Thai Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a highly aromatic, warm-season herb known for its peppery, clove-like flavour, textured leaves and importance in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking. It belongs to the group of plants commonly known as Holy Basil, Tulsi or Sacred Basil.Thai Holy Basil is often confused with Thai sweet basil, but they are […]
With fertiliser prices remaining volatile, many Australian farmers are looking for practical ways to reduce input costs without sacrificing productivity. One crop attracting renewed attention is Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea) — a fast-growing tropical legume capable of fixing nitrogen, producing valuable biomass, improving soil structure and helping suppress weeds. Recent coverage by ABC Rural highlighted […]
Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower, is a hardy perennial flower grown for its striking purple-pink blooms, raised central cones and excellent value in pollinator-friendly gardens. Once established, echinacea is reasonably drought tolerant, low maintenance and well suited to many Australian climates.This guide explains how to grow Echinacea purpurea from seed in Australia, including when […]
Broccoli microgreens are one of the easiest and fastest edible crops you can grow at home. In as little as 7–10 days, you can harvest fresh, tender greens from a small tray on your kitchen bench, windowsill or indoor growing shelf. If you’re wondering how to grow broccoli microgreens, the good news is that you […]
Feijoa is one of the most interesting backyard fruit trees you can grow, yet it is still relatively little known in Australia. In New Zealand, feijoas are extremely popular and often grown in home gardens, where the fruit is collected in autumn. Also known as pineapple guava, feijoa produces small green fruit with a sweet, […]
Winter is one of the best times to grow cover crop seeds in Australia. Instead of leaving garden beds bare, cool-season green manure crops such as vetch, oats, barley, field peas, lupins, and chicory can help protect soil, suppress weeds, add organic matter and prepare beds for spring planting. Common Names: Winter Cover Crops, Green […]
Fenugreek is a fast-growing cool-season legume that improves soil fertility, fixes atmospheric nitrogen, suppresses weeds, and adds valuable organic matter to the soil. Suitable for home gardens, market gardens, orchards, and regenerative farming systems, it is an excellent green manure crop for many Australian growing regions. Most gardeners know fenugreek as a culinary herb used […]
If you have harvested your summer vegetables and are left with bare garden beds heading into autumn or winter, annual ryegrass can be one of the easiest ways to protect and improve your soil. Many people know ryegrass as a lawn or pasture grass, but it is also widely used as a cover crop and […]
Gardeners often focus on what they harvest from their soil. But some of the most valuable plants in a garden are never harvested at all. These plants are called cover crops, also known as green manure crops. Instead of producing food for the table, they are grown specifically to improve soil health. When used properly, […]
Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is a vibrant, aromatic herb beloved in Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines. With distinctive flavours, striking leaf colours, and nutritional benefits, shiso brings complexity and freshness to salads, sushi, pickles, and herbal drinks. Whether you’re a home gardener, chef, or adventurous grower, this comprehensive guide will take you deep into the […]
Dichondra repens is a soft, low-growing groundcover that forms a dense green mat. It’s popular as a lawn alternative in warm areas, and it also works well around fruit trees, between pavers, or as a living mulch in garden beds. Starting from seed is an affordable way to cover larger spaces and lets the plants […]
Moringa is a fast-growing, nutrient-dense tree prized for its edible leaves, young pods, flowers and seeds. Also known as the Drumstick Tree, Miracle Tree and Horseradish Tree, moringa is grown in warm climates as a vegetable, herb, small tree and productive backyard food plant. This guide explains what moringa is, how to grow moringa from […]
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden in Australia is easier than you think. By planting a mix of flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, gardeners can support pollination, improve yields in vegetable gardens, and enhance biodiversity. This guide covers the top five flowers that thrive in Australian gardens, how to plant them, soil and maintenance […]
Brisbane’s subtropical climate often meets gardeners with heavy clay soil, poor drainage, and compacted ground. But with the right amendments, plant systems, and techniques, you can transform even the toughest block into fertile, thriving gardens. This guide covers both soil amendments and plant-based strategies to enhance soil quality in Brisbane’s unique conditions. Key Concepts: Soil […]
Vermiculite is a natural mineral that has been used for decades as a soil improver, seed starter, and growth medium. Its unique properties of moisture retention, aeration, and nutrient absorption make it an essential component for gardeners, urban farmers, and horticultural enthusiasts. Whether growing vegetables, herbs, or ornamental plants, vermiculite can significantly enhance soil performance […]
