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 (drumsticks), flowers, and seeds. Used as both a vegetable and an herb, it is valued for its high vitamin and mineral content, rapid production, drought tolerance, and versatile culinary and medicinal uses. In this guide, we cover everything gardeners need to know […]
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 […]
Radishes (Raphanus sativus) are fast-maturing, colourful root vegetables prized for their crisp texture and peppery bite. Perfect for beginners, urban growers and professional chefs, radishes deliver big flavour from a small footprint. Whether grown as quick salad roots, nutrient-dense microgreens, sprouted shoots or deep-rooted cover crops, radishes are a versatile addition to any rotation or […]
Mung bean sprouts are a popular sprout choice worldwide, known for their crisp texture, refreshing taste, and impressive nutritional profile. With the hydroponic tray method, you can grow clean, soil-free sprouts at home in under a week. In this guide, you’ll discover not only how to grow them step by step, but also tips to […]
Wicking beds are an innovative gardening system that provide efficient water management by drawing moisture from a reservoir below the soil. These self-watering beds are perfect for sustainable gardening, water conservation, and growing plants in both backyard gardens and urban environments. This guide explores Colin Austin’s pioneering wicking bed design, their nutritional benefits, different types […]
Chilli seeds open a world of flavour, colour and heat for urban farmers, home gardeners and culinary chefs. From mild sweet peppers to super-hot varieties, each variety offers unique growth habits, flavours and uses. Whether you’re growing on a balcony, in raised beds or in large garden plots, the right seeds and care will reward […]
Sunflowers are more than just cheerful blooms in the garden. When used as a cover crop, they provide powerful benefits for soil, biodiversity, and sustainable food production. Their deep roots, towering growth, and vibrant flowers make them a multifunctional choice for both home gardeners and farmers. What Is a Sunflower Cover Crop? A sunflower cover […]
