegies that prefer cool, dry summers. Pests<br />
and diseases will also be less troublesome.<br />
Normally, tender English sp<strong>in</strong>ach, peas, leeks<br />
1<br />
and herbs that would rather be grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the Mediterranean grow strongly over the dry<br />
months ahead. As many herbs are perennial<br />
and cont<strong>in</strong>ue grow<strong>in</strong>g year-round, conf<strong>in</strong>e<br />
them to large pots that can be moved <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a more sheltered position later <strong>in</strong> the year<br />
when ra<strong>in</strong>s and humidity return. Also plant<br />
sweet corn, zucch<strong>in</strong>i, tomatoes and potatoes.<br />
Fruit<br />
COOL & TEMPERATE<br />
Over w<strong>in</strong>ter, cont<strong>in</strong>ue to harvest and enjoy<br />
the citrus bounty that’s hang<strong>in</strong>g on your<br />
trees. If you have space, this is the season<br />
to plant fruit trees, particularly deciduous<br />
varieties such as apples, cherries, peaches,<br />
pears, plums and nectar<strong>in</strong>es. If space is<br />
tight, consider grow<strong>in</strong>g trees as espaliers<br />
(tra<strong>in</strong>ed aga<strong>in</strong>st a wall or along wires) or<br />
look for compact varieties or those grafted<br />
on dwarf<strong>in</strong>g rootstock. Multi-grafts are also<br />
space sav<strong>in</strong>g. Although the trees may be<br />
smaller and more compact, their fruit is<br />
normal sized. Before plant<strong>in</strong>g, dig the soil over,<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> well-rotted manure and compost.<br />
Remove rocks, clods and weeds. Concentrate<br />
on prepar<strong>in</strong>g a wide area that’s at least as<br />
deep as the root ball of the new plant. Before<br />
putt<strong>in</strong>g roots <strong>in</strong> the ground, trim those that<br />
are broken. Soak the root ball <strong>in</strong> a bucket of<br />
water with added seaweed solution. When it’s<br />
well hydrated, plant it and use the contents of<br />
the bucket to water over the plant.<br />
TROPICAL<br />
Does your backyard orchard produce<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g to harvest year-round? If not, plan<br />
additions to provide fruit <strong>in</strong> the downtimes,<br />
such as dur<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>ter and early spr<strong>in</strong>g. Seek<br />
<strong>in</strong>spiration about what fruits are <strong>in</strong> season<br />
<strong>in</strong> your area now by talk<strong>in</strong>g to stallholders<br />
at local grower markets. Fresh and available<br />
now are citrus <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g mandar<strong>in</strong>, grapefruit,<br />
lemon and orange. Others to plant for a<br />
cool-season harvest <strong>in</strong>clude custard apple<br />
(see more <strong>in</strong>formation on page 48) and<br />
persimmon. Passionfruit cont<strong>in</strong>ues to ripen<br />
well <strong>in</strong>to w<strong>in</strong>ter. These v<strong>in</strong>es grow well over<br />
an arbour or along a wire fence and can be<br />
used to provide summer shade to vegies.<br />
Compost & soil<br />
COOL & TEMPERATE<br />
As the weather gets colder, your warm<br />
compost heap may be a haven for rodents,<br />
especially rats and mice. Once they set up<br />
home <strong>in</strong> the compost heap, they are difficult<br />
to evict. To avoid rodents, use a covered b<strong>in</strong><br />
set <strong>in</strong>to the earth or change to a compost<br />
tumbler. It’s off the ground and out of<br />
reach of rodents! Where these pests are a<br />
big problem, consider bury<strong>in</strong>g compost <strong>in</strong><br />
trenches dug <strong>in</strong>to the soil <strong>in</strong> an area of the<br />
garden to be replanted.<br />
TROPICAL<br />
Get heavy work out of the way while<br />
conditions are cooler and less humid. Get<br />
stuck <strong>in</strong>to mak<strong>in</strong>g new garden beds, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
raised beds, spread<strong>in</strong>g fresh mulch or clear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out the chook shed and replac<strong>in</strong>g perches.<br />
Barrow chook manure and debris from the<br />
chook shed straight to the orchard where<br />
it can be spread under fruit trees as mulch.<br />
Alternatively, add it to the compost pile.<br />
2<br />
50 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Early w<strong>in</strong>ter | GARDEN DIARY<br />
Not all crops need to be<br />
harvested all at once. Carrots,<br />
parsnips and many other root<br />
vegetables can be pulled from<br />
the ground as they are needed<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />
3<br />
Broad beans<br />
These tall, brittle plants grow best if they are corralled us<strong>in</strong>g stakes and<br />
str<strong>in</strong>gs. Alternatively, grow them aga<strong>in</strong>st a trellis on a fence or stake <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
plants with a bamboo stake. The support is needed to protect them as they<br />
grow, as these brittle-stemmed plants are easily broken <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>dy weather or<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g heavy ra<strong>in</strong>. Even dwarf forms may require support to prevent damage.<br />
Tall broad bean varieties can be more than 2m high. These grow well aga<strong>in</strong>st<br />
a trellis or even a piece of reo (re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g wire) and can be an attractive and<br />
productive garden plant. For someth<strong>in</strong>g a little different, look for crimsonflowered<br />
broad beans to br<strong>in</strong>g a splash of colour to the garden.<br />
1. Cont<strong>in</strong>ue to enjoy your citrus bounty<br />
2. Now is a good time to put <strong>in</strong> a sweet corn crop <strong>in</strong> warmer areas<br />
<strong>3.</strong> Passionfruit cont<strong>in</strong>ues to ripen well <strong>in</strong>to w<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong> tropical areas<br />
4. Soy can make good green manure<br />
4<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 51
BIODYNAMICS BASICS | Part II<br />
Fill<strong>in</strong>g the cow horns<br />
STRANGE BREW<br />
Cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g our special feature on biodynamics, we look at some<br />
of the preparations and methods used <strong>in</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g food accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to founder Rudolf Ste<strong>in</strong>er’s philosophy<br />
Words Claire Bickle<br />
In ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a susta<strong>in</strong>able garden<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or farm<strong>in</strong>g system, many of the organic<br />
practices and materials most of us use<br />
already are well <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with biodynamic<br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciples. The key element is soil fertility,<br />
which is where biodynamic preparations<br />
come <strong>in</strong>to the picture.<br />
These preparations made and used by<br />
biodynamic growers are sometimes a source<br />
of amusement to those who don’t understand<br />
or believe <strong>in</strong> — and even scoff at — their<br />
highly beneficial effects on soil, plants and<br />
our environment <strong>in</strong> general.<br />
Some may f<strong>in</strong>d it a little hard to believe<br />
that the bury<strong>in</strong>g of cow horns, the various<br />
brews used to fertilise the garden/farm<br />
and even the method of spread<strong>in</strong>g these<br />
preparations all draw on the cosmic energy<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the universe, which impacts on<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g, right down to our small patches<br />
of earth. But, as with most th<strong>in</strong>gs, the proof is<br />
always <strong>in</strong> the results.<br />
There are many k<strong>in</strong>ds of biodynamic<br />
preparations and, these days, several of<br />
them can be readily purchased from organic<br />
garden<strong>in</strong>g groups, onl<strong>in</strong>e organic garden<br />
suppliers and even local garden centres.<br />
The orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
preparations<br />
Horn Manure 500: Cow horns are filled<br />
with manure from lactat<strong>in</strong>g cows and are<br />
then buried with their po<strong>in</strong>ts fac<strong>in</strong>g upwards<br />
and left to ferment over w<strong>in</strong>ter. The horns<br />
are dug up after about four months and the<br />
fermented manure is heavily diluted and used<br />
as a spray up to four times a year.<br />
Benefits: Strong soil humus formation,<br />
improved soil crumb structure, <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
soil bacteria and rhizobial activity,<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased earthworm activity, development<br />
of deeper root systems and better<br />
52 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Part II | BIODYNAMICS BASICS<br />
Gett<strong>in</strong>g started<br />
with biodyn amics:<br />
a checklist<br />
Learn the basic pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of soil care<br />
and fertility.<br />
Understand the practical physical<br />
requirements of us<strong>in</strong>g biodynamic<br />
preparations.<br />
Make contact with other biodynamic<br />
farmers or gardeners.<br />
Assess the state of your soil.<br />
Have a plan to improve your soil and<br />
levels of organic matter for healthier,<br />
more productive plants and fewer pest,<br />
disease and weed issues.<br />
Look out for local biodynamic<br />
workshops for farmers or gardeners<br />
and take the time to have a look around<br />
the Biodynamic Agricultural Australia<br />
website, biodynamics.net.au.<br />
absorption and retention of water.<br />
Horn Silica 501: Quartz crystals are<br />
ground up and placed <strong>in</strong> cow horns, which<br />
are buried <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g and dug up <strong>in</strong> autumn.<br />
Benefits: Plants become more resistant<br />
to <strong>in</strong>sect attack and have a better uptake<br />
of nutrients. Prevents fungal diseases and<br />
<strong>in</strong>sect attack by strengthen<strong>in</strong>g the plant<br />
cuticle, <strong>in</strong>creases sugar and nutrient levels<br />
<strong>in</strong> fruit and improves keep<strong>in</strong>g qualities.<br />
(Note that a mask should be worn when<br />
deal<strong>in</strong>g with quartz or silica dust.)<br />
Reibundweise CC, Claire Bickle<br />
A vortex can be created <strong>in</strong> a<br />
simple bucket (above) or <strong>in</strong> a<br />
purpose-built flowform<br />
Stirr<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
application<br />
Both of the above preparations are made<br />
<strong>in</strong>to liquid sprays, or teas. Once the quartz<br />
or manure is extracted, it’s placed <strong>in</strong> a<br />
bucket with ra<strong>in</strong> water (preferably) and<br />
then stirred either mechanically or by<br />
hand, or us<strong>in</strong>g more recent <strong>in</strong>novations<br />
such as flowforms.<br />
The stirr<strong>in</strong>g and application of these<br />
biodynamic preparations is at the core of<br />
biodynamic practice.<br />
The stirr<strong>in</strong>g creates a steady vortex<br />
and, once it is up to speed, the stirr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
direction is changed to create chaos<br />
before a new vortex forms from the<br />
change of direction. It’s then rested<br />
before start<strong>in</strong>g all over aga<strong>in</strong>. Ste<strong>in</strong>er<br />
recommended that the stirr<strong>in</strong>g process<br />
be a group activity to create the right<br />
sort of positive atmosphere.<br />
Once they are properly stirred, the<br />
preparations are diluted with water <strong>in</strong>to<br />
sprays that are applied us<strong>in</strong>g a hearth<br />
brush <strong>in</strong> a forward flick<strong>in</strong>g manner. A 20L<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 53
BIODYNAMICS BASICS | Part II<br />
Some may f<strong>in</strong>d it a little hard to believe that the<br />
bury<strong>in</strong>g of cow horns, the various brews used to<br />
fertilise the garden/farm and even the method<br />
of spread<strong>in</strong>g these preparations all draw on the<br />
cosmic energy with<strong>in</strong> the universe ...<br />
bucket should cover a small garden to<br />
one hectare. Most gardeners and farmers<br />
would look at apply<strong>in</strong>g these preparations<br />
around twice a year.<br />
For foliar applications, a spray bottle or<br />
backpack sprayer makes distribution of the<br />
preparation easy. The preparations can also<br />
be added to your compost heap.<br />
Compost preparations<br />
It’s safe to say that most people, whether<br />
gardeners or not, understand the benefits of<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g compost to soil. With<strong>in</strong> biodynamics,<br />
compost<strong>in</strong>g is one of the tools used <strong>in</strong><br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g the garden or farm a susta<strong>in</strong>able<br />
closed unit, where noth<strong>in</strong>g leaves the<br />
location as waste.<br />
The biodynamic compost<strong>in</strong>g method is<br />
similar to most traditional hot compost<strong>in</strong>g<br />
methods, but with the addition of various<br />
beneficial preparations and manure<br />
concentrates. The standard important<br />
factors rema<strong>in</strong> the same, though, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
quantities/percentages of nitrogen<br />
and carbon <strong>in</strong>gredients, heat, air and<br />
moisture levels.<br />
Preparations that are added to biodynamic<br />
composts <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
502: Yarrow<br />
503: Chamomile<br />
504: Nettle<br />
505: Oak bark<br />
506: Dandelion<br />
507: Valerian<br />
Note: These are added to a biodynamic<br />
compost heap <strong>in</strong> set amounts and locations.<br />
A detailed application table can be found on the<br />
Biodynamic Agriculture Australia website.<br />
Other methods traditionally used by<br />
biodynamic farmers and gardeners to<br />
add fertility to the soil are the sow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and grow<strong>in</strong>g of green manure crops as<br />
well as the addition rock dust m<strong>in</strong>erals<br />
to the soil.<br />
Weed<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Generally, weeds are present for a reason: they<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicate the health of the soil. Is the soil<br />
bare and <strong>in</strong> need of stabilis<strong>in</strong>g? Or is there<br />
perhaps a deeper issue regard<strong>in</strong>g soil pH or<br />
nutrient levels?<br />
Weeds can be beneficial, and work<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
them or prevent<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong> the first place can<br />
be a lot easier than work<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st them. But,<br />
if that’s not possible, here are some methods to<br />
help you deal with unwanted weeds:<br />
If it’s bare earth, plant someth<strong>in</strong>g of your<br />
choice to cover the exposed earth and<br />
stabilise the soil.<br />
Consider sow<strong>in</strong>g grass seed species that will<br />
outcompete the weeds <strong>in</strong> a grassed area.<br />
For larger, shrub-type weeds, plant a<br />
tree that will eventually grow to shade<br />
out the weeds.<br />
Hand removal and steam weed<strong>in</strong>g are<br />
other organic options.<br />
Shutterstock, Claire Bickle<br />
54 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Part II | BIODYNAMICS BASICS<br />
Pests and diseases<br />
The biodynamic philosophy on pest and<br />
disease outbreaks is the same as for weed<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
there must be an imbalance to cause the<br />
issue <strong>in</strong> the first place. Insects can tell when<br />
a plant is under stress, so they often act as<br />
the messengers br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g the plant’s ill-health to<br />
your attention.<br />
Spray<strong>in</strong>g the attack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>sect will not<br />
remedy the <strong>in</strong>itial cause of the plant’s decl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
and consequent <strong>in</strong>sect <strong>in</strong>festation. Look for<br />
the possible causes that have weakened your<br />
crop or plant. These <strong>in</strong>clude poor soil condition,<br />
<strong>in</strong>adequate amount and frequency of water<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
lack of good nutrition, different soil preferences,<br />
preferred climate zone of plant species,<br />
seasonal temperatures and weather extremes.<br />
Plant<strong>in</strong>g for biodiversity is another<br />
strongly held remedy. Grow a variety of<br />
flower<strong>in</strong>g plants to attack beneficial <strong>in</strong>sects.<br />
Surround<strong>in</strong>g native vegetation can also play<br />
an important role <strong>in</strong> creat<strong>in</strong>g habitat for<br />
predat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>sects as well as bird life.<br />
While this is only a brief <strong>in</strong>troduction to<br />
the basics of biodynamics, there is much<br />
more to learn and understand, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g other<br />
preparations such as equisetum 508 tea,<br />
potentis<strong>in</strong>g peppers, horn clay and tree<br />
pastes. Visit biodynamics.net.au for<br />
<strong>in</strong>-depth, detailed <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
Plant<strong>in</strong>g for biodiversity is a<br />
fundamental of biodynamics<br />
<strong>Good</strong> organic vegetables<br />
deserve a great<br />
natural brush.<br />
Eco Max Tiger Veggie Scrubber – For stockists www.importants.com.au<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 55
MOON PLANTING | <strong>May</strong><br />
<strong>May</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />
The end of autumn br<strong>in</strong>gs some colder weather, mak<strong>in</strong>g it a great<br />
time for plant<strong>in</strong>g brassicas, peas and lots of lovely leafy greens<br />
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY<br />
30 31 01<br />
02 03 04 05 06 07 08<br />
5.30am<br />
09 10 11 12 13 14 15<br />
<strong>3.</strong>02am<br />
16 17 18 19 20 21 22<br />
23 24 25 26 27 28 29<br />
7.15am<br />
10.12pm<br />
Times are Australian Eastern Standard Time (AESTD). WA, SA and NT will need to adjust. Dur<strong>in</strong>g daylight sav<strong>in</strong>g add 1 hour.<br />
Fruit<strong>in</strong>g annuals<br />
Sow or plant annuals that are<br />
Root crops<br />
Sow or plant crops that produce<br />
Leafy greens<br />
Sow or plant crops that are<br />
Avoid plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The last quarter phase is not<br />
grown for their fruits or seeds.<br />
This is best done dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
first quarter phase between first<br />
quarter and full moon, when sap is<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g drawn upwards.<br />
below the ground, and also plant<br />
perennials. This is best done <strong>in</strong> the<br />
full moon phase between full moon<br />
and last quarter when sap flow is<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g drawn downwards.<br />
grown for their foliage. This is<br />
best done dur<strong>in</strong>g the new moon<br />
phase between new moon and<br />
first quarter when sap is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
drawn upwards.<br />
a good period for sow<strong>in</strong>g or<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g, so is best used work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on improv<strong>in</strong>g soil, weed<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g compost and other<br />
general chores.<br />
New moon First quarter Full moon Last quarter<br />
When the moon is wax<strong>in</strong>g from new moon towards full moon, it is<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g light and draw<strong>in</strong>g sap flow upwards. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the wan<strong>in</strong>g from full<br />
moon back to new moon, light decreases and sap is drawn downwards..<br />
This movement of sap flow has an <strong>in</strong>fluence on how<br />
well new plants will grow. There are four phases, each last<strong>in</strong>g seven to<br />
eight days. Sow<strong>in</strong>g, plant<strong>in</strong>g and tak<strong>in</strong>g cutt<strong>in</strong>gs should not be done <strong>in</strong> the<br />
12 hours before and after each phase. If you want to work <strong>in</strong> the garden at<br />
that time, carry out general tasks and improve your soil for plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
56 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
<strong>June</strong> | MOON PLANTING<br />
<strong>June</strong> <strong>2016</strong><br />
W<strong>in</strong>ter’s officially here, so it’s time to get your garlic, chives and<br />
onions go<strong>in</strong>g, along with hearty root vegies <strong>in</strong> warmer climes<br />
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY<br />
01 02 03 04 05<br />
06 07 08 09 10 11 12<br />
1.00pm<br />
13 14 15 16 17 18 19<br />
6.10pm<br />
20 21 22 23 24 25 26<br />
9.02pm<br />
27 28 29 30<br />
4.19am<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 57
POTS<br />
OF PLENTY<br />
Whether you have poor<br />
soil, little yard space or<br />
too much shade over<br />
garden beds — or you’re<br />
20 floors up — you can<br />
still grow food plants<br />
Words & photos Claire Bickle<br />
IIt isn’t always a lack of space that makes<br />
gardeners turn to grow<strong>in</strong>g their edible<br />
plants <strong>in</strong> conta<strong>in</strong>ers. There are myriad<br />
other good reasons for grow<strong>in</strong>g food<br />
crops <strong>in</strong> conta<strong>in</strong>ers. Some <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
High-rise liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Poor backyard soil<br />
Limited sunlight <strong>in</strong> the garden<br />
Physical or health issues (eg bad back)<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g time poor<br />
Your xhosen plant species hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
specific requirements<br />
The benefits of conta<strong>in</strong>er grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
Be<strong>in</strong>g able to provide specific<br />
microclimates by mov<strong>in</strong>g conta<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
around, as well as provid<strong>in</strong>g protection from<br />
hot summer sun, prevail<strong>in</strong>g strong w<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
and frost <strong>in</strong> low-ly<strong>in</strong>g areas.<br />
Edibles can be very ornamental and<br />
you can even plant your herbs and<br />
vegetables mixed with flower<strong>in</strong>g annuals<br />
for added colour.<br />
Ease of access for harvest<strong>in</strong>g as hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
potted edibles near to where you cook<br />
makes it easy to harvest on the spot.<br />
Protection from possums, birds and<br />
<strong>in</strong>sects by be<strong>in</strong>g able to easily cover a<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>er from top to bottom with some<br />
form of nett<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
There are also some drawbacks:<br />
The logistics of gett<strong>in</strong>g pott<strong>in</strong>g mix<br />
and larger conta<strong>in</strong>ers up <strong>in</strong>to units can<br />
be considerable.<br />
Harvest yields can be smaller compared<br />
with <strong>in</strong>-ground-grown crops.<br />
Pots can become hot, which can<br />
place stress on the plants and even<br />
damage roots.<br />
Plants grown <strong>in</strong> pots generally require more<br />
water and fertiliser.<br />
Balconies are often exposed to<br />
strong w<strong>in</strong>ds, mean<strong>in</strong>g protection and<br />
microclimates may need to be set up.<br />
Whatever your reason, grow<strong>in</strong>g edibles <strong>in</strong><br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ers can be fun and super easy when<br />
you follow a few basic considerations.<br />
Location is, of course, very important and<br />
most edibles require a sunny position, which<br />
equates to at least four to six hours direct<br />
sun a day.<br />
Can Stock Photo, Shutterstock<br />
58 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Edibles <strong>in</strong> conta<strong>in</strong>ers | WEEKEND GARDENING<br />
Pots and conta<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
Size matters. The smaller the pot, the quicker<br />
it can dry out and the choice of plant you<br />
are grow<strong>in</strong>g is a factor to consider also. A tall<br />
cherry tomato isn’t go<strong>in</strong>g to come to fruition<br />
<strong>in</strong> a t<strong>in</strong>y 100mL pot, for example. So consider<br />
what it is you want to grow and what the size<br />
these edibles are at maturity. Larger pots will<br />
generally give you better results.<br />
Plastic or terracotta? The choice is vast<br />
these days, with the type and variety of<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>ers and grow<strong>in</strong>g set-ups available to<br />
the home gardener. Plastic won’t dry out as<br />
quickly as terracotta, but you may prefer the<br />
look of a ceramic or terracotta pot. One way<br />
around this is to plant <strong>in</strong> the plastic pot but<br />
sit it <strong>in</strong>side the decorative pot to get the best<br />
of both worlds.<br />
Large pots once filled with soil and plants<br />
will be usually very heavy and a challenge to<br />
move. Consider pot stands with wheels on<br />
the bottom.<br />
There are also some great alternatives<br />
to pots:<br />
Green-wall set-ups are excellent options<br />
for us<strong>in</strong>g every square <strong>in</strong>ch of space of<br />
a verandah, courtyard, empty wall, fence<br />
or lattice. Some even have their own<br />
irrigation system.<br />
Stacker pots are like giant oversized<br />
strawberry planters of old.<br />
Trough stands are another great way to<br />
use every bit of space by hav<strong>in</strong>g multiple<br />
long troughs stacked and locked <strong>in</strong>to place<br />
on a metal stand.<br />
Baskets, whether hang<strong>in</strong>g or wall types,<br />
can also be used to grow edibles.<br />
Balcony planter holders are a good way<br />
to use your verandah rail<strong>in</strong>gs as grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
space. These are made to either hook on<br />
or drill <strong>in</strong>to place metal frames <strong>in</strong> which you<br />
place your pot or trough.<br />
Balcony pots go the next step and do away<br />
with the need for a holder/bracket as the<br />
pot itself slots over the rail<strong>in</strong>g and is held <strong>in</strong><br />
place with a few screws.<br />
Freestand<strong>in</strong>g planter troughs are usually<br />
on legs, which makes them easier to<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> and keeps them off the ground.<br />
Potted lettuce<br />
can look quite<br />
decorative<br />
Tomatoes do well <strong>in</strong><br />
pots, especially self<br />
water<strong>in</strong>g types<br />
Some have self-water<strong>in</strong>g reservoirs too.<br />
Get creative and do some upcycl<strong>in</strong>g of old<br />
jeans, boots, laundry tubs, wheelbarrows,<br />
pallets and suitcases to use them as vessels<br />
for grow<strong>in</strong>g plants.<br />
Note: Dra<strong>in</strong>age holes are essential and need<br />
to be checked when choos<strong>in</strong>g or mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your conta<strong>in</strong>ers.<br />
For water edibles, seal up dra<strong>in</strong>age holes or<br />
choose a pond bowl with no dra<strong>in</strong>age holes and<br />
you have an <strong>in</strong>stant water feature <strong>in</strong> which you<br />
can grow edibles such as water chestnuts, kang<br />
kong, Vietnamese m<strong>in</strong>t and watercress. You also<br />
provide water for bees, frogs and other<br />
t<strong>in</strong>y creatures..<br />
Pott<strong>in</strong>g mixes<br />
You really do get what you pay for when it<br />
comes to pott<strong>in</strong>g mixes. I always suggest<br />
purchas<strong>in</strong>g a mix that has all the Australian<br />
standards ticks on the side of the bag. These<br />
high-quality pott<strong>in</strong>g mixes have good waterhold<strong>in</strong>g<br />
capacity, as well as slow-release<br />
fertilisers and re-wett<strong>in</strong>g agents. They are made<br />
with clean, good-quality <strong>in</strong>gredients. Some may<br />
Radishes<br />
grown <strong>in</strong> a pot<br />
arkliv<strong>in</strong>g pots are<br />
designed for those<br />
with no garden<br />
who still want to<br />
enjoy homegrown<br />
Plants grown <strong>in</strong> pots generally require<br />
more water and fertiliser.<br />
even have water crystals added. There a few<br />
certified-organic mixes available also.<br />
Look for the Australian Certified symbol<br />
on the front of the bag. Just hav<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
word “organic” on the label doesn’t mean it’s<br />
certified organic. The same goes for sprays<br />
and fertilisers.<br />
Fertilisers<br />
Most pott<strong>in</strong>g mixes will have a certa<strong>in</strong> amount<br />
of slow-release fertiliser <strong>in</strong> them but to get<br />
the optimum growth and harvest out of your<br />
edibles, you need to fertilise with a quickeract<strong>in</strong>g<br />
liquid fertiliser such as fish emulsion or<br />
other organic options such as compost tea and<br />
worm wee.<br />
The addition of liquid seaweed, which acts<br />
as a plant health tonic, is highly recommended.<br />
Top-ups of slow-release organic fertilisers may<br />
be needed, depend<strong>in</strong>g on how long your crops<br />
take to grow or what the lifespan of the plant is.<br />
For example, a fruit<strong>in</strong>g tree or long-lived herbs<br />
such as rosemary have different requirements,<br />
both from each other and from a fruit<strong>in</strong>g annual.<br />
Water<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Plants <strong>in</strong> conta<strong>in</strong>ers are reliant on you for most<br />
of their needs and water<strong>in</strong>g is at the top of the<br />
list. How often and how much will depend on<br />
many factors, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g size and material of the<br />
pot/conta<strong>in</strong>er, plant species, season, weather<br />
conditions, pott<strong>in</strong>g mix quality and so forth.<br />
How to know whether you need to water<br />
can be tricky, though it can be easy enough if<br />
the plants are droop<strong>in</strong>g. This is not a good sign<br />
to rely on because once a plant is at droop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
stage, it’s becom<strong>in</strong>g stressed, leav<strong>in</strong>g it more
WEEKEND GARDENING | Edibles <strong>in</strong> conta<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
Herbs are<br />
perfect conta<strong>in</strong>er<br />
residents<br />
My Composta pot is a<br />
great way to recycle<br />
kitchen waste us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
worms <strong>in</strong> the centre<br />
Stacker pots<br />
are fantastic for<br />
balconies and<br />
small courtyards<br />
On the odd occasion you<br />
need to buy bottled water ...<br />
get creative with the bottles<br />
Size matters. The<br />
smaller the pot, the<br />
quicker it can dry out<br />
and the choice of plant<br />
you are grow<strong>in</strong>g is a<br />
factor to consider, too.<br />
A tall cherry tomato isn’t<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g to come to fruition<br />
<strong>in</strong> a t<strong>in</strong>y 100mL pot,<br />
for example.<br />
vulnerable to pest and disease attack and<br />
even death.<br />
The good old f<strong>in</strong>ger test can be a reliable<br />
way to check. That is literally pok<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ger a few centimetres <strong>in</strong>to the pott<strong>in</strong>g mix<br />
to see if it’s still moist or dried out.<br />
Moisture meters are another option, but I’m<br />
not sure how accurate they are, to be honest.<br />
Slow-release water bottles placed upside<br />
down <strong>in</strong> the soil can be an effective way to<br />
water while away for extended periods of time.<br />
Mulch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Most people th<strong>in</strong>k of gardens when mulch<strong>in</strong>g<br />
but pots can be mulched, too, and obviously<br />
it has the beneficial effect of help<strong>in</strong>g the mix<br />
reta<strong>in</strong> moisture, suppress<strong>in</strong>g weeds and keep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
roots cool.<br />
You can get creative and use decorative<br />
mulch<strong>in</strong>g on top of your pots, such as river<br />
pebbles or coloured glass, or th<strong>in</strong>k more along<br />
the l<strong>in</strong>es of feed<strong>in</strong>g your plants and use a<br />
lucerne or sugar cane mulch, which will feed the<br />
plants as the mulch breaks down.<br />
What to grow?<br />
When decid<strong>in</strong>g what to grow, important<br />
considerations <strong>in</strong>clude the season, amount<br />
of sunlight available and the size of the<br />
plant at maturity.<br />
Herbs: just about all herbs can be grown <strong>in</strong><br />
pots, and hav<strong>in</strong>g herbs grow<strong>in</strong>g near the kitchen<br />
can make life a little easier when you need to<br />
harvest them for a meal.<br />
Herbs that can be <strong>in</strong>vasive, such as m<strong>in</strong>t, are<br />
much better grown <strong>in</strong> pots so they can be kept<br />
under control.<br />
Bay trees, which can grow to 20m plus, can<br />
still be grown by an apartment dweller when<br />
kept <strong>in</strong> a conta<strong>in</strong>er, which will restrict the tree’s<br />
growth but not its vitality. Kaffir lime, which is<br />
only grown for its fragrant leaves, is another<br />
good choice for a pot, as is the curry leaf tree.<br />
Both can be kept compact <strong>in</strong> pots.<br />
Vegetables: Most vegetables grow and even<br />
thrive <strong>in</strong> conta<strong>in</strong>ers. The larger cucurbits<br />
such as pumpk<strong>in</strong>s as well as melons could<br />
struggle, and corn would be tricky as it needs<br />
to be planted <strong>in</strong> blocks of at least a dozen or<br />
more plants for cross-fertilis<strong>in</strong>g to occur and<br />
cobs to form.<br />
Fruit trees: Many citrus, pome and stone fruit<br />
can be purchased as dwarf varieties these days<br />
and there are even smaller-grow<strong>in</strong>g forms of<br />
avocadoes, mulberries, bananas and mangoes.<br />
Berries: All berries grow well <strong>in</strong> pots.<br />
Fruit that won’t do well <strong>in</strong> pots because of the<br />
space needs for extensive root systems <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
grape v<strong>in</strong>es and passionfruit.<br />
Sprouts and micro greens: These can be<br />
grown on a small or large scale us<strong>in</strong>g anyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from old egg cartons and cotton wool to multilayer<br />
sprout<strong>in</strong>g conta<strong>in</strong>ers.<br />
Mushrooms: White button and Swiss brown<br />
mushrooms can be grown <strong>in</strong> boxes <strong>in</strong><br />
dark cupboards, while oyster and shiitake<br />
mushrooms do well <strong>in</strong> a brightly lit room.<br />
We had great success grow<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong> our<br />
bathroom this year. You can buy kits for<br />
mushroom grow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Ongo<strong>in</strong>g care<br />
for potted edibles<br />
Signs that you need to re-pot or replace pott<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mix <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
The plants dry<strong>in</strong>g very quickly, mean<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
mix has lost its water-hold<strong>in</strong>g capacity.<br />
Shr<strong>in</strong>kage, where the mix has sunk <strong>in</strong> the<br />
pot, which is once aga<strong>in</strong> due to the pott<strong>in</strong>g<br />
break<strong>in</strong>g down and no longer serv<strong>in</strong>g as a<br />
good growth medium.<br />
Re-pott<strong>in</strong>g is best done after harvest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
annual vegetables and herbs and before<br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g the next season’s crops.<br />
Balcony food garden<br />
60 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Poo brew | THE SHED<br />
POO BREW<br />
The garden is one place where poo is not a<br />
dirty word. Here’s an easy way to deliver<br />
valuable nutrients by brew<strong>in</strong>g a manure tea<br />
Words & photos Sandra Tuszynska<br />
Manure tea is similar <strong>in</strong> nature<br />
to compost tea. Manure<br />
tea conditions the soil,<br />
assist<strong>in</strong>g plant roots to<br />
take up nutrients. It helps plants develop<br />
stronger root systems and thus more<br />
vigorous foliage. Manure tea enriches the<br />
soil with much-needed nutrients, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
wide range of trace m<strong>in</strong>erals and microbes,<br />
which plants require for healthy growth.<br />
Manure tea can therefore be used as a rapid<br />
remedy for plant m<strong>in</strong>eral deficiencies, soil<br />
enrichment before and after plant<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
as a foliar fertiliser.<br />
There are some dist<strong>in</strong>ct advantages <strong>in</strong><br />
us<strong>in</strong>g a foliar fertiliser as nutrients may be<br />
more efficiently and immediately absorbed<br />
by plants. Apart from rapid results, other<br />
benefits of foliar feed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
Increased plant vigour<br />
Better resistance to disease and<br />
pest attack<br />
Better cold and heat tolerance by plants<br />
Longer flower<strong>in</strong>g period<br />
Higher crop yield<br />
<strong>Good</strong> growth dur<strong>in</strong>g dry periods<br />
Counteracts adverse soil conditions that<br />
lock out micronutrients<br />
The best times to foliar feed are<br />
generally between 7am and 10am or<br />
after 5pm. Avoid spray<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> very hot,<br />
dry conditions as evaporation will occur<br />
too quickly. Foliar feed<strong>in</strong>g is meant to<br />
complement other soil and plant health<br />
improvement methods, not replace them.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 61
THE SHED | Poo brew<br />
1a<br />
1b<br />
2a<br />
2b<br />
Mak<strong>in</strong>g manure tea<br />
Buy or collect aged or composted manure,<br />
preferably cow or horse, to make the tea.<br />
(We used the latter here.) Avoid us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fresh manure as it can damage plants. The<br />
process <strong>in</strong>volves plac<strong>in</strong>g the manure <strong>in</strong> a<br />
sack, such as an old pillowcase, to make a<br />
“teabag” and will take one to two weeks to<br />
complete brew<strong>in</strong>g. To speed it up to only<br />
a few days, add the manure directly <strong>in</strong>to<br />
the bucket and stir it daily. This method<br />
will require stra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the manure through<br />
cheesecloth or some other very porous<br />
material once brew<strong>in</strong>g is complete.<br />
1. Place a sack or old pillowcase <strong>in</strong> a bucket<br />
and half fill it with aged, dry manure.<br />
2. Cover well with water and twist the<br />
teabag closed.<br />
<strong>3.</strong> Place a weight such as a brick on top<br />
of the teabag to keep it submerged<br />
if necessary.<br />
2c<br />
What to do<br />
with the solids<br />
Incorporate the solid manure <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
garden soil or the compost heap, to<br />
<strong>in</strong>oculate it with the highly active<br />
micro-organisms present <strong>in</strong> the manure.<br />
4. Cover the bucket with breathable<br />
material and leave to steep for a<br />
week or two.<br />
5. The tea is ready when it becomes rich<br />
brown <strong>in</strong> colour. The longer you leave it,<br />
the stronger it will become.<br />
6. Remove the tea bag and let it drip<br />
<strong>in</strong>to a conta<strong>in</strong>er.<br />
Apply<strong>in</strong>g manure tea<br />
• Spray a 50/50 solution water and manure<br />
tea directly onto leaves as foliar fertiliser.<br />
3a<br />
Plants rapidly absorb it through<br />
the leaves.<br />
• Drench soil before plant<strong>in</strong>g with fullstrength,<br />
undiluted manure tea.<br />
• To <strong>in</strong>crease soil fertility, use a 50/50<br />
solution <strong>in</strong> a water<strong>in</strong>g can and<br />
water grow<strong>in</strong>g plants to provide<br />
micronutrients and to <strong>in</strong>crease soil<br />
microbial activity.<br />
• Supply undiluted manure tea to your<br />
compost heap or worm farm to supply<br />
microbes, m<strong>in</strong>erals and other nutrients<br />
and speed up decomposition.<br />
• Use diluted manure tea on the lawn for<br />
lush growth.<br />
• Store unused manure tea <strong>in</strong> a tightly<br />
closed conta<strong>in</strong>er or a bottle for later use.<br />
• Dilute one part manure <strong>in</strong> five parts<br />
water if the tea has been brew<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
longer than two weeks, and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to<br />
apply to soil and/or plants.<br />
62 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Poo brew | THE SHED<br />
3b 4<br />
5<br />
Pour manure tea<br />
<strong>in</strong>to spray bottle<br />
Dilute with water<br />
Use the diluted tea<br />
on your plants as a<br />
foliar fertiliser<br />
6<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 63
Earthy Tips | SHORT SHOOTS<br />
10<br />
Top Tips<br />
Clever ideas for your garden<br />
Words Er<strong>in</strong>a Starkey<br />
1<br />
Turn over<br />
a new leaf<br />
Did you know you can grow<br />
a whole host of new succulents just by<br />
replant<strong>in</strong>g the leaves? Choose a mature leaf<br />
at the base of the plant, hold it firmly <strong>in</strong> your<br />
f<strong>in</strong>gers and wiggle it back and forth until it<br />
snaps off, completely <strong>in</strong>tact. Place the leaves<br />
on a w<strong>in</strong>dowsill to dry out and callus over<br />
— this will stop them from rott<strong>in</strong>g. After a<br />
few days, transfer the leaves to well-dra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
cactus or succulent soil, and lay them flatwise<br />
on top. After a few weeks, you’ll beg<strong>in</strong><br />
to notice small, p<strong>in</strong>k roots sprout<strong>in</strong>g from the<br />
plucked end, which will grow <strong>in</strong>to a new baby<br />
plant. Dig a small hole <strong>in</strong> the soil and plant<br />
the roots. You can then remove the orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />
shrivelled leaf.<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
Space<br />
exploration<br />
Many plants have t<strong>in</strong>y, dust-like seeds<br />
that can be difficult to space <strong>in</strong> the garden.<br />
To create perfectly spaced rows, make your<br />
own seed tape. Unroll a strip of toilet paper on<br />
a table, mist with water and plot the seeds <strong>in</strong><br />
the middle of the strip, follow<strong>in</strong>g the spac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>structions on the seed packet. Fold the top<br />
and bottom lengths of the toilet paper <strong>in</strong>wards<br />
to cover the seeds, then mist with water to<br />
secure. Make shallow furrows <strong>in</strong> your backyard<br />
soil, then lay the strips down and cover with dirt.<br />
A long soak<br />
Encourage plants to grow faster<br />
and stronger by soak<strong>in</strong>g seeds <strong>in</strong><br />
warm water before sow<strong>in</strong>g. Pre-soak<strong>in</strong>g will<br />
soften the coat<strong>in</strong>g of the seed and prime it<br />
for germ<strong>in</strong>ation. Simply pour seeds <strong>in</strong>to a cup<br />
of warm water and leave for 12 hours. Next<br />
morn<strong>in</strong>g, stra<strong>in</strong> through a musl<strong>in</strong> cloth or f<strong>in</strong>e<br />
sieve, r<strong>in</strong>se with cool water and sow.<br />
5<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
Colander pots<br />
Turn an old pasta colander <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
beautiful hang<strong>in</strong>g planter. Simply<br />
l<strong>in</strong>e the colander bas<strong>in</strong> with a circle of<br />
burlap fabric cut slightly larger than the<br />
circumference of the colander. This will<br />
help hold the soil <strong>in</strong> place while permitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dra<strong>in</strong>age. Turn the colander <strong>in</strong>to a hang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
planter by loop<strong>in</strong>g garden<strong>in</strong>g tw<strong>in</strong>e through<br />
the handles and knott<strong>in</strong>g securely.<br />
4<br />
Divide & conquer<br />
Before you divide perennials, soak<br />
the ground thoroughly <strong>in</strong> the days<br />
before so they’re easier to lift from the ground.<br />
Pry or cut apart <strong>in</strong>dividual crowns, ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
each clump has its own set of leaves and roots.<br />
Replant divisions promptly so the roots don’t<br />
dry out. Divid<strong>in</strong>g perennials can be stressful on<br />
the plant, so make sure you do it <strong>in</strong> cool, moist<br />
conditions to facilitate a speedy recovery.<br />
There’s an<br />
app for that<br />
A smartphone app can be a<br />
remarkably handy tool <strong>in</strong> the modern gardener’s<br />
arsenal. Take an afternoon to browse through<br />
the many different garden<strong>in</strong>g apps available<br />
to see if any could be of use to you. Some<br />
popular ones <strong>in</strong>clude Garden Compass, which<br />
identifies plant varieties and pest problems<br />
from photos you upload. Even more impressive<br />
is Garden Plan Pro, which helps you create a<br />
customised garden plan to scale, with sow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and harvest<strong>in</strong>g rem<strong>in</strong>ders that take <strong>in</strong>to account<br />
your local weather <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
Bucket list<br />
Store your garden tools <strong>in</strong> a bucket<br />
of builder’s sand, which will keep<br />
them rust free and the mechanisms <strong>in</strong><br />
good work<strong>in</strong>g order. You can also add a few<br />
tablespoons of l<strong>in</strong>seed oil to the sand, which<br />
will lubricate the metal and keep the wooden<br />
handles supple. If you’ve just f<strong>in</strong>ished prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a sick tree, make sure you dis<strong>in</strong>fect your tools<br />
with tea tree oil to ensure you don’t spread<br />
the disease.<br />
CanStockPhoto, Kerry Boyne<br />
64 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Bonus tip<br />
Reuse old ra<strong>in</strong> gutters to make a<br />
vertical garden. Start by drill<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
few dra<strong>in</strong>age holes <strong>in</strong> the bottom<br />
of each gutter us<strong>in</strong>g a mediumlarge<br />
drill bit. Fill with soil and then<br />
plant with seeds. Choose plant<br />
varieties that thrive <strong>in</strong> a shallow<br />
garden environment such as herbs,<br />
strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes,<br />
petunias, violas or succulents. Hang<br />
your new gutter gardens from the<br />
ceil<strong>in</strong>g or arrange <strong>in</strong> tiers and drill<br />
them <strong>in</strong>to a fence us<strong>in</strong>g brackets.<br />
8<br />
Fight the fungus<br />
Spr<strong>in</strong>kle c<strong>in</strong>namon on top of your<br />
soil to prevent fungus and damp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out from grow<strong>in</strong>g on seedl<strong>in</strong>gs. It can also be<br />
used on older plants to rid them of mould and<br />
mushrooms. Use c<strong>in</strong>namon to deter ants <strong>in</strong><br />
your home; they dislike its odour and powdery<br />
texture. A light spr<strong>in</strong>kl<strong>in</strong>g at your entry po<strong>in</strong>ts<br />
or cracks and crevices will create a barrier<br />
they won’t cross. Plus, it leaves a delicious<br />
smell beh<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
9<br />
10<br />
Hey, pesto!<br />
Grow basil from leftover sprigs by<br />
lett<strong>in</strong>g the roots grow <strong>in</strong> a glass<br />
of water. Take a cutt<strong>in</strong>g of basil — one<br />
that hasn’t yet flowered — and strip the<br />
bottom two <strong>in</strong>ches of leaves. Place <strong>in</strong> a<br />
glass of water on a w<strong>in</strong>dowsill. Change the<br />
water every few days until the root growth<br />
reaches two <strong>in</strong>ches; this should take<br />
around two to four weeks. Transfer to a pot<br />
filled with fresh pott<strong>in</strong>g mix. Keep <strong>in</strong>doors<br />
until the plant is established, mak<strong>in</strong>g sure<br />
the soil stays moist and the plant has<br />
access to sunlight.<br />
For the birds<br />
Create a bird feeder for your garden<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g the hollowed-out sk<strong>in</strong> of an<br />
orange. Choose an orange with a thick r<strong>in</strong>d,<br />
cut it <strong>in</strong> half and scoop out the fruit to create<br />
a bowl. Fill the r<strong>in</strong>d cup with seeds, gra<strong>in</strong>s,<br />
fruit or 100 per cent natural, unsweetened<br />
peanut butter. Puncture four holes at equal<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts midway down the orange sk<strong>in</strong> and<br />
str<strong>in</strong>g with tw<strong>in</strong>e. Hang your bird feeder from<br />
a branch <strong>in</strong> the garden, away from fences and<br />
furniture where predators can strike. A bird<br />
feeder can be particularly helpful when used<br />
outside <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g when food sources may<br />
Earthy Tips | SHORT SHOOTS<br />
be scarce. Plant<strong>in</strong>g native species such as<br />
acacias, casuar<strong>in</strong>as, bottlebrush, grevilleas and<br />
banksias is a great way to provide food to<br />
native birds without encourag<strong>in</strong>g reliance.<br />
9<br />
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66 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong><br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>a girl<br />
Not just a good looker, the Australian Langshan,<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>ally from Ch<strong>in</strong>a, is also a champion layer
Australian Langshan | FEATHERED FRIENDS<br />
Full-size Australian Lanshan<br />
and bantam. Owners adore<br />
the friendly bantams<br />
Words & photos Megg Miller<br />
Which chook breed is best? If<br />
you go look<strong>in</strong>g among the<br />
various types, you’ll be sure<br />
to f<strong>in</strong>d one you like — but<br />
will it put eggs on the table?<br />
There is one purebred that can give the ISA<br />
Browns of the world a nudge when it comes<br />
to egg output. The Australian Langshan is the<br />
top choice for susta<strong>in</strong>ed egg lay. It’s a very<br />
docile bird that enjoys great success on the<br />
show bench and its unusual utility properties<br />
don’t seem all that affected by concentrated<br />
selection for exhibition po<strong>in</strong>ts.<br />
Many breeders take pride <strong>in</strong> conserv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the utility side of their fowls, so the breed’s<br />
numerous stra<strong>in</strong>s produce pullets that lay<br />
outstand<strong>in</strong>gly.<br />
Well-kept secret<br />
Aussie Langshans are only now becom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
backyard birds. They should be better<br />
known but they simply haven’t received the<br />
commercial support that pushed the Australorp<br />
to the forefront and made it famous.<br />
For many decades, too, the Aussie<br />
Langshan wasn’t well known <strong>in</strong> the southern<br />
states. If you were a Victorian or South<br />
Australian, you’d have had to look very hard to<br />
locate breeders.<br />
Langies, as they are affectionately<br />
called, were northern birds; there was an<br />
unsubstantiated belief they did better <strong>in</strong> warmer<br />
climes. Southern states were for big-bodied,<br />
heavy-feathered breeds such as the Sussex.<br />
Better communication and more travel<br />
have enabled birds to be shared around and<br />
now Australian Langshans are well distributed<br />
Australia-wide.<br />
Matter of identity<br />
If you look for Langshans onl<strong>in</strong>e, you will<br />
discover there is a family of them. We’re<br />
careful <strong>in</strong> this country to identify our<br />
<strong>in</strong>terpretation of the breed as Australian<br />
Langshan. For many decades, it was called<br />
Ch<strong>in</strong>ese Langshan because of its orig<strong>in</strong>s<br />
but after 80 years on Australian soil, it was<br />
renamed Australian Langshan.<br />
Also <strong>in</strong> this country are Croad Langshan, a<br />
distant relative of our Aussie Langshans and<br />
a whopp<strong>in</strong>g big bird of impressive stature.<br />
Overseas there are Modern Langshan, longlegged<br />
specimens with a keen follow<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The Croad and the Modern are <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
fowls but we’re concentrat<strong>in</strong>g on the Aussie<br />
Langshan because of its suitability to<br />
backyard food producers.<br />
Chequered history<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong>ally from the Nantong region of Ch<strong>in</strong>a,<br />
Langshans were <strong>in</strong>troduced to Australia<br />
sometime around 1900. A Sydney-based<br />
steward work<strong>in</strong>g on steamers trad<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
Shanghai collected a few Ch<strong>in</strong>ese fowl, found<br />
they were great layers and so sought them<br />
out on each subsequent trip.<br />
These small, black fowls were rem<strong>in</strong>iscent<br />
of Croad Langshan, a popular breed that had<br />
been taken to England <strong>in</strong> the 1870s. Croads<br />
had impressed their new owners with w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
lay<strong>in</strong>g and their large, purple-brown eggs.<br />
The small, black hens, once <strong>in</strong>troduced<br />
here, were passed around and one<br />
enterpris<strong>in</strong>g owner entered a flock <strong>in</strong> the<br />
1906 lay<strong>in</strong>g competition at Hawkesbury<br />
College. Entered as Ch<strong>in</strong>ese Langshan, the<br />
birds astounded everyone, their output over<br />
the two years of the trial establish<strong>in</strong>g them as<br />
outstand<strong>in</strong>g layers.<br />
This led to much surreptitious cross<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with Black Orp<strong>in</strong>gtons, the lead<strong>in</strong>g layer of<br />
the day. The end result was the development<br />
of the Australorp.<br />
An octogenarian who worked for the<br />
Department of Agriculture remembers<br />
sort<strong>in</strong>g day-old commercial chicks back<br />
<strong>in</strong> the 1940s and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g many of the<br />
Australorps had feathered legs, a sign that<br />
Langshan had been bred <strong>in</strong>to parent l<strong>in</strong>es,<br />
probably to improve egg lay.<br />
The Australorp went on to become a<br />
A Sydney-based steward work<strong>in</strong>g on steamers<br />
trad<strong>in</strong>g with Shanghai collected a few Ch<strong>in</strong>ese fowl,<br />
found they were great layers and so sought them<br />
out on each subsequent trip.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 67
FEATHERED FRIENDS | Australian Langshan<br />
record-break<strong>in</strong>g layer while the Langshan<br />
faded <strong>in</strong>to obscurity. But exhibitors kept the<br />
Langshan go<strong>in</strong>g and the quiet life obviously<br />
suited this breed as, while the name has<br />
changed from Ch<strong>in</strong>ese to Australian<br />
Langshan, its docile nature, adaptability and<br />
economic feed <strong>in</strong>take are still strong features.<br />
Easy-care bird<br />
Don’t expect the <strong>in</strong>gratiat<strong>in</strong>g behaviour<br />
common with ISA hens — Langshans are<br />
docile and friendly but standard birds are a<br />
little standoffish. Bantams are not; they’re more<br />
outgo<strong>in</strong>g and boisterous. Owners adore them.<br />
All this means the birds readily accept<br />
different styles of hous<strong>in</strong>g and management.<br />
They also get on well with other breeds and<br />
are not known for bully<strong>in</strong>g or be<strong>in</strong>g bullied.<br />
Roosters are good-natured; feisty or<br />
roguish behaviour is unknown. They’re just<br />
easy-go<strong>in</strong>g fellows.<br />
There are two issues that need consider<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with Langshan. The first is their leg and foot<br />
feather<strong>in</strong>g. Fortunately, it’s sparse, so you<br />
don’t have problems with wet, muddy feathers<br />
as with Pek<strong>in</strong>s, Silkies, Belgian d’Uccle or<br />
Faverolles. But scaly leg mite delight <strong>in</strong> hid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
under leg/foot feathers, so it makes sense to<br />
check monthly. Regular application of cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />
oil will soon smother the mites if present.<br />
Heat can stress these black-plumaged<br />
fowls, so extra summer care is recommended.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> layers will be juggl<strong>in</strong>g daily egg lay with<br />
cop<strong>in</strong>g with heat, so don’t be surprised if your<br />
Langshans go <strong>in</strong>to a partial moult — it’s their<br />
way of cop<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Recognis<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
Langshan<br />
Not every black-plumaged bird with leg<br />
feather<strong>in</strong>g will be an Australian Langshan and<br />
there are other colours the breed comes <strong>in</strong>,<br />
but black is most common. White and blue<br />
varieties are grow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> popularity.<br />
You notice the elegance of the breed at<br />
first glance: they are medium-sized, appear<br />
f<strong>in</strong>e boned and have glossy, neat, close-fitt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
plumage. Breeders say their body shape is<br />
rem<strong>in</strong>iscent of the map of Tasmania. In other<br />
words, the head is carried high and the small<br />
tail rises to an angle of not more than 35<br />
degrees, with discreet curved sickle feathers.<br />
The black plumage is t<strong>in</strong>ged with a brilliant<br />
green lustre.<br />
Comb and wattles are medium-sized and<br />
a beautiful cherry red, as is bare sk<strong>in</strong> on the<br />
face. Dark-brown eyes stand out and are<br />
complemented by the dark shad<strong>in</strong>g on the<br />
beak. Legs and feet are blue-black, but the<br />
soles of the feet must be p<strong>in</strong>k-white, deep<br />
p<strong>in</strong>k be<strong>in</strong>g ideal.<br />
Breeders say their body shape<br />
resembles the map of Tasmania<br />
Langshan eggs are strong-shelled<br />
Utility traits<br />
Eggs are large, strong shelled and beige or<br />
t<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> colour. The shells are usually still<br />
strong even at the end of seasonal lay<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
A good pullet will produce more than 300 eggs<br />
the first season.<br />
Spare cockerels can be used for the table but<br />
weight wise you have a bird roughly as heavy<br />
as a Leghorn, so you may need two birds for a<br />
family meal.<br />
Have I sold this lovely bird to you? Perhaps<br />
I don’t need to. Track down a couple and test<br />
them. You are sure to want more.<br />
For further <strong>in</strong>formation, contact the<br />
Langshan Club of Australia Inc on<br />
(02) 6372 1640.<br />
... the birds readily<br />
accept different<br />
styles of hous<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
management. They<br />
also get on well with<br />
other breeds and are<br />
not known for bully<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or be<strong>in</strong>g bullied.<br />
68 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
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dense and rich <strong>in</strong> omega 3’s. We run no more than 600 hens per hectare. Our hens are always<br />
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Happy hens lay sensational eggs.<br />
For stockists and more details, go to our website:<br />
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Suppliers of a large range of natural<br />
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People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
THE WINNERS<br />
Back and bigger than ever, it has been a bountiful harvest<br />
aga<strong>in</strong> and the w<strong>in</strong>ners have been nom<strong>in</strong>ated by over 8000<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> readers, who submitted<br />
their votes for the cream of the crop <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong><br />
<strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> People’s Choice Garden Idea Awards <strong>2016</strong>.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of choice<br />
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awards style, our engaged and passionate readers have given their<br />
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The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> team is delighted to announce the<br />
category w<strong>in</strong>ners and would like to congratulate them as well as thank<br />
all who took part. A special thanks goes to all readers who voted.<br />
The w<strong>in</strong>ners are:<br />
Outdoor Sproutwell Greenhouses by Sproutwell Greenhouses<br />
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Water-Efficient Spr<strong>in</strong>klers<br />
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THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
ORGANIC TIMES<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER FOOD<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
Food W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> Times Pty Ltd<br />
“We dreamt of br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g a more natural, organic<br />
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We believe <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g last<strong>in</strong>g relationships<br />
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THIS<br />
IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
SPROUTWELL<br />
GREEENHOUSES<br />
ENHO<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER OUTDOOR<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
outdoor w<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
sproutwell<br />
Greenhouses<br />
“Widely recognised as the largest supplier of<br />
backyard greenhouses <strong>in</strong> Australia, Sproutwell is a<br />
family bus<strong>in</strong>ess that has enjoyed help<strong>in</strong>g garden<strong>in</strong>g<br />
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range unique and different from other greenhouse on<br />
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sproutwellgreenhouses.com.au<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
GREEN AUSSIE<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER<br />
SUSTAINABILITY<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
Susta<strong>in</strong>ability W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Green Aussie<br />
“Our clean<strong>in</strong>g product...<br />
• Will give you the ultimate clean<strong>in</strong>g experience<br />
• Is one s<strong>in</strong>gle non-toxic product for your home<br />
clean<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g clothes wash<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Has a formula designed so you the user can get<br />
extraord<strong>in</strong>ary value for money by add<strong>in</strong>g extra<br />
water for your job applications<br />
• Is manufactured us<strong>in</strong>g totally environmentally<br />
safe <strong>in</strong>gredients with essential oils. Our fragile<br />
environment, which has been under attack over<br />
many generations, can now benefit greatly with<br />
Green Aussie Cleaner ®”<br />
greenaussiecleaner.com<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
COMMUNITY FIRST<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER FINANCE<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance w<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Community First<br />
Credit Union<br />
“We are thrilled to w<strong>in</strong> this award. We seek to<br />
create better and more susta<strong>in</strong>able communities<br />
where we operate, and to be recognised for do<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this is very satisfy<strong>in</strong>g,” says John Tancevski,<br />
CEO of Community First. “The Community First<br />
Green Loan is a low-rate personal loan that can<br />
be used to f<strong>in</strong>ance the purchase of approved<br />
environmentally friendly products such as solar<br />
panels and systems, solar hot water systems<br />
and ra<strong>in</strong>water tanks. It’s for those who want to<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imise their impact on the environment, while<br />
sav<strong>in</strong>g money.” communityfirst.com.au<br />
70 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
“Once aga<strong>in</strong>, we take great pleasure <strong>in</strong><br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g rewards <strong>in</strong> the form of these<br />
awards and special coverage to those<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses that are contribut<strong>in</strong>g great<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able ideas to the garden<strong>in</strong>g<br />
marketplace.” ~ Janice Williams, Publisher<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
GO GREEN AT HOME<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER SKINCARE<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
Sk<strong>in</strong>care W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Go Green At Home<br />
“Go Green at Home owners, James and Lee-<br />
Ann Wilson, started the bus<strong>in</strong>ess with a view to<br />
present<strong>in</strong>g a range of environmental friendly<br />
products that will save you time and money.<br />
We always knew that the laundry detergent<br />
we were us<strong>in</strong>g was toxic. When we discovered<br />
Soap Nuts, we were sceptical at first. But we<br />
were shocked! They really did work. Once we<br />
realised Soap Nuts were completely safe, natural,<br />
economical and effective, we really wanted to<br />
share what we had found with others.<br />
Most people don’t even th<strong>in</strong>k about dispos<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
their toothbrushes (I know we didn’t). It was just someth<strong>in</strong>g we used and discarded.<br />
The Environmental Toothbrush is a brilliant answer to the huge amount of landfill<br />
the simple plastic toothbrush creates. We are proud to have this product <strong>in</strong> our<br />
range and have a goal of gett<strong>in</strong>g one <strong>in</strong> every home <strong>in</strong> Australia. For us, it has been<br />
about provid<strong>in</strong>g a range products that are safe for our young family but also very<br />
effective. Liv<strong>in</strong>g a susta<strong>in</strong>able life means better health for us and for our world.<br />
gogreenathome.com.au<br />
THIS IS<br />
TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
WOBBLE-TEE<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER GARDEN<br />
ACCESSORIES<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
THIS IS TO<br />
CERTIFY THAT<br />
EARTHLIFE<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER SOIL<br />
& FERTILISER<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
Garden Accessories<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ner: Wobble-<br />
Tee, Water-Efficient<br />
Spr<strong>in</strong>klers<br />
“Wobble-Tee is a 100% Australian owned,<br />
family operated bus<strong>in</strong>ess and we are proud<br />
to say that our products are 100% Australian<br />
made. Our many <strong>in</strong>jection mould<strong>in</strong>g tools<br />
that make the various components of the<br />
Wobble-Tee and Clever Drop spr<strong>in</strong>klers<br />
were designed and built <strong>in</strong> Adelaide. These<br />
components are moulded <strong>in</strong> Adelaide and<br />
Sydney, then assembled and dispatched<br />
to hardware stores all over Australia by the<br />
Wobble-Tee team <strong>in</strong> Lake Macquarie.”<br />
wobble-tee.com.au<br />
Soil & Fertiliser<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ner: Earthlife<br />
“By us<strong>in</strong>g EARTHLIFE VEGGIE MATE Rock<br />
M<strong>in</strong>erals you can grow nutrient-dense<br />
superfoods. It will give brighter, fuller flavour<br />
and longer shelf life to your vegies and<br />
herbs. It will also reduce attack by pests and<br />
diseases.”<br />
earthlife.com.au<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
FLEMING’S<br />
NUSERIES<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER EDUCATION<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
KUVINGS<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER DRINKS<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
PLANET POULTRY<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER FARMING<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
Education W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Flem<strong>in</strong>g’s Nurseries<br />
“Flem<strong>in</strong>g’s Group of Companies has developed<br />
the Top 10 Trees Guide to help gardeners<br />
choose the right tree for their needs. A<br />
customer simply looks up the category most<br />
suitable for their needs — eg small trees —<br />
where they will f<strong>in</strong>d 10 of the best trees for<br />
Australian urban conditions consistent with<br />
that category.”<br />
flem<strong>in</strong>gs.com.au<br />
Dr<strong>in</strong>k W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Kuv<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Taste the difference with the Kuv<strong>in</strong>gs B6000<br />
Whole Slow Juicer, the first cold-press juicer<br />
to juice whole fruit and vegetables. It has the<br />
strongest motor and lowest RPMs of any coldpress<br />
juicer on the market.<br />
kuv<strong>in</strong>gs.net.au<br />
Farm<strong>in</strong>g W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Planet Poultry<br />
“Planet Poultry’s range of natural supplements<br />
for chickens (Happy Hens products) <strong>in</strong>cludes:<br />
Garlic Granules: This herb has been universally<br />
used as a medic<strong>in</strong>e and tonic food for thousands<br />
of years. Garlic stimulates the immune system<br />
and is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal<br />
and anti-parasite. Seaweed Meal: Conta<strong>in</strong>s<br />
over 70 naturally balanced elements, m<strong>in</strong>erals<br />
and am<strong>in</strong>o acids, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g vitam<strong>in</strong>s A, B 1<br />
and E, cobalt, copper, magnesium, iron and<br />
natural iod<strong>in</strong>e. Molodri: A mix of molasses and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>e diatomaceous earth (non-toxic fossilised<br />
diatoms). Regularly used, may assist <strong>in</strong> the control of worms and coccidiosis.<br />
Diatomaceous Earth: Used for the control of lice and mites on birds and <strong>in</strong> their<br />
hous<strong>in</strong>g. Apple Cider V<strong>in</strong>egar: Causes an alkal<strong>in</strong>e effect <strong>in</strong> the fowl, which reduces<br />
the likelihood of illness and helps fight exist<strong>in</strong>g maladies by help<strong>in</strong>g to support<br />
the immune system. Specially formulated double-strength, unpasteurised, still<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>s “the mother”, which is vital <strong>in</strong> preserv<strong>in</strong>g all vitam<strong>in</strong>s and m<strong>in</strong>erals.”<br />
planetpoultry.com.au<br />
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT<br />
YATES<br />
IS THE WINNER OF THE<br />
People’s<br />
Choice<br />
GARDEN IDEA<br />
AWARDS <strong>2016</strong><br />
WINNER GARDEN<br />
CATEGORY<br />
The <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e Awards are a true people’s choice<br />
awards. As <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has become the magaz<strong>in</strong>e of<br />
choice for organic gardeners our engaged and passionate readers have spoken<br />
giv<strong>in</strong>g a green light and their support to the <strong>in</strong>dustry’s best ideas. These awards<br />
were promoted <strong>in</strong> conjunction with completehome.com.au, Australia’s largest<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e home and garden makeover portal.<br />
Garden W<strong>in</strong>ner:<br />
Yates<br />
“A first for Australian gardeners is our<br />
certified organic, natural pyrethr<strong>in</strong> and<br />
vegetable oil spray comb<strong>in</strong>ed with the<br />
goodness of seaweed, which is ideal for<br />
controll<strong>in</strong>g the most common <strong>in</strong>sect<br />
pests, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g caterpillars, aphids,<br />
mites and whitefly on homegrown fruit,<br />
citrus, vegetables and flowers.”<br />
yates.com.au<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 71
Sauerkraut once<br />
saved lives at<br />
sea by provid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
vitam<strong>in</strong> C<br />
THE CULTURED<br />
KITCHEN<br />
For millennia, humans consumed<br />
fermented food and dr<strong>in</strong>k. Now<br />
they’re mak<strong>in</strong>g a comeback<br />
“Culture does not beg<strong>in</strong> at the opera house; it beg<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the kitchen.”<br />
— Sally Fallon Morell<br />
Words Kerry Boyne<br />
Perhaps the first fermented<br />
substance that comes to m<strong>in</strong>d is<br />
not a food but a beverage. People<br />
started mak<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>e around 8000<br />
years ago <strong>in</strong> the Caucasus area of central<br />
Europe, and 7000-year-old jars conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
the rema<strong>in</strong>s of w<strong>in</strong>e were excavated <strong>in</strong><br />
the Zagros Mounta<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> Iran. There is<br />
also evidence of fermented beverages <strong>in</strong><br />
Babylon around 3000 BCE, ancient Egypt<br />
(3150 BCE), pre-Hispanic Mexico (2000<br />
BCE) and Sudan (around 1500 BCE).<br />
That’s a venerable tradition.<br />
Of course, w<strong>in</strong>e is not the only fermented<br />
beverage. Beer brew<strong>in</strong>g was, like w<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
probably a happy accident to beg<strong>in</strong> with,<br />
occurr<strong>in</strong>g when wild yeasts met up with<br />
gra<strong>in</strong>s that had been left warm and wet.<br />
There is archaeological evidence of ale<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g dat<strong>in</strong>g as far back as the Iranian<br />
w<strong>in</strong>e jars and from the same region. There’s<br />
an endless list of other alcoholic beverages<br />
made from all k<strong>in</strong>ds of fruit, gra<strong>in</strong>s and even<br />
vegetables such as potato.<br />
The orig<strong>in</strong>s of cultur<strong>in</strong>g dairy are, as they<br />
say, lost <strong>in</strong> the mists of time but a well-loved<br />
tale is the one of the nomads who carried<br />
milk <strong>in</strong> bags made from animal stomachs,<br />
which conta<strong>in</strong>ed the enzyme renn<strong>in</strong>. Because<br />
renn<strong>in</strong> curdles milk, when the milk was left<br />
<strong>in</strong> the bags for any length of time <strong>in</strong> a bit of<br />
warm weather, the nomads would have found<br />
soft cheese form<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> their milk bags.<br />
Then there are all the fermented, pickled<br />
and otherwise preserved vegetables, plus<br />
pickled and smoked meats and fish as well as<br />
sourdough breads. All were orig<strong>in</strong>ally made at<br />
home as a regular part of daily life and a way<br />
of mak<strong>in</strong>g seasonal harvests, butcher<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
Some people th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
fermentation is dangerous<br />
and fear they may poison<br />
themselves or suddenly<br />
have bottles explod<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
a cupboard somewhere.<br />
The truth is home<br />
fermentation is probably<br />
far less fraught than<br />
eat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> restaurants.<br />
animals and fish<strong>in</strong>g expeditions provide many<br />
meals. Sauerkraut, for example, was made to<br />
be eaten through the cold months when few<br />
vegetables could be harvested.<br />
Sadly, many of these foods were not suited<br />
to factory mass-production processes. It was<br />
easier to guarantee consistency of flavour<br />
and longer shelf life with pasteurisation,<br />
cook<strong>in</strong>g foods at high temperatures and<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g v<strong>in</strong>egar for pickl<strong>in</strong>g rather than<br />
fermentation methods. These factory<br />
processes killed the beneficial organisms.<br />
A jar of factory-produced pasteurised<br />
sauerkraut has very little of the health-giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
value of the properly fermented version, even<br />
though it may seem similar <strong>in</strong> taste. And<br />
we’ve all heard of the problems people have<br />
with gluten these days, yet proper sourdough<br />
fermentation predigests gluten.<br />
Some cultures have never stopped<br />
ferment<strong>in</strong>g foods <strong>in</strong> their time-honoured<br />
ways and, as with so many th<strong>in</strong>gs, people<br />
<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>dustrialised world are recognis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the value of these traditional ways and<br />
want<strong>in</strong>g to try their hand at mak<strong>in</strong>g yoghurt,<br />
kefir, sauerkraut and sourdough. It’s not<br />
just hippies and “homesteaders”, either.<br />
We know a butcher who makes kefir daily<br />
and sourdough weekly; a hairdresser who<br />
has a passion for mak<strong>in</strong>g kombucha <strong>in</strong> all<br />
k<strong>in</strong>ds of weird and wonderful flavours; and<br />
many gardeners who are start<strong>in</strong>g to culture<br />
sauerkraut and pickle olives from their trees.<br />
Some people th<strong>in</strong>k ferment<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
dangerous and fear they may poison<br />
themselves or suddenly have bottles<br />
explod<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a cupboard somewhere. The<br />
truth is home fermentation is probably<br />
far less fraught than eat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> restaurants<br />
because you are <strong>in</strong> control and, as long as<br />
you understand the process, keep th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
clean (not necessarily sterilised) and know<br />
when to stop the fermentation, your sense of<br />
smell and the appearance of your product will<br />
guide you very well.<br />
72 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Benefits | FERMENTING & PICKLING<br />
Types of<br />
fermentation<br />
The k<strong>in</strong>ds of fermentation we want to occur<br />
are def<strong>in</strong>ed by their end products. These are<br />
lactic acid, produced by a process known as<br />
lacto-fermentation, and alcohol or ethanol<br />
fermentation. When alcohol is converted<br />
further <strong>in</strong>to acetic acid, as with mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar, you have an acetic fermentation.<br />
Some ferments are a comb<strong>in</strong>ation of two<br />
or all three.<br />
Lacto-fermentation<br />
This is the simplest type of fermentation and<br />
the easiest for the beg<strong>in</strong>ner. The desirable<br />
bacteria for this culture are Lactobacilli,<br />
though other bacteria and yeasts can be<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved. They convert starches and sugars<br />
<strong>in</strong>to lactic acid, which is like a natural<br />
preservative that <strong>in</strong>hibits the growth of<br />
spoil<strong>in</strong>g or putrefy<strong>in</strong>g bacteria. Lactobacilli<br />
exist on the surfaces of all liv<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs, so<br />
they are always present and ready for action.<br />
Lacto-fermentation is anaerobic, so whatever<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g cultured is oxygen-starved by be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
submerged <strong>in</strong> br<strong>in</strong>e or whey. Examples are<br />
cultured dairy products such as buttermilk,<br />
cheese, yoghurt and kefir, and vegetable<br />
products such as sauerkraut, pickles and<br />
kimchi. It’s the lactic acid that gives these<br />
foods their characteristic sour taste.<br />
Alcoholic or ethanol fermentation<br />
In this type of fermentation, yeast<br />
(Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and some types<br />
of bacteria convert the sugars <strong>in</strong> fruit or<br />
gra<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to alcohol and carbon dioxide. It’s<br />
also anaerobic but needs to take place <strong>in</strong> a<br />
conta<strong>in</strong>er that allows carbon dioxide to escape<br />
without lett<strong>in</strong>g outside air <strong>in</strong>. This process is<br />
used for mak<strong>in</strong>g breads, where the alcohol is<br />
cooked out, and for alcoholic beverages such<br />
as w<strong>in</strong>e, beer, cider and liquors.<br />
Acetic fermentation<br />
When alcohol is exposed to air for a period<br />
of time, Acetobacter organisms make acetic<br />
acid <strong>in</strong> the form of v<strong>in</strong>egar. So this is an<br />
aerobic ferment. V<strong>in</strong>egars can be produced<br />
from cider, w<strong>in</strong>e and a variety of fermented<br />
gra<strong>in</strong>s. We’re all very familiar with apple<br />
cider v<strong>in</strong>egar, red and white w<strong>in</strong>e v<strong>in</strong>egars,<br />
malt v<strong>in</strong>egar, balsamic v<strong>in</strong>egar and rice w<strong>in</strong>e<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar, to name a few. Kombucha is another<br />
acetic fermentation, us<strong>in</strong>g tea. Aga<strong>in</strong>, it’s the<br />
acetic acid that gives v<strong>in</strong>egars and kombucha<br />
their pleasant sourness.<br />
Health benefits<br />
In the early 1900s, Nobel Prize-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Russian<br />
bacteriologist Elie Metchnikoff noticed that<br />
Bulgarians had an average lifespan of 87 years<br />
and that four out of every thousand lived past<br />
Familiar<br />
fermented foods<br />
Here are some fermented foods you<br />
may know and already consume<br />
regularly and what they are based on.<br />
Beans: Miso, natto, soy sauce, tempeh,<br />
soybean paste<br />
Gra<strong>in</strong>: Beer, bread, sake, sourdough,<br />
rice w<strong>in</strong>e, malt whisky, gra<strong>in</strong> whisky, idli,<br />
dosa, vodka<br />
Vegetables: Kimchi, pickles, sauerkraut,<br />
Indian pickle, gundruk<br />
Fruit: W<strong>in</strong>e, v<strong>in</strong>egar, cider, apple cider<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar, brandy<br />
Honey: Mead<br />
Dairy: Cheese, kefir, quark, crème<br />
fraîche, yoghurt<br />
Fish: Fish sauce, shrimp paste<br />
Meat: Jamón, chorizo, salami, pepperoni<br />
Tea: Kombucha<br />
100 — <strong>in</strong>credible for the time. Bulgarian peasant<br />
Baba Vasilka lived to 126, while her son Tudor<br />
died at 101. Metchnikoff also noticed they<br />
consumed a lot of fermented milks.<br />
The Hunzas of Kashmir and the Georgians<br />
were also known for their impressive<br />
longevity. And it’s not just the number of<br />
years alive but also their energy levels at<br />
very advanced ages, with men older than<br />
100 participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> horse events such as<br />
polo and women of similar age work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
fields. Both these groups also traditionally<br />
consumed fermented milks with live<br />
Lactobacilli bacteria. There is a famous<br />
Georgian say<strong>in</strong>g: “If you want to live long,<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k more sour milk.”<br />
Gut health<br />
This is number one because much of our<br />
overall wellbe<strong>in</strong>g comes from hav<strong>in</strong>g a happy,<br />
healthy gut. We all know what probiotics can<br />
do for the digestive system and that’s the gift<br />
that keeps on giv<strong>in</strong>g. Live bacteria protect<br />
the fermentation aga<strong>in</strong>st pathogenic bacteria<br />
and they protect the gut <strong>in</strong> the same way,<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g to the beneficial gut flora. Fermented<br />
foods also predigest lactose <strong>in</strong> dairy, gluten <strong>in</strong><br />
wheat and glutam<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> raw cabbage dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the ferment, mak<strong>in</strong>g these foods easier to<br />
digest when eaten.<br />
Immune system boost<br />
As a direct result of improv<strong>in</strong>g gut health, the<br />
immune system is boosted because more<br />
than 70 per cent of the immune system is <strong>in</strong><br />
the gut. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Dr Natasha Campbell-<br />
McBride, who formulated the GAPS (gut and<br />
psychology syndrome) diet, “The gut flora<br />
can literally be described as the right hand of<br />
our immune system. But when the beneficial<br />
gut flora is not there, the two major arms of<br />
immunity, TH1 and TH2, get out of balance.”<br />
This <strong>in</strong> turn can lead to autoimmune illnesses<br />
such as asthma and allergy, arthritis and<br />
other <strong>in</strong>flammatory conditions.<br />
Nervous system function<br />
The gut is often called “the second bra<strong>in</strong>”.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Dr Michael Gershon, author<br />
of The Second Bra<strong>in</strong>, you have as many<br />
neurotransmitters <strong>in</strong> your gut as <strong>in</strong> your bra<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Studies have found that beneficial bacteria<br />
reduce anxiety <strong>in</strong> people with chronic fatigue,<br />
have a positive effect on behaviour and may<br />
even moderate autistic behaviours <strong>in</strong> children<br />
and adolescents.<br />
Bioavailability of nutrients<br />
The fermentation process neutralises<br />
ant<strong>in</strong>utrients, such as phytic acid, tann<strong>in</strong>s and<br />
oxalic acid, which <strong>in</strong>hibit proper absorption<br />
of m<strong>in</strong>erals by the body. Fermentation also<br />
<strong>in</strong>creases nutrients such as vitam<strong>in</strong>s B and<br />
C <strong>in</strong> the food and fermented dairy makes<br />
calcium more bioavailable. Comb<strong>in</strong>e that with<br />
the vitam<strong>in</strong> K from fermented soy products<br />
and you have a better chance of ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
strong, healthy bones.<br />
Weight control<br />
A study reported <strong>in</strong> the European Journal of<br />
Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Nutrition showed that obese people<br />
reduced abdom<strong>in</strong>al fat by almost 5 per cent<br />
by dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g probiotic-rich fermented milk<br />
for 12 weeks.<br />
Detoxification<br />
Fermented foods are among the best<br />
chelators, which makes them great detoxifiers<br />
able to pull out heavy metals, BPAs and many<br />
other contam<strong>in</strong>ants we are exposed to from<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the modern <strong>in</strong>dustrial environment.<br />
Protection aga<strong>in</strong>st cancer<br />
One study published <strong>in</strong> The Journal of<br />
Nutrition showed that probiotics could<br />
protect aga<strong>in</strong>st colon cancer.<br />
V<strong>in</strong>egar magic<br />
One of the most magical of fermented<br />
foods is readily available <strong>in</strong> healthfood<br />
stores and supermarkets: apple cider<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar (ACV). It’s a fantastic alkalis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
agent that’s great for your gut and<br />
for deal<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>in</strong>fections such as<br />
candida and cystitis, especially <strong>in</strong><br />
conjunction with other alkalisers such<br />
as bicarb soda. Buy only ACV that has<br />
its live culture — “the mother” – and<br />
is preferably organic. Incorporate it <strong>in</strong><br />
recipes or take a tablespoonful <strong>in</strong> a glass<br />
of water every day, more when you have<br />
any sort of <strong>in</strong>fection.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 73
FERMENTING & PICKLING | Benefits<br />
Ferments of<br />
soybeans<br />
<strong>in</strong>clude miso,<br />
tempeh and<br />
soy sauce<br />
Kimchi is a staple<br />
of Korean cuis<strong>in</strong>e<br />
The nose knows<br />
What about safety? How do you tell if<br />
the spoil<strong>in</strong>g organisms rather than the<br />
beneficial ones have taken over a culture?<br />
Easy: smell. A spoiled fermentation will<br />
st<strong>in</strong>k and you won’t even be tempted<br />
to taste it at all. How does it happen? It<br />
occurs when you haven’t provided the<br />
right conditions for the good guys to<br />
dom<strong>in</strong>ate. There are a few basic rules:<br />
Do your homework — know how the<br />
type of fermentation you want to<br />
do works and follow a good book or<br />
website for <strong>in</strong>structions.<br />
Keep all conta<strong>in</strong>ers and utensils<br />
scrupulously clean. Dishwashers are<br />
good for that because of the heat.<br />
Use the freshest <strong>in</strong>gredients you can.<br />
Give your fermentation the right<br />
comb<strong>in</strong>ation of temperature and<br />
time — room temperature <strong>in</strong><br />
summer will require less time than <strong>in</strong><br />
w<strong>in</strong>ter, for example.<br />
Once your fermentation has reached its<br />
correct stage, store <strong>in</strong> the fridge.<br />
Make your own<br />
The ideal way to ensure your fermented foods<br />
have high amounts of the live cultures and<br />
enzymes you want from them is to make your<br />
own. Plus, mak<strong>in</strong>g your own means you can<br />
use organic and homegrown <strong>in</strong>gredients to<br />
ensure they are not ta<strong>in</strong>ted by pesticides or<br />
other chemicals and you can control their<br />
development and so control flavour.<br />
You’re probably not go<strong>in</strong>g to make your<br />
own soy sauce or salami, but th<strong>in</strong>gs such as<br />
sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, yoghurt, kombucha,<br />
cultured butter and soft cheeses are really<br />
not difficult once you get <strong>in</strong>to the rhythm.<br />
Sourdough bread-mak<strong>in</strong>g is a bit more<br />
complicated but it can become a great hobby.<br />
You don’t need to eat huge amounts, either.<br />
Fermented foods<br />
are among the best<br />
chelators, which makes<br />
them great detoxifiers<br />
able to pull out heavy<br />
metals, BPAs and many<br />
other contam<strong>in</strong>ants<br />
we are exposed to from<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the modern<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustrial environment.<br />
Let’s say you consume some good-quality<br />
yoghurt <strong>in</strong> the morn<strong>in</strong>g, have half a cup or so of<br />
cultured vegetables with lunch or d<strong>in</strong>ner and<br />
dr<strong>in</strong>k a shot of kefir or kombucha. If you can<br />
manage that most days, you’ll be a lot healthier<br />
for it. As with most th<strong>in</strong>gs, variety is the key.<br />
You don’t want to become a slave to your<br />
voracious organisms, though, by attempt<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
make too many different ones. The best plan<br />
is to experiment and then stick to those you<br />
like mak<strong>in</strong>g and especially the ones you most<br />
like eat<strong>in</strong>g or dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. If you decide you’d like<br />
to try mak<strong>in</strong>g one regular and one occasional<br />
item, perhaps start with kefir and sauerkraut.<br />
Both are simple and safe to make and your<br />
digestive, immune and nervous systems, not to<br />
mention your sk<strong>in</strong> and bra<strong>in</strong>, will thank you for it.<br />
We have some recipes <strong>in</strong> this issue but there is<br />
plenty of <strong>in</strong>formation on the web or <strong>in</strong> the below<br />
publication and resources.<br />
This article was orig<strong>in</strong>ally published <strong>in</strong> sister<br />
publication WellBe<strong>in</strong>g Homegrown Homemade.<br />
Resources<br />
Nourish<strong>in</strong>g Traditions: The Cookbook<br />
that Challenges Politically Correct<br />
Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats, by<br />
Sally Fallon Morell & Mary G. Enig<br />
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to<br />
Ferment<strong>in</strong>g Foods, by Wardeh Harmon<br />
The Weston A Price Foundation,<br />
westonaprice.org<br />
74 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Pickles | FERMENTING & PICKLING<br />
Shelf preservation<br />
An overview of the art and history<br />
of pickl<strong>in</strong>g fruits and vegetables<br />
Words Chris Stafford<br />
People have been pickl<strong>in</strong>g all manner<br />
of foods for centuries, orig<strong>in</strong>ally to<br />
preserve them out of season and, later,<br />
purely for the taste.<br />
The practice is thought to have begun <strong>in</strong><br />
India 4000 years ago and by the end of the<br />
Roman Empire had spread all over Europe.<br />
Today, the Italians have their colourful<br />
Mason jars<br />
These classic preserv<strong>in</strong>g jars get<br />
their name from Philadelphia t<strong>in</strong>smith<br />
John Landis Mason, who <strong>in</strong>vented and<br />
patented this style of jar <strong>in</strong> 1858. Their<br />
lids allow easy sterilisation and provide<br />
a hermetic seal for their contents. There<br />
are many other types of preserv<strong>in</strong>g jars<br />
that also have airtight seals.<br />
Mak<strong>in</strong>g whey<br />
L<strong>in</strong>e a colander with cheesecloth<br />
and stand it <strong>in</strong>side a bowl or jug.<br />
Pour 1L of pla<strong>in</strong> yoghurt, kefir or other<br />
fermented dairy <strong>in</strong>to the cheesecloth.<br />
Tie up the ends.<br />
Let the whey drip out for 24 hours.<br />
Store <strong>in</strong> an airtight, clean jar <strong>in</strong><br />
the fridge where it will keep for<br />
several weeks.<br />
Make labna with the firm yoghurt left<br />
<strong>in</strong> the cheesecloth by roll<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong>to<br />
balls and stor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> light olive oil.<br />
giard<strong>in</strong>iera of pickled onion, celery, zucch<strong>in</strong>i,<br />
carrot and cauliflower, while <strong>in</strong> northern Europe,<br />
it’s herr<strong>in</strong>g and rollmops.<br />
Appropriately, Amerigo Vespucci, the man<br />
who gave his name to America — home of the<br />
dill pickle — was a pickle merchant <strong>in</strong> Seville,<br />
Spa<strong>in</strong>. Before he went from mar<strong>in</strong>ades to<br />
mar<strong>in</strong>er and set sail for the New World, he<br />
provisioned ships with preserved meat and<br />
veg. A century and a half later, what we now<br />
call Manhattan was home to a huge Dutch<br />
pickle <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
The word “pickle” actually comes from<br />
the Dutch pekel, mean<strong>in</strong>g br<strong>in</strong>e, just one<br />
of the agents commonly used <strong>in</strong> pickl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(others <strong>in</strong>clude salt, v<strong>in</strong>egar, whey and oils).<br />
What people had discovered, long before the<br />
<strong>in</strong>vention of cann<strong>in</strong>g, was how to preserve food<br />
through the process of lacto-fermentation.<br />
Napoleon, who had a large army to feed,<br />
kick-started the commercial pickl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
when he offered a cash prize to anyone who<br />
could safely preserve food <strong>in</strong> bulk. The prize<br />
was claimed <strong>in</strong> 1810 by a confectioner named<br />
Nicolas Appert who’d figured out if you<br />
expelled air from a food conta<strong>in</strong>er and boiled it,<br />
the food didn’t spoil.<br />
It would be another 50 years before Louis<br />
Pasteur expla<strong>in</strong>ed what was happen<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
when you make the bottle airtight, no microorganisms<br />
can enter; once you boil it, any microorganisms<br />
already there are killed.<br />
At first, commercial pickl<strong>in</strong>g was a labour<strong>in</strong>tensive,<br />
expensive bus<strong>in</strong>ess until <strong>in</strong>dustrialists<br />
developed methods to do the job on a large<br />
scale. The trouble is, processes such as hightemperature<br />
pasteurisation or refrigeration kill<br />
the beneficial bacteria <strong>in</strong> the food and reduce its<br />
shelf life. In other words, a typical food <strong>in</strong>dustry<br />
trade-off of nutrition for convenience.<br />
To pickle and preserve fruits and vegies at<br />
home, you don’t have to work on an <strong>in</strong>dustrial<br />
scale. They can be made <strong>in</strong> the kitchen with<br />
just a few wide-mouthed, sealable Mason jars or<br />
similar and a wooden pounder. Use homemade<br />
whey (see box) rather than commercial whey<br />
for best results, especially with fruit. Whey<br />
supplies the lactobacilli, without which pickles,<br />
however tasty, don’t have the same nutritional<br />
value. If you don’t have whey, add an extra<br />
tablespoon of salt.<br />
Some of these <strong>in</strong>gredients will be available<br />
now from your garden, but you may have to buy<br />
others that your local climate doesn’t support<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g right now.<br />
A word about safety: When properly<br />
ferment<strong>in</strong>g pickles with a live culture such as<br />
whey, it’s not necessary to sterilise jars but they<br />
should be perfectly clean. Putt<strong>in</strong>g them and<br />
their lids through a dishwasher cycle will do the<br />
job well, but if you are more comfortable us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sterilised jars, by all means do so.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 75
FERMENTING & PICKLING | Olives<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Black olives<br />
Pressed Black Olives<br />
As you may already know, olives play a huge part <strong>in</strong> Greek cuis<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Here’s how to make pressed olives Greek style.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 5kg ripe black<br />
olives (preferably<br />
Kalamata)<br />
• 1kg sea salt<br />
• Olive oil<br />
• Fresh oregano,<br />
thyme or preferred<br />
herbs<br />
Method<br />
• Place olives on a large, clean piece<br />
of hessian or canvas. Pour sea salt over<br />
them. Mix thoroughly.<br />
• Wrap olives <strong>in</strong> the hessian or canvas<br />
and place a weight on top (around 10kg<br />
will do the job).<br />
• Over the next two weeks, check every<br />
two days and remix if necessary,<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g sure all olives are well covered<br />
with salt.<br />
• After two weeks, remove the olives from<br />
the cloth and wash them thoroughly to<br />
remove the salt.<br />
• Place <strong>in</strong> sterilised jars and fill to cover<br />
with olive oil. Add your choice of herbs,<br />
garlic, lemon etc, seal and store. Make<br />
sure all solids are beneath the oil.<br />
76 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Olives | FERMENTING & PICKLING<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Green olives<br />
Cured Green Olives<br />
It’s claimed that fermentation br<strong>in</strong>gs out new sour, aromatic tones <strong>in</strong> olives as well as<br />
remov<strong>in</strong>g the bitter compound oleurope<strong>in</strong> from the flesh.<br />
Method<br />
• Sort olives, discard<strong>in</strong>g bruised fruit. Make a slit<br />
<strong>in</strong> each without cutt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the pit. Transfer<br />
to a clean large pot or food-grade bucket,<br />
cover with water and weigh down with a<br />
plate so the olives rema<strong>in</strong> submerged.<br />
• Change the water every day for a week.<br />
• Transfer the olives to the ferment<strong>in</strong>g vessel<br />
and cover with br<strong>in</strong>e. Aga<strong>in</strong>, weigh them<br />
down so they stay submerged. Cover.<br />
• Leave to ferment <strong>in</strong> a cool, dark place for<br />
2–4 months, add<strong>in</strong>g more br<strong>in</strong>e as needed<br />
(1 cup sea salt, 2 cups v<strong>in</strong>egar to every 2L<br />
water). For the first few days, bubbles of<br />
gas may form. When that stops, add more<br />
br<strong>in</strong>e if required and cover tightly. It’s crucial<br />
to ensure the olives rema<strong>in</strong> submerged<br />
throughout. If white mould forms on the<br />
surface, scoop it off.<br />
• After 2 months, taste to ensure the olives are<br />
no longer bitter before us<strong>in</strong>g. If they are still<br />
bitter, leave to cure for longer.<br />
• When ready, they can be dra<strong>in</strong>ed and<br />
transferred to sterilised jars and covered <strong>in</strong><br />
either br<strong>in</strong>e or olive oil with your choice of<br />
herbs and spices, ensur<strong>in</strong>g noth<strong>in</strong>g poke s<br />
out from the liquid.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• Large ripe green<br />
olives<br />
• Spr<strong>in</strong>g water<br />
• Enough br<strong>in</strong>e to<br />
cover<br />
Br<strong>in</strong>e<br />
• 2L spr<strong>in</strong>g water<br />
• 1 cup sea salt<br />
• 2 cups raw apple<br />
cider v<strong>in</strong>egar (with<br />
“the mother”)<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 77
FERMENTING & PICKLING | Preserved limes<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Limes<br />
Preserved Limes<br />
Preserved limes can stand <strong>in</strong> for preserved lemons <strong>in</strong> your cook<strong>in</strong>g and are a good way to make use of<br />
excess fruit. Add the chopped peel to tag<strong>in</strong>es, salads and slow-cooked dishes. Be careful to use only<br />
unref<strong>in</strong>ed salt, as table salt and some sea salt conta<strong>in</strong> anti-cak<strong>in</strong>g agents and other nasties you don’t<br />
want <strong>in</strong> your preserve. The liquid will look cloudy at first but will clear <strong>in</strong> about a week.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 8 limes, plus 8 more for juice<br />
• 3 tbsp unref<strong>in</strong>ed sea salt<br />
• C<strong>in</strong>namon stick, broken<br />
• 2 bay leaves<br />
• 6 cardamom pods<br />
• 8 whole cloves<br />
• 1 tsp mustard seeds<br />
• 2 tbsp whey<br />
Method<br />
• Cut limes <strong>in</strong> quarters leav<strong>in</strong>g them<br />
attached at one end.<br />
• Separate quarters and spoon sea<br />
salt <strong>in</strong>to the opened quarters.<br />
• Pack the limes <strong>in</strong> a jar add<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
c<strong>in</strong>namon stick, bay leaves and<br />
spices. You may have to break a few<br />
<strong>in</strong> half to pack them <strong>in</strong>.<br />
• Add lime juice and whey to the jar.<br />
Add water to cover the limes <strong>in</strong><br />
liquid and fill to 2cm below brim.<br />
• Place a weight <strong>in</strong>side the jar<br />
to hold the lemons down.<br />
Cover tightly and keep at room<br />
temperature for 2 weeks, turn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the jar once a day. Skim off any<br />
mould that forms and re-cover.<br />
Your limes will change from green<br />
to yellow.<br />
• Transfer to cold s torage.<br />
78 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Japanese-style sauerkraut | FERMENTING & PICKLING<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Napa cabbage<br />
Japanese-style Sauerkraut<br />
Pickled foods are a major part of Japanese cuis<strong>in</strong>e. The orig<strong>in</strong>s of tsukemono (pickles) are lost, but legend has it that the<br />
people liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the area around the Kayatsu Shr<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> Nagoya (now nicknamed Tsukemono J<strong>in</strong>ja) would offer sea salt and<br />
vegetables to the god of the shr<strong>in</strong>e. However, because the vegetables would soon spoil, they decided to try mix<strong>in</strong>g them<br />
with the salt, conclud<strong>in</strong>g that the result was a gift from the gods. There are many types of pickl<strong>in</strong>g, but this is a version of<br />
hakusai, us<strong>in</strong>g whey <strong>in</strong>stead of the traditional ricebran culture.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 1 napa cabbage, cored<br />
& f<strong>in</strong>ely shredded<br />
• Bunch shallots,<br />
chopped<br />
• 2 tbsp soy sauce<br />
(naturally fermented)<br />
• 2 tbsp lemon juice<br />
• 1 tsp sea salt<br />
• 2 tbsp whey (or an<br />
additional tsp of salt)<br />
Method<br />
• Mix all <strong>in</strong>gredients <strong>in</strong> a<br />
bowl and pound with a<br />
wooden pounder or meat<br />
hammer to release juices.<br />
• Let stand, covered with a<br />
tea towel or paper towel<br />
for ½–1 hour for salt to<br />
draw out juices.<br />
• Transfer to a clean jar,<br />
pound<strong>in</strong>g each layer so<br />
liquid rises to top, and<br />
ensur<strong>in</strong>g vegetables are<br />
fully submerged. Leave<br />
about 3cm space at top.<br />
Cover with lid.<br />
• Leave at room<br />
temperature for about<br />
three days, then transfer<br />
to cold storage.<br />
Adapted from recipe by Sally Fallon Morell <strong>in</strong> Nourish<strong>in</strong>g Traditions.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 79
FERMENTING & PICKLING | BEet Kvass<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Beetroot<br />
Beetroot Kvass<br />
Kvass is a fermented dr<strong>in</strong>k orig<strong>in</strong>ally made from rye bread, but can also made from beets. Beetroot is high<br />
<strong>in</strong> betacyan<strong>in</strong>, which has been found to significantly oxygenate the blood, so it’s a double whammy with<br />
the micro-organisms from the lacto-fermentation. A small amount daily will have very beneficial effects on<br />
health. You can even use some <strong>in</strong> salad dress<strong>in</strong>gs where a little colour won’t be a problem, such as <strong>in</strong><br />
a beetroot, rocket, walnut and feta salad, or mix it with carrot or orange juice.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 2-4 beetroots, washed, peeled &<br />
cut <strong>in</strong>to small cubes<br />
• ¼ cup whey<br />
• 1 tsp unref<strong>in</strong>ed sea salt<br />
• filtered<br />
water<br />
Method<br />
• Place<br />
beets <strong>in</strong> bottom of jar.<br />
• Add salt and whey and fill jar<br />
with filtered water to about 2cm<br />
from top. Put lid on and give it<br />
a good shake.<br />
• Loosen lid off and leave at room<br />
temperature er for 2 days to ferment.<br />
• Once<br />
fermented, tighten lid,<br />
transfer to fridge and use as<br />
desired. ed The salty flavour will<br />
mellow<br />
over time.<br />
Tip: When all the liquid has been<br />
drunk, you can add more whey (or<br />
a little of the liquid from the first<br />
batch) and water to the beetroot <strong>in</strong><br />
the jar and<br />
ferment another batch.<br />
Then discard the beets.<br />
Variation: Add grated g<strong>in</strong>ger.<br />
80 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Pickled Celeriac & Carrot Salad | FERMENTING & PICKLING<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Celeriac<br />
Pickled Celeriac & Carrot Salad<br />
This is v<strong>in</strong>egar-based pickl<strong>in</strong>g us<strong>in</strong>g heat. It doesn’t have the live microbe benefits of fermentation as it’s the acidity of<br />
the denatured v<strong>in</strong>egar that does the preserv<strong>in</strong>g, but for those who like a v<strong>in</strong>egary tang, these pickles make a delicious<br />
accompaniment and are still a pleasant way to use your harvest. For those who ma<strong>in</strong>ly use celeriac <strong>in</strong> mash, it makes an<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g salad vegetable.<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 1 napa cabbage, cored<br />
and f<strong>in</strong>ely shredded<br />
• Bunch shallots,<br />
chopped<br />
• 2 tbsp soy sauce<br />
(naturally fermented)<br />
• 2 tbsp lemon juice<br />
• 2 tsp sea salt<br />
• 2 tbsp whey (or an<br />
additional tsp of salt)<br />
Method<br />
• Mix together vegetables<br />
<strong>in</strong> a bowl and spr<strong>in</strong>kle<br />
with 2 tbsp of salt. Mix<br />
well and leave to stand<br />
about 2 hours.<br />
• R<strong>in</strong>se vegetables under<br />
cold, runn<strong>in</strong>g water, then<br />
dra<strong>in</strong> well. Stir <strong>in</strong> dill<br />
seeds and orange zest,<br />
then pack loosely <strong>in</strong>to<br />
hot sterilised jars with<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar-proof sealants.<br />
• Place orange juice,<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar, water, rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
salt and sugar if us<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong><br />
sta<strong>in</strong>less pan and br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to the boil, boil<strong>in</strong>g for 2–3<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes.<br />
• Skim well and pour <strong>in</strong>to<br />
jars to cover vegetables, etables,<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g sure there e are no<br />
air pockets and vegies<br />
are covered.<br />
• Will be ready to eat <strong>in</strong> a<br />
week and should keep<br />
3–6 months.<br />
Adapted from recipe by Oded Schwartz<br />
<strong>in</strong> Preserv<strong>in</strong>g Through the Year.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 81
FERMENTING & PICKLING | Vietnamese pickles<br />
Ingredients<br />
• 1 cup filtered water<br />
• 1 cup rice v<strong>in</strong>egar<br />
• 3 tbsp unref<strong>in</strong>ed sugar<br />
• 2 tsp unref<strong>in</strong>ed sea salt<br />
• 2 carrots, cut <strong>in</strong>to matchsticks<br />
• 2 daikons, cut <strong>in</strong>to matchsticks<br />
Star <strong>in</strong>gredient: Daikon<br />
Vietnamese-style Pickles<br />
This is a quick fridge pickle that’s meant to be eaten with<strong>in</strong> a week or two, so it doesn’t traditionally go through<br />
a heat or fermentation process. It’s used as a little side dish or <strong>in</strong> sandwiches and rolls. You’ve probably had<br />
them on banh mi, those succulent Vietnamese pork rolls.<br />
Tip: Julienne if you want to use <strong>in</strong> rolls and<br />
sandwiches; cut <strong>in</strong>to thicker batons if you want<br />
to enjoy as a pickle side dish.<br />
Method<br />
• In a pot or bowl, mix water, v<strong>in</strong>egar, sugar and<br />
salt until dissolved. You may have to warm it<br />
a little.<br />
• Place carrot and daikon <strong>in</strong> a clean jar and pour<br />
<strong>in</strong> v<strong>in</strong>egar mixture to cover.<br />
• Seal jar and let sit for an hour, then place <strong>in</strong><br />
the refrigerator to pickle for a few days before<br />
eat<strong>in</strong>g. Will keep <strong>in</strong> the fridge for a week or<br />
two. Dra<strong>in</strong> off liquid to serve and garnish with<br />
coriander if desired.<br />
82 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
PICK OF THE CROP<br />
pick of the crop<br />
Our selection of products and services for gardeners and cooks<br />
Home <strong>in</strong> the Grange<br />
Sproutwell’s Grange series is Australia’s first proven commercial-grade<br />
greenhouse and is widely used <strong>in</strong> both residential and commercial<br />
agricultural <strong>in</strong>dustries. Over the past four years, Sproutwell has provided<br />
hundreds of Granges across Australia and New Zealand and it’s without a<br />
doubt the most sought-after greenhouse on the market today due to its<br />
supreme strength and durability. The Easy Alum<strong>in</strong>ium Connectors and Smart<br />
Slide-<strong>in</strong> Assembly System have been designed to reduce the assembly<br />
time by up to 70 per cent compared to other greenhouse structures<br />
(uses 300-plus fewer nuts and<br />
bolts than the traditional-style<br />
greenhouse). Complete with<br />
10mm polycarbonate panels,<br />
it’s hands-down one of the<br />
strongest greenhouses available.<br />
The entire range is perfect for<br />
those want<strong>in</strong>g to erect a larger<br />
greenhouse <strong>in</strong> an open area, as<br />
the structure is unbelievably<br />
strong. Call 1300 657 174 or visit<br />
sproutwellgreenhouses.com.au<br />
Award w<strong>in</strong>ner and<br />
Choice recommended<br />
The Kuv<strong>in</strong>gs Whole Slow Juicer is Choice<br />
recommended and the <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong><br />
award w<strong>in</strong>ner for the number-one cold-press<br />
juicer. The first cold-press juicer that juices<br />
whole fruit and vegetables, it’s stylish,<br />
quiet and easy to clean. The<br />
Kuv<strong>in</strong>gs Whole Slow Juicer yields<br />
more nutrients and enzymes for a<br />
healthy juice. Made <strong>in</strong> Korea with<br />
20 years warranty on the motor<br />
and five years on the parts. For<br />
more <strong>in</strong>formation, visit kuv<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
net.au or call (02) 9798 0586.<br />
Compost<strong>in</strong>g made simple<br />
Everyone hates smelly council b<strong>in</strong>s full of maggots and rott<strong>in</strong>g old food, but how do<br />
you get rid of all this waste without the hard work of conventional composters? Simple.<br />
Plant a few Compots around your garden, rotate fill<strong>in</strong>g them with all your kitchen waste<br />
(<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g meat, citrus, onions, oil, dairy, doggie doo or anyth<strong>in</strong>g biodegradable) and<br />
let nature do the rest. No turn<strong>in</strong>g, no hard work — just fill, forget and refill whenever<br />
you have more waste. In contrast to conventional composters, you don’t need to wait<br />
for everyth<strong>in</strong>g to decompose before you top it aga<strong>in</strong>; just keep topp<strong>in</strong>g it up and it will<br />
look after itself. It couldn’t get much easier than that. And you get beautiful, rich garden<br />
soil, create a little ecosystem <strong>in</strong> your garden, reduce your council waste, plus save the<br />
environment. Don’t take our word for it — try two or three and see for yourself.<br />
Call (07) 3358 3716, directcompostsolutions.com or compot.com.au<br />
Top-sell<strong>in</strong>g organic<br />
sugar cane mulch<br />
Rocky Po<strong>in</strong>t Mulch<strong>in</strong>g’s Certified <strong>Organic</strong><br />
Sugar Cane Mulch is the longest-established,<br />
highest-quality, most trusted brand on the<br />
market. This has been achieved through<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g customer expectations with genu<strong>in</strong>e<br />
claims on coverage and quality. Its top-sell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
bag of sugar cane mulch covers seven square<br />
metres when spread at 50mm thickness. To<br />
achieve this, it’s essential first that the mulch be<br />
fully dust-extracted and, second, that the bag<br />
weigh between 12kg and 13kg. If you purchase<br />
a bag and it’s anyth<strong>in</strong>g but this, it won’t achieve<br />
the coverage as promised. So ask yourself, is<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> Times<br />
Rocky Road rocks!<br />
The latest tasty treat from <strong>Organic</strong> Times has arrived:<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> Rocky Road, available <strong>in</strong> milk and 55 per<br />
cent dark chocolate. <strong>Organic</strong> Times is known for its<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>ably produced gourmet products, especially its<br />
chocolates (created for the eco-conscious connoisseur),<br />
and its rocky road is no different. Made with the most<br />
delicious, soft, organic vanilla marshmallows, crunchy<br />
roasted Australian organic almonds and tangy organic<br />
raspberry jellies, smothered <strong>in</strong> smooth, organic,<br />
decadent couverture chocolate, this rocky road could<br />
be the best you ever<br />
try. Certified organic,<br />
Fairtrade, palm oil-free,<br />
with noth<strong>in</strong>g artificial<br />
and gluten-free.<br />
RRP $5.95.<br />
organictimes.com.au<br />
your garden really gett<strong>in</strong>g what you’re pay<strong>in</strong>g<br />
for? Rocky Po<strong>in</strong>t Mulch<strong>in</strong>g is Australia’s only<br />
family-owned and -operated sugarcane farm<br />
and sugarcane mulch<br />
process<strong>in</strong>g plant. Its<br />
sugarcane mulch<br />
is not outsourced<br />
for production; they<br />
grow it, they pack it.<br />
Certified by NASAA<br />
as an <strong>in</strong>put for<br />
organic production,<br />
it’s the perfect choice<br />
for your garden.<br />
rpmulch<strong>in</strong>g.com.au<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 83
PICK OF THE CROP<br />
Amaz<strong>in</strong>g coconut<br />
Did you know that coconut fibre is naturally antibacterial?<br />
This makes it a perfect natural fibre for the kitchen that<br />
is eco-friendly, biodegradable and a healthier, more<br />
susta<strong>in</strong>able choice. The Eco Max Kitchen Scrubber uses<br />
the husk of the coconut to make a strong, long-last<strong>in</strong>g<br />
kitchen scrubber. The fibres are wound onto galvanised<br />
wire so it won’t rust and can even go <strong>in</strong>to the dishwasher.<br />
Unlike with nylon scourers, oil and fat do not congeal<br />
on the coconut fibre and it won’t scratch enamelware or<br />
take the pat<strong>in</strong>a from cast iron. The bristles make it ideal<br />
for hard-to-clean areas such as garlic crushers, stra<strong>in</strong>ers<br />
and graters and it easily cleans blenders, juicers and<br />
mixers. You can even use the Eco Max Kitchen Scrubber<br />
outside on the barbecue, animal troughs, pet bowls or<br />
<strong>in</strong> the chook<br />
shed to clean<br />
your eggs. You’ll<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d many uses<br />
for the Eco Max<br />
Kitchen Scrubber,<br />
which has an<br />
RRP of $<strong>3.</strong> For a<br />
stockist near you,<br />
see importants.<br />
com.au<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> fertiliser<br />
for your garden<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> Fertilisers, situated 40km southwest of Sydney<br />
near the small township of Br<strong>in</strong>gelly, began operations<br />
<strong>in</strong> the mid-60s, clean<strong>in</strong>g out poultry farms and also<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g a dairy operation milk<strong>in</strong>g 1800 cows daily. It’s<br />
now one of the biggest companies <strong>in</strong> the Sydney metro<br />
area, clean<strong>in</strong>g poultry sheds for large commercial farms.<br />
All the poultry manure collected is either sold direct<br />
to the agriculture <strong>in</strong>dustry or brought back to the yard<br />
where it’s composted down, go<strong>in</strong>g through a heat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
process to comply with certification standards to cater<br />
to Certified <strong>Organic</strong> customers. The company developed<br />
a low-odour product for customers <strong>in</strong> the Sydney metro<br />
area, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g golf courses, sport<strong>in</strong>g ovals, councils and<br />
racetracks. It also makes up blends us<strong>in</strong>g the low-odour<br />
poultry manure with composted sand from the dairy and<br />
cow manure. (02) 4773 4291<br />
All-round goodness<br />
Grow tasty herbs, vegies and beautiful flowers from organic goodness.<br />
5IN1 <strong>Organic</strong> Plant Foods draws together some of nature’s best fertilisers<br />
to produce outstand<strong>in</strong>g organic results for all your garden plants, trees,<br />
shrubs and even lawns. This mix is fully<br />
registered organic and promotes better<br />
flower<strong>in</strong>g and fruit<strong>in</strong>g without harsh<br />
impact on the environment. Available<br />
<strong>in</strong> easy-to-spr<strong>in</strong>kle pellets, dig-<strong>in</strong> soil,<br />
water-<strong>in</strong> liquid and premixed hose-on<br />
forms. For more <strong>in</strong>formation, call<br />
(07) 5422 3000 or visit searles.com.au<br />
Nourish<strong>in</strong>g gardeners’<br />
hands for 90 years<br />
Weleda was the orig<strong>in</strong>al eco-friendly and susta<strong>in</strong>able sk<strong>in</strong>care company, founded<br />
by the forefather of biodynamic farm<strong>in</strong>g, Dr Rudolf Ste<strong>in</strong>er. One of the company’s<br />
earliest and most iconic products is undoubtedly Sk<strong>in</strong> Food, a deeply nourish<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>in</strong>tensely hydrat<strong>in</strong>g whole-body moisturiser developed by Ste<strong>in</strong>er himself<br />
back <strong>in</strong> 1926. Sk<strong>in</strong> Food restores and protects dry and rough sk<strong>in</strong> with a 100 per<br />
cent natural blend of plant extracts <strong>in</strong> a thick, rich base and delights with<br />
a fresh scent from natural and organic essential oils. Fans love Sk<strong>in</strong> Food for its<br />
high-quality <strong>in</strong>gredients such as sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, beeswax,<br />
chamomile, calendula and wild pansy<br />
extracts, which are either grown by Weleda<br />
<strong>in</strong> its biodynamic gardens or ethically<br />
sourced through Fairtrade partnerships<br />
worldwide. Sk<strong>in</strong> Food is free from synthetic<br />
preservatives, fragrances, colours or<br />
petroleum-derived <strong>in</strong>gredients and is not<br />
tested on animals. Most importantly, Sk<strong>in</strong><br />
Food works. It moisturises and softens<br />
dry and rough sk<strong>in</strong> anywhere on the body,<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g it a gardener’s essential.<br />
weleda.com.au<br />
Give plants the lift they need<br />
Autumn is a great time for garden<strong>in</strong>g as air temperatures are milder but<br />
the soil is warm enough for root growth. Creat<strong>in</strong>g healthy soil is the key to<br />
hav<strong>in</strong>g a great autumn garden. Add<strong>in</strong>g organic matter improves soil health<br />
by <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g water- and nutrient-hold<strong>in</strong>g capacity, improv<strong>in</strong>g soil structure<br />
as well as attract<strong>in</strong>g earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms,<br />
which all encourage better root growth and healthier plants. Yates Dynamic<br />
Lifter <strong>Organic</strong> Plant Food conta<strong>in</strong>s a special comb<strong>in</strong>ation of concentrated<br />
composted manure boosted with fishmeal, blood<br />
and bone and seaweed, and is an easy-to-use,<br />
pelletised, rich source of organic matter. Yates<br />
Dynamic Lifter <strong>Organic</strong> Plant Food also conta<strong>in</strong>s<br />
slow-release organic nutrients to gently feed plants<br />
over several weeks. It’s ideal for mix<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the<br />
soil when prepar<strong>in</strong>g new autumn vegie and garden<br />
beds as well as when plant<strong>in</strong>g trees, shrubs and<br />
roses. It will give new plants the best start as they<br />
establish and, reapplied every six weeks, will help<br />
keep plants well nourished. For more <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
on Dynamic Lifter, head to yates.com.au<br />
84 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
PICK OF THE CROP<br />
Planet Poultry<br />
range of Happy Hens<br />
supplements for<br />
chickens<br />
Garlic Granules: This herb has been<br />
universally used as a medic<strong>in</strong>e and tonic food<br />
for thousands of years. Garlic stimulates the<br />
immune system and is antibacterial, antiviral,<br />
antifungal and antiparasitic.<br />
Seaweed Meal: Conta<strong>in</strong>s over 70 naturally<br />
balanced elements, m<strong>in</strong>erals and am<strong>in</strong>o acids<br />
and may have a prebiotic effect <strong>in</strong> poultry,<br />
stimulat<strong>in</strong>g better health.<br />
Molodri: Dried molasses and f<strong>in</strong>e<br />
diatomaceous earth (non-toxic fossilised<br />
diatoms). Regularly used, may assist <strong>in</strong> the<br />
control of worms and coccidiosis.<br />
Diatomaceous Earth: Completely natural<br />
dust<strong>in</strong>g powder for the control of lice and<br />
mites on birds and <strong>in</strong> their hous<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Apple Cider V<strong>in</strong>egar: Specially formulated<br />
double-strength and unpasteurised, still<br />
reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g “mother of v<strong>in</strong>egar”, which is vital <strong>in</strong><br />
preserv<strong>in</strong>g all vitam<strong>in</strong>s and m<strong>in</strong>erals.<br />
Fortex: Poultry vitam<strong>in</strong>s formulated by a<br />
poultry nutritionist to meet the vitam<strong>in</strong> and<br />
m<strong>in</strong>eral requirements that may be lack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
your chickens’ diet.<br />
planetpoultry.com.au<br />
Loved by the experts<br />
FormBoss Metal Garden Edg<strong>in</strong>g was proudly support<strong>in</strong>g Grand Designs Live a few years<br />
ago. As part of the show the company supplied several planter r<strong>in</strong>gs to be <strong>in</strong>corporated<br />
<strong>in</strong>to the ma<strong>in</strong> show display, where the speakers were present<strong>in</strong>g. Jamie Durie liked<br />
the planters so much he decided he wanted to place them <strong>in</strong> his own backyard. Many<br />
people don’t know that FormBoss Metal Edg<strong>in</strong>g can be easily bent <strong>in</strong>to both curves and<br />
angles on site. You can also elect to have your preferred product shaped <strong>in</strong>to a r<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
your chosen diameter. These r<strong>in</strong>gs are fantastic for raised planter beds, as FormBoss is<br />
available <strong>in</strong> eight different heights rang<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
75mm to 580mm. They can also be used at lower<br />
heights to dist<strong>in</strong>guish trees, sculptures and water<br />
features. You’d be surprised just how economical<br />
the r<strong>in</strong>gs are when compared with alternatives.<br />
The 700mm-diameter r<strong>in</strong>g at 185mm height<br />
displayed here retails at around $60!<br />
formboss.com.au<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> top-shelf<br />
spirits<br />
Hunter Distillery is the only certified<br />
organic distillery <strong>in</strong> the Hunter Valley w<strong>in</strong>e<br />
region of NSW. The company’s owners<br />
have a passion for produc<strong>in</strong>g quality<br />
top-shelf spirits. Sourc<strong>in</strong>g only the best<br />
organic raw <strong>in</strong>gredients and us<strong>in</strong>g copper<br />
pot stills, their exceptional range <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
the award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g certified organic Valli<br />
Premium Vodka and Copperwave G<strong>in</strong>.<br />
They also make an outstand<strong>in</strong>g range of<br />
flavoured vodkas, liqueurs and schnapps,<br />
us<strong>in</strong>g 100 per cent certified organic spirit<br />
as the base. Start<strong>in</strong>g as a backyard hobby,<br />
the company opened its doors to the<br />
public <strong>in</strong> October 2012. Tast<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
sales of spirits are available daily<br />
10am–5pm, at the cellar door. The<br />
dedicated cellar door staff can provide<br />
you with a selection from the range,<br />
uniquely presented as 2mL samples <strong>in</strong><br />
test tubes. Visit and sample the unique<br />
range of spirits, with a flavour for every<br />
taste. hunterdistillery.com.au<br />
On the Organigrow farm<br />
At Organigrow we strive to give our feathered friends the best<br />
environment to thrive <strong>in</strong> and lay exceptional eggs. With a free<br />
choice of shady, forested areas and lush pastures, they can adapt<br />
their habits to suit the variable weather. On hot days they hang<br />
out under the trees and scratch through the mulch, while <strong>in</strong> the<br />
early morn<strong>in</strong>gs and even<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong> cooler cloudy weather they<br />
forage <strong>in</strong> the pastured areas. We are certified organic and one of<br />
our biggest challenges is the escalat<strong>in</strong>g cost of certified organic<br />
feed. Three years ago I was buy<strong>in</strong>g a complete ration for around<br />
$600 per tonne. Now that has doubled to more than $1200. In<br />
response I am undertak<strong>in</strong>g a project to mix my own feed from<br />
organic gra<strong>in</strong>, sourced locally, and a high-prote<strong>in</strong> pellet. This has<br />
been a major project and is almost complete. I have had to buy<br />
large silos and make output augers as well as renovate a secondhand<br />
feed mixer. The aim is not only to reduce costs, but to<br />
improve the quality of the feed as I can <strong>in</strong>corporate more whole<br />
gra<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to their diet. As you may know, when gra<strong>in</strong> is ground it<br />
starts to oxidise and lose its vitality. Feed<strong>in</strong>g hens whole gra<strong>in</strong> is<br />
the best way to preserve its goodness, which makes for healthier<br />
eggs. — Simon, organigrow.com.au<br />
<strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong> | 85
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REVIEWS | Books<br />
Cover to cover<br />
Leaf<strong>in</strong>g through books for gardeners and nature lovers<br />
The Oldest Foods on Earth<br />
By John Newton, NewSouth Books, $29.99<br />
“Before we arrived <strong>in</strong> 1788 the Aborig<strong>in</strong>al people of the tropical North chose from among 750 different<br />
plant and animal foods,” writes Sydney food and environment journalist John Newton, nail<strong>in</strong>g his<br />
colours to the mast on the first page of his new book, subtitled A History of Australian Native Foods.<br />
And <strong>in</strong> the past two centuries, European Australians have hardly touched the unique foods that<br />
nourished the First Peoples of our land for 50 millennia — a situation Newton <strong>in</strong>tends to redress<br />
with this fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g and enterta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g study, complete with recipes from the likes of Peter Gilmore,<br />
Maggie Beer and Beau Clugston. And it’s not only about the taste; just as lean kangaroo is one of the<br />
healthiest meats around, the Kakadu plum has the highest levels of vitam<strong>in</strong> C and antioxidants <strong>in</strong> the<br />
plant world. If trendy imports like qu<strong>in</strong>oa, açaí berries and goji berries are regarded as superfoods,<br />
asserts Newton, then Australian native foods are “super-duper foods”.<br />
<strong>Good</strong> Better Green<br />
By Zita Steyn, Hardie Grant Books, $29.99<br />
“Eat your greens!” Most of us heard this exhortation many times as children. In the case of Zita<br />
Steyn’s own mother, giv<strong>in</strong>g up sugar and eat<strong>in</strong>g more greens was how she overcame chronic fatigue<br />
syndrome and nursed herself back to health. The story stayed with South African-born Steyn, who<br />
quotes Hippocrates’ assertion that “all illness beg<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the gut” and po<strong>in</strong>ts out <strong>in</strong> her <strong>in</strong>troduction:<br />
“Green vegetables, especially the dark-green leafy k<strong>in</strong>d, are the most nutrient-dense foods available<br />
to us.” Yet so many of us settle for a limited green diet of tried-and-true favourites such as peas,<br />
beans and broccoli. The 90 recipes <strong>in</strong> this book will broaden your palate as you explore the vast<br />
variety of ways of <strong>in</strong>corporat<strong>in</strong>g leafy greens <strong>in</strong>to everyth<strong>in</strong>g you eat, from soups and sauces to ma<strong>in</strong>s<br />
and desserts — from nettle and artichoke pâté to apple and green cabbage cake. With Steyn’s help,<br />
it’s not only easy be<strong>in</strong>g green, it can be <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and delicious as well.<br />
The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook<br />
By Mickey Trescott, Murdoch Books, $39.99<br />
Autoimmune diseases are someth<strong>in</strong>g of a modern epidemic. At some po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> our lives, one <strong>in</strong> five<br />
of us will be diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder — a condition where the body’s immune<br />
system mistakenly declares war on its own tissue — and conventional medic<strong>in</strong>e is largely baffled as<br />
to its causes and treatment. For US author Mickey Trescott, it was a case of “Chef, heal thyself!”<br />
In her own struggle with Hashimoto’s disease and coeliac disease, she realised the cure was far<br />
more complex than just remov<strong>in</strong>g gluten from her diet. After elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong> food groups and<br />
embrac<strong>in</strong>g others, she eventually settled on a version of the paleo diet, a simple, earthy approach<br />
to food choice and preparation. This beautiful cookbook, featur<strong>in</strong>g 115 recipes, four-week meal<br />
plans and tips on shopp<strong>in</strong>g, batch cook<strong>in</strong>g and prepar<strong>in</strong>g ahead, could be your first step on the<br />
road to health and vitality.<br />
Eat Right for Your Shape<br />
By Lee Holmes, Murdoch Books, $35<br />
With her Supercharged Food blog, WellBe<strong>in</strong>g magaz<strong>in</strong>e column and several books on the subject, Lee<br />
Holmes is virtually a one-woman <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> the field of nutrition. As an expert on India’s Ayurvedic<br />
heal<strong>in</strong>g system, yoga teacher, wholefoods chef and certified holistic health coach, Lee is uniquely<br />
qualified to expla<strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terplay of bodily systems with nutrition, yoga and breath<strong>in</strong>g exercises. Her<br />
mission here is to <strong>in</strong>corporate all this knowledge <strong>in</strong>to a balanced diet and lifestyle that’s right for your<br />
unique body shape or dosha, to use an Ayurvedic term. Not just a cookbook us<strong>in</strong>g natural, seasonal<br />
foods but also a yoga and meditation handbook, Eat Right for Your Shape embodies Lee’s own<br />
mantra (to use another ancient word): “Follow<strong>in</strong>g your own path will serve you greatly when adopt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Ayurvedic pr<strong>in</strong>ciples, so let go of compar<strong>in</strong>g yourself to others and make your own way to your<br />
preferred weight and maximum health.”<br />
92 | <strong>Good</strong> <strong>Organic</strong> <strong>Garden<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
Directory<br />
The Greener Plant®<br />
For the Home Gardener<br />
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THE GREENER PLANT<br />
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Transports nutrients to cells<br />
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Only requires a mist on plants<br />
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“Around the end of October 2008 I sprayed The Greener Plant on my<br />
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chives and Ch<strong>in</strong>ese vegetables.<br />
Also I had pansies <strong>in</strong> the garden which had been <strong>in</strong> for about four<br />
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On the second day they were radiant and oh so colourful. The brightness<br />
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lasted through the 40 degree heat wave we have just had here.<br />
Then the broccoli simply started grow<strong>in</strong>g the next day literally like Jack<br />
and the Bean Stalk. The fi rst day I sprayed the broccoli it was about six<br />
<strong>in</strong>ches and ten days later it had grown to about three feet at which time I<br />
took this photo you can now see with a borrowed camera. After the photo<br />
I could not believe what was happen<strong>in</strong>g as the broccoli simply<br />
was gett<strong>in</strong>g bigger and then started to grow out of the wheel barrow<br />
and along the ground like a pumpk<strong>in</strong> v<strong>in</strong>e. I got to a po<strong>in</strong>t each morn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
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Every th<strong>in</strong>g I sprayed with The Greener Plant virtually grew so fast<br />
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I am conv<strong>in</strong>ced that The Greener Plant is a must for people who now<br />
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some time <strong>in</strong> research<strong>in</strong>g the benefi ts of sequestration for which Fulvic<br />
can help with carbon capture and storage <strong>in</strong> my back yard plants. It<br />
seems The Greener Plant has more to it than meets the eye. It has really<br />
put a smile on my dial as well with my direct family and friends who have<br />
seen the tremendous growth and health of my garden.” Jill C, NSW<br />
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The device also has a motion sensor that activates the possum repeller when<br />
possums move <strong>in</strong>to its <strong>in</strong>fra red coverage zone. The light sensor automatically turns<br />
the device on at dusk and off at dawn or runs 24 hours when used <strong>in</strong> a roof space.<br />
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Directory<br />
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www.everedge.com.au<br />
Tel: 0488 010 203
Directory<br />
HUNTER DISTILLERY is the only certied organic distillery <strong>in</strong> the<br />
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<strong>in</strong>fo@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au<br />
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GRANDPA’S FEEDERS, developed and sold <strong>in</strong> New<br />
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Directory<br />
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It’s no surprise that Troforte® is fast<br />
becom<strong>in</strong>g the fertiliser of choice for<br />
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soils are at their optimum health and this<br />
is crucial to plants grow<strong>in</strong>g healthy too!<br />
After all, it took us 15 years research<strong>in</strong>g<br />
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add to the pollution of our rivers and<br />
waterways. Troforte is also safe for pets<br />
and won’t burn your plants and prolonged<br />
use will also help <strong>in</strong>hibit many soil and<br />
plant diseases. That’s great news as<br />
the use of harmful chemical pesticides<br />
can be m<strong>in</strong>imized or elim<strong>in</strong>ated<br />
altogether. Troforte is a proudly<br />
Aussie <strong>in</strong>novation that tackles<br />
plant health from the roots -<br />
Literally! You will taste the<br />
difference <strong>in</strong> your fruits and<br />
veggies as Troforte® promotes<br />
greater nutrient uptake and that<br />
means your home grown<br />
produce will be packed full<br />
of goodness!<br />
www.saveyoursoils.com.au<br />
(for more <strong>in</strong>formation i and your nearest retailer )<br />
E: <strong>in</strong>fo@langleyfertilizers.com.au P: (08) 9302 1633<br />
• Largest supplier of Perma-Guard Fossil Shell Flour,<br />
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth<br />
• Human and Animal Health Supplements<br />
• Premium <strong>Organic</strong> Fertilisers and Soil Conditioners<br />
• Zeolite, Humates, Liquid Seaweed Concentrate, Wetters<br />
• Sell to home user, large farmers & resellers<br />
1300 385 842 • sales@plantdoctor.com.au<br />
• Made to Measure.<br />
• Local factory.<br />
• Colorbond® Steel<br />
- Built to last!<br />
• Comes <strong>in</strong> one piece.<br />
• Bonus $10 to $50<br />
voucher with every<br />
purchase.<br />
www.TheVegBed.com.au<br />
Ph 1300VEGBED
Directory<br />
PRESERVATIVE FREE • JAMES HALLIDAY OUTSTANDING<br />
100% BIO-DEGRADABLE POT<br />
ALL NATURAL<br />
NO TRANSPLANT SHOCK<br />
10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!<br />
To order your plant-a-pot pack:<br />
www.greentech.net.au<br />
marion@greentech.net.au<br />
ph: 0412 186 933<br />
1300 659 330 theorganicw<strong>in</strong>ecellar.com.au<br />
Australian<br />
Hand Made<br />
W<strong>in</strong>d Chimes<br />
Copper Ra<strong>in</strong> Cha<strong>in</strong>s<br />
HAND MADE<br />
GARDEN TOOLS<br />
designed to make<br />
your work life easier<br />
Buy onl<strong>in</strong>e at ...<br />
www.w<strong>in</strong>dsongchimes.com.au<br />
PO Box 462, Bell<strong>in</strong>gen NSW 2454<br />
<strong>in</strong>fo@w<strong>in</strong>dsongchimes.com.au<br />
Phone: (02) 6655 9899<br />
Order onl<strong>in</strong>e at<br />
www.dewitaustralia.com.au<br />
Ph 03 9787 8864<br />
At selected quality nurseries.<br />
sales@europeantoolsaustralia.com.au<br />
www.purepolish.com.au<br />
Great for sensitive noses<br />
Furniture clean<strong>in</strong>g, care & restoration products<br />
that are effective, natural and smell nice!<br />
We use the f<strong>in</strong>est quality, natural raw<br />
materials we can source<br />
We are 100% Australian owned<br />
We don’t use petrochemicals<br />
We believe <strong>in</strong> value for money - a little<br />
goes a long way<br />
We lov<strong>in</strong>gly hand-make our products<br />
here <strong>in</strong> Australia<br />
Pure Polish<br />
Blueberry Plants<br />
for your home garden!<br />
For Advertis<strong>in</strong>g<br />
opportunities<br />
Please contact<br />
Miriam Keen<br />
p. 02 9887 0604<br />
e. mkeen@universalmagaz<strong>in</strong>es.com.au<br />
Healthy 2 year old plants – different varieties available.<br />
Available April to December – ship via Aus Post or courier.<br />
Quarant<strong>in</strong>e regulations restrict postage of plants to<br />
Tasmania and WA. Plants are not certified organic.<br />
Order onl<strong>in</strong>e or request mail order pack via<br />
RMB 3160, Moondarra, Victoria 3825<br />
www.moonblue.com.au
Jo<strong>in</strong> us at one of our nutrition and cook<strong>in</strong>g<br />
demonstrations or retreats, see website for<br />
details or connect with us at the Energy<br />
Coach<strong>in</strong>g Institute on Facebook for regular<br />
updates, and health and wellness tips.<br />
Specialis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a unique multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
approach to enhanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your energy, personal health<br />
& professional performance.<br />
Go to our website for a FREE chapter<br />
of Jo’s book ‘Rocket Fuel on a Budget’.<br />
www.facebook.com/ EnergyCoach<strong>in</strong>gInstitute<br />
www.energycoach<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>stitute.com
We are 1%<br />
pasture grazed<br />
all year round!<br />
<strong>Organic</strong> Times provides you the<br />
organic choice for your dairy needs!<br />
With a range of organic butters and <strong>in</strong>stant milk powders, <strong>Organic</strong><br />
Times dairy can be enjoyed know<strong>in</strong>g that organic practices work<br />
to respect animal welfare and biodiversity. <strong>Organic</strong> Times dairy<br />
products come from cows that are pasture-fed on 100% organic<br />
grass all year long. They are free-range, well tended and naturally<br />
raised without artificial hormones.<br />
Us<strong>in</strong>g state of the art process<strong>in</strong>g to ensure better quality and taste.<br />
NASAA<br />
CERTIFIED ORGANIC<br />
CERT NO 3412P<br />
®<br />
Stockists <strong>in</strong>clude: Health & Specialty Shops • Independent Supermarkets • IGA<br />
BAYSWATER, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA T. +61 3 9780 9700 INFO@ORGANICTIMES.COM.AU ORGANICTIMES.COM.AU
Your Complete Steel<br />
Edg<strong>in</strong>g Solution<br />
Dirtscape Dream<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Rod Laver Arena Cafe<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>spiration from our onl<strong>in</strong>e galleries!<br />
• Elegant: A beautiful seamless l<strong>in</strong>e with<br />
virtually <strong>in</strong>visible jo<strong>in</strong>ts, hidden connectors<br />
and stakes.<br />
• Shapeable: Create the shape you want, from<br />
<strong>in</strong>tricate curves to straight l<strong>in</strong>es.<br />
• Strong: Stronger than alum<strong>in</strong>ium and<br />
traditional edg<strong>in</strong>g materials.<br />
• Durable: Steel does not crack, split, rot, or<br />
d<strong>in</strong>t and we guarantee it to last for a m<strong>in</strong>imum<br />
of 10 years.<br />
• Safe: The rolled top hides the connectors and<br />
stakes, leav<strong>in</strong>g only a smooth and round edge.<br />
• Value: Cheaper than plate steel, alum<strong>in</strong>ium or<br />
concrete. Install once and enjoy last<strong>in</strong>g results.<br />
• Versatile: There are almost endless<br />
applications for FormBoss Metal Garden<br />
Edg<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• Great Range: Multiple heights, f<strong>in</strong>ishes &<br />
gauges, the right edge for every type of project!<br />
RossU Design & Sw<strong>in</strong>burn TAFE<br />
MIFGS 2015<br />
L<strong>in</strong>ton Garden & Home<br />
Paal Grant Designs<br />
Kew Cottages<br />
Vitalise Landscapes<br />
GUARANTEED<br />
FOR<br />
~10 YEARS~<br />
Structural Guarantee<br />
See website for<br />
T & C’s