Category: Advice
-
How to save sunflower seeds
I thought I was pushing my luck last year when I put sunflower seeds in the ground in mid-January. But sure enough, come April 1, a flower had appeared. Despite planting them outside of their optimal window – usually spring to early summer – I saw the fruits of my…
-
How to grow your own Kangaroo Paw
The Kangaroo Paw is native to Western Australia, with the red and green variety – known as Anigozanthos manglesii – the state’s floral emblem. The name is derived from the plant’s striking, furry flowers which are shaped like a kangaroo’s paw. Growing Kangaroo Paw can be grown from seed, with…
-
Growing lettuce from seed
Lettuce is one of the easiest plants to grow from seed, and it’s also one of the most versatile! You can grow lettuce in almost any season, but it makes a great addition to your garden in spring and in summer. Lettuce is a cool-seeded vegetable, so you can plant…
-
How to start a vegetable garden
Starting a vegetable garden is a great way to get more fresh produce into your diet and save money. If you’re new to gardening, there are a few things you need to know before planting your first crop. I’ve compiled a list of videos and other resources below – as…
-
DIY projects in old gardening magazines
The sun is shining… and the birds are singing… making it the perfect day to get out in the garden. But with your seedlings reaching for the sky and your compost bursting at the seams… what’s there to do that doesn’t involve breaking your back pulling weeds? It’s time for…
-
Five vegetable gardening tips for beginners
Welcome to the productive world of vegetable gardening! To help get you and your garden off to the right start, I’ve compiled five vegetable gardening tips. 1. Sunny location Food-producing plants will need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Observe the location where you plan to have…
-
How I’m using less water in the garden
I’ve wasted loads of water in the garden. Sometimes I will forget to turn off the tap when using the sprinkler on the lawn or I just over-water plants when they are already more than happy. So, when do plants need water? How do I bring down my water bill?…
-
Tips for a plentiful tomato harvest
The classic cherry tomato is one of the easiest plants to grow. Not only do they help with your confidence in the garden, you can use them in the kitchen to add a splash of colour – and flavour – to any dish. Whether it’s a salad, sauce, pizza or…
-
Hardy Bottlebrush an easy addition to any garden
The Bottlebrush’s hardiness and evergreen nature makes it a perfect addition to any garden. The Bottlebrush, or Callistemon, is native to Australia. They grow well even in poor soil – and they grow fast! I love them near any water environment – a coastal area or near a pond. However,…
-
How to maintain a lush green lawn through an Australian Summer
For the last two years, I’ve struggled to maintain a green, lush lawn. I often get a spurt of lush green growth some time between Spring and Summer, after a dose of slow-release fertiliser and decent rainfall, but then it slowly goes down hill from there as the weather warms…
Matt's Plants & Co - Australia 