Grow citrus

with a difference
native lime, Tangelos and more

ASPARAGUS
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Animals
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GARDENER
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 contents

on the cover
22 A lifetime gardener: Peter Cundall at 90
24 Asparagus: A 20-year harvest!
32 Grow citrus with a difference: native lime, tangelo & more
42 Discover native herbs
49 Animals special: Buying new chooks, keeping rabbits and
guinea pigs, raise your own fish with aquaponics
66 Beautiful bulbs for spring colour
32
organic gardening
24 Grow: Asparagus Long-term wonders
Among the delicacies of the vegetable world, asparagus
are well worth the few years wait until first harvest,
writes Penny Woodward.

32 Grow: Citrus with a difference

Justin Russell looks into the tangy world of citrus,
taste testing exotic varieties and native hybrids, plus
growing advice.

37 Solutions: Its elementary

5
Elements and trace elements are essential to plant
health so deficiencies can lead to a wide range of plant
problems, writes Peter Cundall.
42 Grow: Discovering native herbs
Karen Sutherland reveals the unique flavours and
aromas of many little-known native herbs including
49
native thyme, mint and pepper.
49 Animals: Fluffy foragers
Rabbits and guinea pigs make fine garden friends
theyre mini manure machines and handy lawn mowers,
writes Jessamy Miller.
58 design: backyard aquaponics
Simon Webster dives into the latest developments in
aquaponics the fish and plant production combo with
advice on how to start your own system.
PHOTOS: TOP: ALAMY/ CENTRE: ISTOCKPHOTO/BOTTOM: ALAMY

64 Basics: The great divide

Want to increase or share your gardens perennials?
Penny Woodward explains how to propagate by root
division.

66 Ornamental: A host of bulbs

Beautiful in bloom, spring bulbs (from bluebells to
daffodils and ranunculus) are ripe for digging in now,
66
explains Stephen Ryan.
73 Action: Into the autumn patch CHECK OUT FEATURE ARTICLES, READ BLOGS
Nows the time to get your autumn garden in order, from OR SUBSCRIBE AT ORGANICGARDENER.COM.AU
pruning and planting to seed saving and pest management.
CONTENTS

84 organic living
12 Planet: Love letters to a tree
Would applying economic rationale to our urban
trees increase their perceived value? Penny Woodward
investigates the human-tree connection.
22 knowledge: Grow and prosper
Having just turned 90, Peter Cundalls urge to grow food
and help others has not faltered since his early
childhood in the Great Depression.
55 Poultry: New chook in town
If youre in the market for fowl, Jessamy Millers tips on
what, where and how to buy plus transporting and
settling them in at home will prove invaluable.
78 Harvest: Warm and slow
Take it slow and warm yourself this autumn and beyond
with these tasty recipes from Sally Wises new book
Ultimate Slow Cooker.
84 Conversation: Joel Orchard
Kylie McGregor meets Joel Orchard, founder of Future
Feeders, a group dedicated to helping young people
enter the agricultural industry.

6 regulars WIN
a 7 nigh
s t
9 Eds letter unshine
co
luxury ast
10 Organic feedback escape
worth $5
13 Matters: News and events
see page
770
30
condition
16 Market: Pawsitively perfect s apply

19 Plant: Cold lovers

Get these cool-season faves in the ground now for a

PHOTOS: TOP: FUTURE FEEDERS/BOTTOM: ILLUSTRATION: THE ILLUSTRATION ROOM/TANYA COOPER

bumper winter harvest, writes Justin Russell.
86 Organic Advice: Answering your questions
87 Organic Library: The latest books
90 Losing the plot: Holiday hangovers

90 Life on the land is no holiday, writes Simon Webster,

especially after youve taken one.

WIN
one of five
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club prize Subscribe to Organic Gardener magazine and go into the
draw to win a trip to the sunshine coast.
packs
worth $136 ea 88 Gardening on your ABC
see page 89 Your local ABC radio and TV gardening guide.
89 Competition: Win one of 5 Diggers Club
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 SHOP NOW
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 For the Editor Steve Payne
Art Director Karen Berge
Deputy Editor Liz Ginis

best garden Horticultural Editor Penny Woodward

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ISSN: 1447-7335
 EDITORS LETTER

a lifetime of
gardening

Theres not much more

that can be said about
Peter Cundall that Getting extreme
we dont already
know organic It is with great alarm that
gardening pioneer, I read and hear about the
ABC TV Gardening continually escalating effects of climate change on
Australia presenter and gardens and nature. We have all been told of the record
contributor for decades, heat in Australia last summer and not in a good way.
author, environmental activist OG horticultural editor Penny Woodward reports that
and forest defender. Having just turned 90, Peter at the other extreme, in southern Victoria and Tassie,
continues to work and garden: he started growing his gardeners were waiting until early March for tomatoes to
first plants at the age of just three years. Read Peters ripen all because of unseasonably cold weather.
story about his gardening life on page 22, and his I mentioned this in a recent OG email newsletter,
practical guide Its Elementary about the importance emphasising that climate change is about extremes and
of micronutrients to plant health on page 37. disruption, not some gentle gradual heating of the planet
that we can easily adapt to. Regular OG contributor and
biologist Dr Reese Halter reports that native bee numbers
in the US recently hit dramatic lows. A contributing factor
(alongside pesticides and habitat destruction) is that trees
viva the revolution! and plants are flowering so early the bees havent woken
Growing nourishing up yet to feed, and when they do, the flowers are finished.
As I write, a report has come in about one of the worst
9
food is at the heart
of everything we do cases of mangrove forest dieback ever recorded globally,
at Organic Gardener which occurred on the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
magazine, and so were Researchers say extreme temperatures, drought and
excited to be publishing lowered sea levels are likely to blame for the death of
our latest Essential around 7400 hectares stretching thousands of kilometres.
Guide, which is all about It joins with the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef coral
getting you involved in a and the death of Tasmanian kelp forests as a signal that
food-growing revolution. major climate change effects are happening now, not in
Urban Farming is your the long-distant future. We will report more on this with
hands-on guide to getting a climate change feature later this year.
started no matter In terms of building resilience into our gardens and
how much, or little, space you have. It covers the basics, reducing the worst effects, we can only continue to grow
from garden planning to soil, seeds, watering and tools, healthy food in our backyards and do everything possible
and shares the stories of everyday Australians producing to reduce pressure on the planet. On a positive front, it
flavoursome organic fruit and vegies across the country. seems the extreme weather and threat of power failures
Plus, theres great advice for raising chooks, geese, ducks, is driving a massive increase in consumer demand for solar
quails, bees and beneficial bugs in the burbs. battery storage systems that can provide back-up power.
Anything that creates more self-reliance will help us
Dont miss your Urban Farming Essential Guide, out May 1!
deal with an uncertain future.
PHOTO OF PETER CUNDALL COURTESY ABC

Organic Gardener magazine has been printed using recycled

paper certified against the FSC R Chain of custody standard.
The text is printed on Leipa Ultralux Silk, which is an offset
paper made of 100% waste paper that not only satisfies the
highest quality requirements but is also 100% environment-
friendly, as it uses only recycled fibres as raw material.
This saves resources, energy and therefore protects the
environment as well.
ORGANIC FEEDBACK
GREAT CAPTURE
Marta lives with her three young children in the
10 Huon Valley of Tasmania on just under 5 acres.
Weve been working on fruit, vegetable and flower
gardens since starting from pretty much nothing in
April 2015. The big dream is to grow as much as we
can the organic way, ethically raise our own meat,
keep a hive or two and keep a few goats for our
dairy needs and my handmade soaps, Marta says.
connect with Marta and be inspired by her quest
@life.at.43degrees.south and dont forget to
follow and tag us @organicgardenermag!
NEW LIFE FOR FARMS?
Instead of a home, backyard or restaurant makeover TV
show, why not have one that breathes life back into small
farms and their surrounding communities true organic,
sustainable farm regeneration? Every day I pass a seemingly
struggling farmer whose cows have to cross the highway
that cuts through his land. On one side of the road there are
deep ruts and erosion on the too-steep hillside, on the other
a rundown barn and house. All could use a lift a bit like
the transformation story of organic farmer Joel Salatins
Polyface Farm (polyfacefarms.com). The show would have
to involve the whole community so the benefits are spread.
It could focus on different sustainable things each week,
such as organic dairy, vegetable growing, orchards, solar
and wind power.
Jennifer Peters
North Carolina, USA
TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT MEAT
I am writing to express my disappointment with the article I
recently read To eat or not to eat meat in the May/June 2016
issue of Organic Gardener*. I am a seventh generation farmer
and have been organic gardening for about 40 years. I farm
in partnership with my husband Dean, 16km from Keith in the
Upper South East of South Australia. We run a 1000ha mixed
enterprise farm with a variety of crops and sheep and cattle.
I am disappointed that no broad scale Australian farmers
were interviewed or quoted for this piece rather only small
producers for whom agriculture may not be their main source
of income.
Also, David Holmgren states if we dont produce them
ourselves then we should buy meat, eggs and dairy direct
from producers. This is an idealistic thought there are
77,164 cattle-producing properties in Australia (201112 ABS)
running 28.5 million animals, which have an off-farm meat
value of $12.3 billion. Would all this fit into farmers markets?
There are also 74 million sheep in Australia.
Holmgren also says we should avoid all food but
especially animal products produced via the corporate
controlled food supply system. What does he actually mean
by this the closure of all supermarkets or factory farming
of sheep and cattle?
From the comfort of urban Australia it is tremendously
easy to write and publish a piece such as this. For the majority
of farmers, looking after their sheep and cattle is paramount.
It is, after all, their income and therefore in their best interests
to keep them well fed and cared for. From the distance of
rural Australia, I have observed the continuing urbanisation of
Australia. Consumers are far removed from
their food sources and desperately
need publications like Organic
Gardener to canvas the whole
issue when running an article
on the ethics of eating meat.
Adair Dunsford
Churchill Downs, SA
*Editors note: We were
unable to run this letter
soon after the articles
appearance, but feel the
opinions deserved publication
as this debate is ongoing.
It was edited with permission
of the author.
posT: Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards NSW 1590
email: editor@organicgardener.com.au
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
web: organicgardener.com.au
Find us on:
ORGANIC PLANET
LOVE LETTERS
TO A TREE
Would applying economic rationale to
our urban trees increase their perceived
value? Penny Woodward investigates the
human-tree connection.
T
he city of Melbourne maintains more than 70,000 trees
and to facilitate their maintenance a few years ago
they mapped every tree in the city and gave each one
a number and email address. Councillor Arron Wood told the
BBC at the time that as the result of drought and age, many
12 of the trees were struggling or dying. So the mapping and
numbering of trees would enable residents to email whether
a tree was dropping limbs or if it was in a severe state of
decline and we could easily locate that tree and come out and
intervene, Wood said.
While this worked, they were also surprised and delighted
when Melbourne residents responded by writing love letters
to their favourite trees.
According to Wood, there were some quite humorous ones
but some really heartfelt emails as well. One was to Weeping
Myrtle, Tree ID 1494392.
Hello Weeping Myrtle, Im sitting inside near you and
I noticed that on the urban tree map you dont have many
friends nearby. I think thats sad so I want you to know Im
thinking of you. I also want to thank you for providing oxygen
for us to breath in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Best Regards, N.
The emails are monitored by the Councils Urban Forest
team who sometimes respond: one writer asked a western
red cedar what it thought about the Greek debt crisis, the tree
responded by saying that, Greece is not out of the woods yet.
The tree mapping is part of plans by Melbourne City Council to
double the tree canopy from 20 per cent to 40 per cent
by 2040.
Unfortunately, quite a few trees are slated for removal as
part of the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel and new underground
stations planned by the state government. Citizen groups have
mobilised to protect important trees and boulevards, stressing
above: London plane trees (Platanus)
in Carlton Gardens, Melbourne.
that while the development is important and welcome, it must
be done with little or no damage to trees.
Tree value
It all comes back to how we value them. In capitalist societies,
so many decisions are based on economic imperatives rather
than other factors, so perhaps we need to assign an economic
value to our urban forests that acknowledges their functions.
Urban trees help to intercept and slow down stormwater
run off, they reduce air pollution and carbon dioxide, conserve
energy by lowering wind speed and summer temperatures,
and create shade. And even more importantly there are the
psychological affects of trees on the community (shown so
vividly in the tree emails).
In New York, every street tree has been given a yearly value
that represents what they are worth to the city. Their total
annual value is estimated at $122 million, which is an average
of $209 per tree/per year. So, if a tree lives for 100 years,
then its economic benefit is $20,900.
In this commercially driven world, maybe Australian
councils also need to assign a value to each of their trees so
that planners can evaluate this before removing them. Would
this make politicians and developers look at trees differently?
Or perhaps we should just confer legal personhood on
them and grant them citizenship as New Zealanders have for
one of their rivers and a national park. These New Zealand
laws completely overturn the presumption of human
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
sovereignty over the environment.
For details of Melbournes urban forest or to email a tree,
go to: melbourneurbanforestvisual.com.au

GMO APPLES HIT
SHELVES IN USA
How do you keep your apple slices from
browning? A squeeze of lemon? A spritz
of honey and water?
Canadian company Okanagan Specialty
Fruits (OSF) would have you casting
both aside in favour of its genetically
modified Arctic apples, which have been
developed to resist browning when sliced.
The worlds first GMO apples hit shelves
in the US earlier this year marketed as
grab-and-go slices, with shoppers having
to scan the packaging with a smartphone
to learn its origin.
The company is in compliance with
a new US GMO food labelling act that
permits businesses to employ a QR
code instead of printing information on
packaging that informs consumers if a
product contains GMO ingredients.
To stop apples from browning, the
PHOTOS: TOP LEFT: ISTOCKPHOTO/TOP RIGHT: AFMA/BOTTOM RIGHT: ANIL SUD & IGPOTY
company suppressed an enzyme called
polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which causes
oxidation in apples but which is also an
antioxidant. Currently, commercial apple
slices are treated with chemical additives
to stave off browning.
There has been widespread outcry
in the US over the lack of labelling and
dangers of the apple. Dana Perls, the
senior food and technology campaigner
with the environment group Friends of
the Earth said: This apple is understudied,
unlabelled, and unnecessary and
consumers would soon reject it.
OSF will also be selling GMO Granny
Smith and Fuji apples in the future.
news
ORGANIC MATTERS
COMPILED BY LIZ GINIS
Find a farmers market
The peak body for farmers markets the Australian Farmers
Markets Association (AFMA) has just launched a new website
(farmersmarkets.org.au) offering shoppers and farmers a simple way
to find their nearest market.
According to AFMA spokesperson,
Jane Adams, the site also aims to grow
the authentic farmers market sector
nationally, with model rules to assist
new-start markets and existing markets
to align with AFMAs principles.
The site also provides links to state
farmers market associations, organic
organisations and offers free download
copies of the Farmers Market Food
Safety Guide.
13
above: Find your local
farmers market at
farmersmarket.org.au
Left: Anil Suds
Award-winning
photograph,
Mountain Fog.
Garden Photographer top gong
The winners have been announced in the 2017 International Garden
Photographer of the Year awards with an array of exquisite entries celebrating
not just gardening but nature and wildlife. The overall winner was Lee Acaster,
an English amateur photographer.
According to the organisers: His image is a challenging yet spectacular
scene, with incredible detail and depth. It has elevated a humble autumn
birch into a stained glass window of nature the more we look the deeper its
meaning becomes.
Anil Sud won the Breathing Spaces category, with a photo (shown above)
titled Mountain Fog taken at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, Colorado (USA).
The winners were announced at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London in
February. To see all the finalists and winners, go to igpoty.com
ORGANIC MATTERS
events
Tie one on
Did your mother (or father) wear an
apron during your younger years,
and was it perennially dusted with
flour or weighed down by freshly
harvested vegies or eggs? If so, then
the annual Ballarat Apron Festival,
which celebrates vintage and modern
aprons of all descriptions, will bring the
memories flooding back.
Held in conjunction with the Ballarat
Heritage Weekend, the festival will
include a makers market, showcasing
vintage-inspired handmade creations,
an apron-making competition, vintage
apron display, workshops, morning and
afternoon tea and more.
When: May 2728.
Where: St Patricks Cathedral Hall,
Dawson St South, Ballarat (VIC)
Details: 0468 618 118;
ballaratapronfestival.org
14
Annies open garden
Come and see Annies garden in Research
(VIC) a delightful one-acre where
mulching, composting and soil sculpting
have paid off to retain water and improve
soil. Includes a large productive garden
with black mulberry, figs, apricots, blood
plums, pomegranates and citrus. Therell
also be a sausage sizzle, refreshments
and plant sales. Please check website or
phone for any late changes.
When: May 67, 10am4.30pm.
Where: 27 Brenda Road, Research (VIC)
Entry: $8, students $5 (children under
18 free)
Details: 0472 997 880;
opengardensvictoria.org.au
NOTE: Last issue we got details
wrong for the Woodland Garden and
Wallasey-Beaumaris due to open on
15 & 16 April in country Victoria. As it
turns out, both have had to cancel.
We will advise when they reschedule.
Herb Awareness
The Queensland Herb Society again
presents Herb Awareness, an all-day
event promoting herbs of every
kind. It includes plants for sale, free
demonstrations and talks, and a cafe.
When: May 28, 9am4pm. Free entry.
Where: Albion Peace Hall,
102 McDonald Road, Windsor (QLD)
Details: qldherbsociety.org.au
Tesselaar Gardening
and Plants Expo
Set in the historic Tesselaar Gardens
(home of the iconic Tesselaar Tulip
Festival), the expo will feature more
than 40 specialist nurseries and
growers showcasing a wide array of
plants including herbs, vegies and rare
fruit trees. Youll also be able to gather
information and inspiration during expert
talks and demonstrations.
When: April 2223, 9am4pm.
Where: Tesselaar Gardens,
357 Monbulk Road, Silvan (VIC).
Entry: Adults $18, concession $15,
under 16 free.
Details: 03 9737 7701;
gardeningandplantsexpo.com.au
Compost Awareness
Week Australia
International Compost Awareness Week
Australia (ICAW) aims to promote compost
use and knowledge through community
top: Join the fun of the Ballarat apron festival.
left: Visit Annies open garden in research, Vic.
Above: the Tesselaar gardening and plants expo.
events and activities across the country.
The week is an initiative of the Centre for
Organic Research & Education (CORE),
a not-for-profit organisation conducting
year round organic research, education
and awareness activities.
To look up or register events, go to:
compostweek.com.au
When: May 713.
Where: across Australia.
Mudgee small farms
conference
Sustainable farmers, gardeners and seed
savers will gather in Mudgee (NSW) to
discuss topics including holistic farming,
beekeeping, seed saving, permaculture,
bushcraft and more. Also, farm walks.
When: May 2021.
Where: Augustine Function Centre
(beside Mudgee airport)
PHOTO: OPEN GARDEN/Annabel Reid
Cost: $100 whole conference,
$80 one day. Includes lunch and
refreshments.
Details & registration:
Email: renae_hill@bigpond.com;
or call Dennis Grimshaw 02 6372 7904;
0428 588 552.
 pawsitively perfect
Keep your treasured pets and animals clean,
fed and cosy during the cooler months.
COMPILED BY KYLIE McGREGOR
go with the flow
Flow Hive has taken not only Australia but the world by
storm, making backyard beekeeping available to the masses
with its unique and award-winning design that delivers
honey on tap literally. The creation of a father-and-son
team based on the NSW North Coast, the Flow Hive comes
in a range of size and budget options. The best-selling
Flow Hive Classic is available in Australian hoop pine from
honeyflow.com.au for $849.
16
fresh, frozen food
A healthy, balanced diet is just as
important for our pets as it is
for us. Organic Paws
has a range of freshly
frozen raw meat
meals for cats and
dogs, including chicken,
beef, kangaroo, and fish
and chicken. Each meal
is certified organic and
includes meat, ground bones
and organs, cod liver oil and kelp.
See organicpaws.com.au for stockists
or call 0433 960 124 for more.
bee-attracting plants
Bees play a huge role in a healthy garden and ecosystem.
Attract more of these hard little workers to your garden
by growing food and ornamental plants they will love: think
lavender, rosemary, basil and grevillea. Rosemary Chefs
Choice and Grevillea Molly from Touch of Class Plants are
great choices. Available at nursery and garden centres.
give a dog a (vege) bone
Dogs may be considered mans best friend, but a good bone is
probably a dogs bestie. If youre vegetarian, however, and cant
come at real bones, BioPet offers
an alternative with 100 per
cent vegetable-based organic
bone-shaped treats. Made from
wholegrain cereals, vegetable
protein as well as omega three
vegetable oil, natural limestone,
sea salt and vitamin E, they are
a healthy and meat-free way to
help keep your dogs teeth and
gums clean and reduce tartar
build-up. Available for $7.95 from
health, organic and pet stores.
See biopetonline.com.au or call
02 9524 4277 for more.
 ORGANIC MARKET

hello birdy
Made from rubber, glass and stainless steel, the Eva
Solo Window Bird Feeder may not bring the outside
completely in, but it will bring birds right to your
window. Simply mount directly onto a windowpane,
then fill with birdseed and wait till your little feathered
friends arrive for a snack. The glass feeder can be
removed for cleaning and is frost proof and dishwasher
safe. Its available from until.com.au for $84.95.
Call 02 9119 8700 for more.

sleep easy in style

The Circo Basket takes pet bedding to the next level. Made from
100 per cent sheep wool, its designed to keep your cat or dog
warm and snug. Baskets are available in two sizes small (50cm
x 44cm x 20cm; $139) and large (60cm x 48cm x 24cm; $195)
and each is handmade by women in Nepal, with sales helping
to support local socio-economic development. Available from
sashandme.com.au
17

feed the flock

Country Heritage Feeds stock a wide range
of certified organic food for everything from
cows, pigs and sheep to goats, dogs and chooks.
The Coarse Layer is its most popular feed for
backyard chickens and includes a mix of seasonal
whole grains plus pelletised protein, vitamins
and minerals. See organicstockfeed.com.au for
stockists. Prices vary between stores and states.
Phone 07 4630 8571 for more information.

coat of cleanliness
Youd be forgiven for wanting to store
these in the shower for yourself they smell
so good! Ivory Coats Glossy Coat Shampoo
includes sweet orange, rosemary and macadamia oils
along with nettle and papaya extracts, while the Sensitive
Crme Conditioner has a blend of Australian tea tree,
ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO

jasmine and lavender oils as well as olive oil and Echinacea

extract. These pampered-pooch grooming products contain
no sulphates, parabens, dyes or synthetic chemicals or
fragrances. Available from pet stores for $24.90 each.
See ivorycoat.com.au or call 1300 799 214 for more.
 ORGANIC PLANT

COLD
LOVERS
Get these cool-season faves
in the ground now for a
bumper winter harvest,
writes Justin Russell.

19

JAPANESE PLUM
Prunus salicina
The most commonly grown plums come from two
genetic lineages Prunus salicina, the Japanese
plum (which actually originated in China), and
58m W Prunus domestica, the European plum. The latter
comes from cold climates and needs lots of chilling
58m H
hours (800+) to set fruit. The Japanese plums are
just as tolerant of freezing weather as their Euro
cousins, but need far fewer total chilling hours,
full sun making them the plum of choice for most Australian
gardens. Some outstanding selections are available.
Satsuma, an American-bred blood plum, is one of
PHOTO: PENNY WOODWARD

PHOTOS: JARED FOWLER

plant
all year my favourites while lots of gardeners rave about
round, the super-low chill variety Gulf Gold. Note that
harvest
in early some trees are self-pollinating, others require a
to late
summer partner check with your favourite nursery.
ORGANIC PLANT

Climate Zone Key:

Tropical subTropical Arid/Semi-Arid Warm Temperate Cold Temperate

PARSNIP
Pastinaca sativa
0.2m W
Parsnips have a reputation for being hard to grow, but for
most gardeners, the major stumbling block is germination.
0.3m H
Here are the keys to success: the freshest possible seed,
sown directly into warm soil thats kept just moist for two
to three weeks. Do each of these things and your parsnips
full sun
will germinate strongly and in all likelihood, go on to
produce their famously sweet roots. Hollow Crown is an
direct old favourite that dates back to 1820s England. It forms a
seed now, long taproot, so dig beds thoroughly and add compost before
harvest
in approx sowing. Ideally, harvest the roots after a decent frost, which
100 days
converts starch into sugars and enhances the flavour.

BROCCOLI ROMANESCO
0.5m W
Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group)
20 Is it a broccoli or a cauliflower? No one has a definitive
0.6m H
answer and from my point of view, who cares. All Im worried
about is the fact that Romanesco is one of the most amazing
vegetables in the garden. The plants lime-green flower head
full sun
resembles coral, and develops a wondrous Fibonacci spiral
pattern and a delicious nutty flavour. But beware that
plant beauteous flower head blows out quickly in hot weather
now, so time is of the essence. Sow now into punnets and plant
harvest
in approx seedlings into nutrient-rich, slightly alkaline soil once they
90 days
have their first set of true leaves. Harvest the heads in late
winter or early spring.

SWEDE
0.2m W Brassica napus (Napobrassica Group)
Swedes, or Swedish turnips by another name, arent the
0.4m H
sexiest of vegies. They have the unfortunate reputation for
being little more than valuable sheep fodder in cold, wet
full sun winters. But when grown well and prepared in the kitchen
with care (see Raymond Blancs recipe from the recent TV
series, Kew on a Plate) they are something of a surprise
plant
now, packet. The plants are easier to grow than standard turnips
harvest and adore the cold. Sow direct into compost-rich soil and
PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO

late
winter/ give the bulbs space to fatten by thinning seedlings to 20cm
early
spring spacings. Keep the plants well watered in dry weather and
harvest when the bulb is about the size of a small melon.
Bills-HP.indd 1 9/09/2016 12:03 pm

FrFeAASST
re su T
sulltts
s
22

Grow
and prosper
having just turned 90, Peter Cundalls urge to grow food and help others
has not faltered since his early childhood in the Great Depression.

I
n many ways its weird being old, especially for healthy over my shoulder, wondering what this ancient geezer is doing
90-year-old people like me. in our house.
PHOTO: PETER MATTHEW

We feel the same as we did 50 or more years ago. I rarely In fact, its nice being old and in excellent health. And the
bother looking at myself in a mirror, but these days when I do, reason why Im so healthy is not because of some kind of
its with a sense of shock. I see an old, grey-haired, wrinkled bloke inherited genes, its because for the best part of my life Ive been
staring curiously back. Occasionally Im almost tempted to look determined to stay healthy.

So I dont smoke, drink alcohol and have always avoided
sugary soft drinks, the greatest of all health destroyers.
The essence of continuing good health is a sweet combination of
nutritious food and productive exercise. And the best food of all
is the stuff we can grow ourselves, always in healthy, balanced
soil, without toxic sprays or life-disrupting chemical fertilisers.
I can recall all my life, right back to when I was three years
old. Thats when I started growing things in this case a handful
of swollen, sprouting peas, left soaking for too long. After being
sown, shoots were popping through in days and once the pods
matured and I tasted those delicious peas, I was hooked for life.
Born on 1 April 1927, I was raised in a district studded with
factories and countless belching chimney stacks. There were
few cars but the streets were thronged with horse-drawn
vehicles. During the 1930s almost every piece of vacant ground
even spaces alongside railway lines were converted into
allotments where silent men grew a range of vegies and fruit.
All were organic, but not from any conscious resistance
to poisons or chemicals. These were too expensive for most
people, but there were always free alternatives in the form
of unlimited supplies of horse manure that briefly littered the
streets. Most allotments also had working compost heaps or
bins, all used to recycle every bit of waste organic matter.
The silent men
I recall asking my mother why so many of these men were so
silent. Many are suffering from shell-shock Peter, she said
and theyve found peace and relief in their food gardens.
Yet these sad men were kind to me and only too pleased
to show a curious little boy how to enrich the soil, sow seeds
or plant seedlings and above all, produce the most beautifully
flavoured and nutritious food of all.
This initial experience has now inspired me to run special
gardening workshops for returned service personnel and others
suffering from the horrors of war. Everywhere Ive travelled,
evidence of this ancient urge to grow things has been displayed.
I recall travelling on a slow-moving troop train through a
destroyed Europe as World War II ended. In every wrecked town
and village, desperate food gardens had sprung up, even in areas
of cleared rubble where buildings had once stood.
Europe was dotted with displaced persons camps (DPs)
containing tens of thousands of war survivors and homeless
families. And in every camp were magnificent food gardens
producing essential vegetables to supplement the limited food
supplied to the inmates.
As a frontline infantry soldier during the Korean War,
I was astonished to see local peasants, frantically planting
rice in the dangerous, shell-hole-pocked no-mans land
between opposing forces.
The urge to grow and eat good food is worldwide. It is the
future of the human race. The best health insurance of all is a
backyard organic food garden. Im living proof of this.
ORGANIC KNOWLEDGE
Gardening lessons learned
Gardening mistakes are frustrating, especially
when you lose whole crops your energy
and time seemingly coming to naught.
these mistakes, however, provide valuable
lessons that can be carried through a
lifetime. Here are some of mine:
Mistake: I once planted tomato seedlings in soil
enriched with high-nitrogen fertilisers hoping for
bigger yields. The huge leafy plants became laden with
hard, green tomatoes only in late autumn, too late for
ripening so I lost the lot.
Lesson: Tomato seedlings are best starved at first to
trigger early flowering and fruiting.
Mistake: When planted in autumn, those lanky
cabbage and cauliflower seedlings with tough, purple
stems rarely make it through winter. Most old seedlings
bolt uselessly to seed before spring. Punnets of carrot
and parsnip seedlings are a waste of money and space
they resent transplanting. 23
Lesson: Always purchase small, green and young
brassica seedlings and only grow carrots and parsnips
directly from seed.
Mistake: Hard pruning over-vigorous deciduous fruit
trees (apples, pears and plums) in winter stimulates
masses of more excessive growth the following spring
and summer.
Lesson: Control tree vigour by summer pruning or
tying down upwards-reaching branches. Never paint
pruning cuts with so-called wound sealants they
retard healing.
Mistake: Digging-in dry grass, straw, sawdust or
sugarcane debris is a mistake. All create serious
nitrogen shortages in the soil. Legume straw contains
no nitrogen its only in the roots.
Lesson: Always use these materials as surface
mulches, preferably mixed with rotted poultry manure
and watered with dilute fish emulsion.
Mistake: Lettuce seeds stored in warm places or
purchased during hot weather often lose viability.
Lesson: Chilling seed packets in the fridge for a
couple of days restores viability and ensures rapid,
even germination.
 24
ORGANIC GROW

PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI


long-term
wonders
among the delicacies of the vegetable world, Asparagus are well worth
the few years wait until first harvest, writes Penny Woodward.
A
lthough widely savoured and eaten, asparagus isnt
currently fashionable to grow. Part of the reason
is that you have to allocate permanent space and
because it will be a few years before you can harvest. But the
joy of asparagus is its fabulous flavour and the fact that once
its producing, you can harvest spears for 20 years. So is it
worth setting a bed aside? Yes, yes and yes.
Choose a spot where your soil is well drained; raise your
bed if drainage might be a problem. Start by digging over the
bed to the depth of the spade head, and then add a barrow
load of well-rotted manure mixed with compost or worm
manure, to each 2sq.m of garden bed. Water well and leave
to sit for couple of weeks. Plants do best in a neutral soil,
so a pH close to 7 is preferred. Asparagus can be grown
from seed, but will take an extra 18 months before you can
harvest, so I think its better to buy seedlings, or crowns, to
give you a head start. Four plants will provide a worthwhile
harvest and as they have to be planted about 40cm apart,
youll need a space about 60cm wide and 180cm long to
plant one row. If you want to plant more than one row,
space them 120cm apart.
ORGANIC GROW
25
Dig a hole for each crown 30cm deep and wide, make a
small mound in the bottom of the hole and lay the crown on
top spreading out the roots. Cover the crown completely
with soil to a depth of about 4cm. Water well. Gradually fill
in the hole as the asparagus shoots grow without actually
covering the top of the shoot.
Patient harvest
In the first year several shoots will grow from each crown,
but its important not to harvest these. Instead allow them
to grow into ferns. This is essential to nurture and replenish
the crown, which will grow more shoots the following year.
In autumn, cut back the ferns to just above the ground and
mulch with compost and a thick layer of lucerne hay.
In the second year, shoots will start appearing in late
winter. Harvest a few of only the thickest shoots and leave
the rest to form ferns. By the third year you can harvest all
the early shoots but leave the later ones to form ferns to
keep the crowns growing strongly.
Harvest asparagus spears with a knife or secateurs by
pushing into the soil and cutting just below the soil surface.
 Dig a hole for each crown 30cm deep
and wide, make a small mound in
the bottom of the hole and lay the
crown on top spreading out the roots.
FACT FILE:
Asparagus officinalis Aparagaceae family

Climate zones: Arid/Semi-arid, warm

temperate, cold temperate. Will also grow in
tropics and sub-tropics as long as there is a
long dry season to induce dormancy.
Spacing: 40cm
Position: Full sun
PLANT: Crowns from late autumn to winter.
Time till harvest: 2 years

Freshly harvested asparagus eaten raw or taken straight

to the kitchen and plunged into boiling water is sublime and
will probably spoil you for all shop-bought asparagus in
26 the future. Fresh asparagus can also be baked, barbecued,
fried and steamed. Asparagus is highly nutritious containing
vitamin C, many of the B vitamins and several anti-oxidants,
as well as potassium and small amounts of iron.

Weed warning
Asparagus plants are dioecious, which means they have
male and female plants. Female plants tend to grow fewer
but thicker spears, while male plants are more prolific
with thinner spears. If left to form ferns, female plants will
produce flowers and small red berries that can seed into,
and become weedy, in your garden or nearby bush. If this is a
problem only grow male plants.
PHOTOS: TOP: PENNY WOODWARD/CENTRE AND BOTTOM: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI
Pests and diseases
Keep asparagus beds weed free. New shoots may need
to be protected from slugs and snails. Whole plants may
be susceptible to Fusarium root crown rot; ensuring good
drainage can prevent this. In the last decade asparagus
rust and asparagus stem blight have become a problem in
Queensland. For more information go to daf.qld.gov.au

Top: Planting an asparagus crown.

Centre: Female plants form flowers and can
become weedy.
left: Asparagus harvest.

CULTIVARS
There are several different asparagus cultivars available
to buy as crowns or in pots, including the classic green
Mary Washington and Fat Bastard, as well as Sweet Purple
and Argenteuil. White asparagus is asparagus grown by
excluding light.
Crowns or plants can be purchased from your local
nursery and online from suppliers including diggers.com.au
or greenharvest.com.au
Seed from southernharvest.com.au, thelostseed.com.au
and greenpatchseeds.com.au
use the space
Once harvesting has finished, dont
waste the space. Instead you can
PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI/INSETS: PENNY WOODWARD
plant tomatoes, or similar fruit-
bearing plants on either side of the
asparagus fern row. While you feed
these vegetables youre also feeding
the asparagus, ensuring a better crop
the following year.
ORGANIC GROW
OTHER PERENNIALS
Perennials such as asparagus can be the backbone
of your vegie garden with a bit of attention they
keep producing year after year. Some of my other
favourites are globe artichokes, rhubarb (okay, so
some say its a fruit, but botanically its actually a
vegie!) and oca. But for sheer usefulness I would also
nominate Good King Henry and perennial rocket.
Good King Henry
(Chenopodium bonus-henricus)
This traditional European
vegetable almost needs to
be grown for its name alone,
but also for its nutritious
leaves, seeds, flower heads
and asparagus-like shoots.
Known in the UK as Lincolnshire
asparagus, it thrives in compost-rich
soils and semi-shade. All parts of the plant
are cooked before eating to dissipate the oxalic acid.
Pick and eat asparagus-like shoots when they are
about 15cm long, add leaves to other greens when 27
cooking or combine into stews and stir-fries where
they add a rich, savoury flavour. Leaves are not as
palatable on their own. Grow new plants from seed,
or divide existing clumps in autumn and replant.
Perennial rocket
(Diplotaxis tenuifolia)
This rocket is commonly found
in gourmet salad mixes and is
my favourite salad leaf for its
ease of growing and its sharp,
peppery flavour. Plants grow as
a small shrub with woody stems
and masses of leaves all year. Being
a native of the Mediterranean it thrives
in regions with hot dry summers and cool winters and
can often be found growing wild in seaside towns.
Although bushes are perennial, they are short lived
and may only grow for a couple of years. But as they
self-sow readily, once planted you should always have
this rocket in your garden. Leaves can be eaten raw or
cooked; my favourite recipe combines them with crisp,
diced Beurre Bosc pears and stir in shaved parmesan.
 28
ORGANIC GROW

ILLUSTRATION: THE ILLUSTRATION ROOM/TANYA COOPER

PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI
 ORGANIC GROW

Meet Maurie - asparagus grower

maurie cafra uses unconventional techniques to get the job done organically.

M
aurie Cafra has been growing certified organic through and their hands are free and the tractor pulls them
vegetables on his Koo Wee Rup farm in Victoria very slowly, and they pull out the weeds. I saw this in the UK,
for 20 years. His primary crops are asparagus with an organic carrot grower and it has cut weeding costs in
(with 50 acres planted) and onions but he also grows garlic, half. If you stay on top of the weeds and dont let anything go
broccoli, cabbage, kale, capsicums, eggplant, lettuces, fennel to seed thats half the battle.
and artichokes. In total, Cafreso Organics have approximately Other organic practises used on the property include
200 acres under vegetables. integrated pest management and crop rotation, such as
Maurie says that his soil and drainage are really important extensive cover crops.
because it used to be a swamp. Asparagus loves the rich, Maurie ponders that it can be difficult farming organically
silty soil, and it needs plenty of water, but the crowns dont in a conventional area. It seems to be taboo to fail or to do
like to be wet. To combat this problem they have lots of something different, for a lot of people thats the biggest
underground slotted pipe to drain the excess water away. hurdle, he says. But I just ask the sceptics: What part of
Fusarium wilt is one of the fungal diseases that can affect growing food without poison dont you like?
asparagus and Maurie explains that his asparagus has an Penny Woodward
interesting relationship with it: When its wet, the Fusarium
really belts the crop but when its dry the Fusarium doesnt
like those conditions much and becomes less of a problem.
Look how dry it is, the ground is cracked but the asparagus
What part of growing food without
29
ferns are really nice.
Maurie adds that under the silt is clay, so once the
poison dont you like?
asparagus roots are down in the clay it stays saturated, Maurie Cafra
so theres no need for irrigation.
To feed the asparagus he adds naturally mined lime to
boost calcium levels, which are normally low, as well as
compost thats made on the property using chicken and cow
manure and the farms vegetable waste.
Asparagus harvesting generally starts in August and
ends in December with workers starting at 10pm and picking
through the night. Maurie explains they use LED light packs
and if you drive around at night there are glow worms
everywhere. The workers are locals as well as from overseas
and there can be as many as 40 on the property at any one
time, both harvesting and packing vegetables.

Weed battle
Over the entire property though, weeds are Mauries most
pressing problem.
We burn the first weed crop. The burner is fantastic, its
not bare flame on the soil it heats a mesh and that radiates
onto the soil and you actually get a bit of residual effect and
the weed seeds dont germinate, they get burnt as well.
PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI

So you dont get a big flush of weeds afterwards.

They then follow up by scraping around existing plants.
Finally, they hand weed, although its a bit different.
Weve got a weeding platform and 10 people lie face
down on a wheeled stretcher, theres a gap they can see
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ORGANIC GROW

32

PHOTO: ALAMY

Citrus
with a difference
Justin Russell looks into the tangy world of citrus, taste testing
exotic varieties and native hybrids, plus growing advice.
B
ack in the 60s and 70s, when the quarter-acre block was
standard, nearly every household grew a citrus tree or
two. Most commonly it was a lemon tree, but if you were
really exotic, you might have also grown an orange or in warmer
climates, that tropical wonder from Tahiti, the lime.
Its time to shatter a few myths. Limes dont come from
Tahiti, not everyone these days has a backyard and space
for multiple fruit trees, and the world of citrus is much more
diverse and rich than the suburban uniformity of 50 years
ago. There is a host of citrus out there that goes far beyond
the trinity of lemon-orange-lime. It reflects the diversity
of cultures around the world and it offers a fresh culinary
approach to the tried and tested.
Here are six less common citrus varieties available in
PHOTOS: JARED FOWLER
Australia. Each deserves to be better known, and some,
such as our native citrus plants, are eminently suited to
our boom-and-bust climate. All can be grown in the ground
or pots, and with a bit of know-how, you could even graft
ORGANIC GROW
33
Cold hardy Yuzu can be
grown across Australia.
multiple varieties onto a single tree, making efficient use of
space if you dont have much to spare. Go to it!
Yuzu (Citrus junos)
The Japanese have known it for years: rough, yellow, dare I say
ugly, yuzu fruit produces one of the most intensely aromatic
juices on the planet. In Japan, yuzu is consumed as a seasoning
much like Australians squeeze lemon on fish and chips. It is
also made into syrup and liqueur, added to vinegars and other
condiments, and the rind is grated as a garnish on miso soup and
other dishes.
Because the tree originates in central China and Tibet (it
came to Japan during the Tang Dynasty), yuzu is very cold hardy,
tolerating temperatures down to -8 or -9C. It can therefore
be grown in all Australian climate zones from the Top End to
Tassie, but choose plants grafted onto Trifoliata rootstock for
maximum hardiness. The tree is attractively upright but wickedly
thorny. Harvest during winter, taking care to avoid being spiked.
ORGANIC GROW

Rangpur lime (C. x limonia)

Masquerading under various names, including Canton lemon,
Mandarin lime and the rather clunky lemandarin, the Rangpur
is something of an anomaly. Its not actually a lime, but a cross
between a lemon and a mandarin that originated in northern
India and was introduced to the US in the late 19th century.
The term lime is subjective. When unripe, the fruit
vaguely resembles a lime with green skin but when cut,
the fruit reveals orange flesh. Properly ripe Rangpurs turn
yellow-orange and are bursting with a refreshingly aromatic
juice that, if you imagine hard enough, makes a reasonably
convincing substitute for the true lime. Really, the tree is
worthy enough to stand on its own.
One of the Rangpurs best qualities is its hardiness.
The tree is one of the most cold-tolerant citrus varieties in
existence, capable of handling the occasional heavy frost and
suited to areas where other citrus trees shiver. Its worth a
go in Tassie and the highlands. One potential downside (at
least for those with limited space) the tree is very vigorous.
Keep it small by growing in a pot and look for plants grafted
onto dwarfing rootstock. Harvest from May to September.

Tangelo (C. x tangelo)

Is there a more evocative citrus than the tangelo?
More orange than an orange ready to explode with nectar-
sweet juice, it is impossible to eat the fruit without being
transported somewhere exotic like a beachside cabana in the
34 Caribbean. In fact, the tangelo was developed by the renowned
plant breeder and botanical explorer Walter Tennyson (W.T.)
Swingle at the US Department of Agricultures Orlando
research station in 1897. Swingle crossed a mandarin with a
grapefruit and produced a tree with the best qualities of each
the mandarins sweetness and the grapefruits juiciness.
Tangelos are reasonably frost tolerant and do very well in
warm temperate areas. The most commonly available varieties
in Australia are Minneola and Seminole, but the former is the
pick, being seedless and a very heavy bearer. For the best-
quality fruit, thin the fruitlets heavily when theyre the size
of a marble. Harvest from July to November, and depending
on variety use the fruit for juicing or simply eating fresh, like
an orange. It baffles me why tangelos arent more commonly PHOTOS: TOP: ALAMY/CENTRE: ISTOCKPHOTO/BOTTOM: KAREN SUTHERLAND
grown or handed out at halftime during kids sport.

Finger lime (C. australasica)

Despite being up there in the thorniness stakes with
gooseberries, Australias native finger lime is a pretty little
tree capable of bearing bumper crops of fruit which, surprise
surprise, are about the same size and shape as a human finger.
When cut open, the fruit releases little vesicles that resemble
caviar and are filled with tangy juice. These are simply
squeezed from the fruit and used as a garnish on sweet and
savoury dishes or made into various preserves.

Top: Rangpur lime.

Centre: Tangelo.
Left: Finger Lime.
 ORGANIC GROW

The trees are forgiving to grow. Though originating as a

rainforest understorey plant in the border ranges of southern
Queensland and northern New South Wales, the tree will
handle full sun and can tolerate light frosts. In the wild, plants
can reach 10m in height but in gardens a height of 35m is more
typical. Prune to keep them small and harvestable, or grow in
a pot. There are lots of pretty cultivars from which to choose,
producing fruit in colours ranging from bright red to blue-green,
so its worth growing a few trees if you have the space. Harvest
the fruit from mid summer to late autumn. The finger lime is a
top plant, but be prepared to wear gloves when picking!
Blood lime (C. Australian Red Centre)
The tale goes something like this: in the late 1980s Dr Steve
Sykes started researching Australian native limes at the
CSIROs Merbein agricultural station in Victoria. His aim
was to investigate the plants ability to tolerate saline soils
and produce commercially viable crops, but it turned out
that most limes werent overly salt tolerant. Instead, Sykes
produced a small range of new hybrids, each with promising
horticultural and culinary qualities.
One of the best plants produced in the breeding program
was the Red Centre lime a cross between a Rangpur lime
or a mandarin and an Australian finger lime which produces
fruit the size of a bantam egg with beautiful maroon skin and
red-stained flesh. Colloquially, it became known as the blood
lime. It is a winner for garnishes and sauces, featuring a limey
tang and a real point of difference with its characteristic red
pigmentation. The tree looks similar to a finger lime and enjoys
the same growing conditions. Harvest from May to September.
citrus planting tips
Plant into well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Soak the pot and root-ball in a very dilute mix of
seaweed extract and water. Dig the hole deep and
wide enough to easily accommodate the root ball.
Remove the plant from the pot and place into the
hole with the top of the soil in the pot at the same
level as the surrounding soil.
Back-fill using the soil removed from the hole
with some added compost and rock minerals.
Gently firm down around the plant and water with
dilute seaweed extract.
Spread aged manure, sheep or cow or horse;
then mulch, around the base of the tree keeping
both away from the trunk. Water again.
At the first sign of new growth fertilise with a
complete organic fertiliser.
In cold regions some warmth-loving citrus may
need to be protected from frost and cold winds;
and in some cases are better planted in late spring.
Most native citrus need protection from the hot
afternoon sun in warmer climates.
35

Makrut lime (C. hystix)

Famous for its highly aromatic, unusually segmented leaves,
the kaffir lime is better known these days as the makrut lime.
The word kaffir is a racist term used to insult black Africans,
and besides, the tree is native to the subcontinent and south-
east Asia, where it is known in Thailand as makrut and commonly
used in the countrys wonderful cuisine (think stir fries, curries).
While the leaves are the trees main prize, youd be a fool to
overlook makrut fruit. Yes its ugly, but the zest and juice is just
as aromatic as the leaf and arguably more versatile. Makrut is
an ideal tree to grow in a pot near the kitchen, and is commonly
grafted on super dwarfing Flying Dragon rootstock. The plant
performs best in warm temperate to tropical climates.
PHOTOS: TOP: KAREN SUTHERLAND/BOTTOM: ISTOCKPHOTO

Harvest fruit May to June, leaves all year.

Top: blood lime.

Right: Makrut lime.

Where to Buy
The Plant Shop theplantshop.com.au
Citrus Men citrusmen.com.au
Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery daleysfruit.com.au
The Diggers Club diggers.com.au

its
elementary
Elements and trace elements are essential to plant health so deficiencies
can lead to a wide range of plant problems, writes Peter Cundall.
T
o be honest, some of us really do talk to plants and
were not necessarily behaving foolishly. After all, we
are usually watering, feeding or checking their health
at the same time.
But even if the plants cant talk back, they can certainly
communicate any troubles via visual-distress signals such as
leaves changing colour, foliage wilting or a sudden flush of
tiny fruit.
Learning to quickly interpret these signals means we can
correct problems before they become serious.
All plants are subject to attacks from living organisms,
especially common parasitic pests and diseases. However,
some of the most misunderstood plant problems are not
caused by living organisms, but by disorders initiated by
unsuitable growing sites, impoverished or unbalanced soil,
PHOTO: ALAMY
specific nutritional deficiencies or abnormal temperature
fluctuations. They include mineral deficiencies, especially
ORGANIC SOLUTIONS
37
in new gardens or where plants are growing in coarse, free-
draining, acidic, sandy soils.
Well-established organic gardens have few nutritional
problems because the soils are nourished with natural
fertilisers, especially animal manures from organic sources,
good composts and biochar, most of which contain a balance
of major and minor nutrients. It is this enriched organic
matter that not only prevents wasteful leaching and nutrient
loss, it also encourages a living, thriving underground
movement of earthworms, healthy bacteria, moulds and
fungi that break down nutrients to make them available to
our plants.
Nevertheless, even the best gardens can get out of
balance and some plants really do benefit from additional
minerals and trace elements.
above: Zinc-deficient orange leaves.

38
top: Lime is best applied in late
autumn or early winter.
centre: blossom-end-rot
calcium deficiency due to dry soils.
above: Common signs of magnesium
deficiency in quince foliage.
Lime and calcium
Calcium as lime is one of the most common soil additions. It is
not a fertiliser, but rather a soil un-locker. Lime makes acidic
conditions more alkaline so essential minerals, otherwise
unavailable to plants due to excess acidity, become liberated.
Most popular is agricultural lime, which is nothing more than
finely-ground limestone rock. When limestone also contains
significant amounts of magnesium, the powder is called
dolomite. Quicklime is too volatile and dangerous to use so is
not available. Then there is hydrated or slaked lime*, a fine,
silky white lime mainly used by builders and which I prefer.
It not only sweetens soil twice as fast, but costs only half
the price of agricultural lime. I apply it in autumn to sweeten
beds for lime-loving winter-grown vegetables such as onions,
garlic, English spinach, brassicas and broad-beans.
Calcium deficiency in plants is fairly rare, although we
see it when lime-loving celery or asparagus plants remain
stunted. Apple trees growing in acidic, sandy soils often
produce fruit that develop bitter pit, usually during storage.
Lack of calcium causes apples to become covered with
unsightly, bitter-tasting, sunken spots.
Control is by autumn-liming or spraying lime-water over
the spring foliage of deficient apple trees. High-nitrogen
fertilisers are never applied at the same time as lime
because the two collide, cancelling out each other.
The so-called calcium deficiency in tomato plants,
usually indicated by blossom end rot, is a disorder where
large, unsightly black scabs form over tomato bases.
It occurs even when this element is available in the soil.
The real problem is an inability of tomato plants to transmit
the calcium due to water stress whenever the soil around
the roots becomes too dry.
Magnesium shortage
Quince trees are vulnerable to magnesium deficiency
(another vital element) especially those grown in strongly
acidic, sandy loams. They develop pale, blotchy older leaves
while younger foliage remains green. Magnesium shortage
also shows up in citrus as yellowish leaves with green veins
on older leaves; in vegetables such as cauliflower and
broccoli as small curds with hollow stems; and in swedes and
turnips as smaller leaves.
Epsom salts, available in most supermarkets, is a rapidly
available form of magnesium. A heaped dessert spoonful
PHOTO: TOP AND BOTTOM: PETER CUNDALL/CENTRE: ALAMY
dissolved in 5L of water can be sprayed over trees as foliar
feed and watered in directly over root zones.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is needed most by leafy vegetables including
lettuce, brassicas, spinach and silverbeet. This is why it is
important to dig in lots of animal manure, especially fully
decomposed poultry droppings (which can also be bought in
organic pellet form). Deciduous fruit trees lacking nitrogen
remain stunted new growth is restricted and leaves fail to
achieve normal size.

Among the richest natural high-nitrogen fertiliser is fish
emulsion, always applied in liquid form and heavily diluted.
Citrus are among the most nitrogen-hungry of all fruit
trees and a deficiency shows up as small, pale leaves, poor
growth and reduced yields. To correct this, apply pelletised
poultry manure, along with dilute fish emulsion during the
growing season. In frost-prone districts dont feed citrus
beyond mid-February to avoid producing extra-tender
growth before winter.
Potassium
Potassium is a major element needed by all plants. Tomato
plants are notoriously potash-hungry and a good pinch of
sulphate of potash around seedlings induces early flowering
and earlier fruiting. Many organic growers avoid using the
alternative, muriate of potash (Potassium chloride) because
of uneasiness about the way the 47 per cent chlorine content
may affect earthworm activity.
Potash causes liquids in leaf-cells to thicken, firming
tissues and providing greater resistance to diseases and
becoming less attractive to sap-sucking pests. A tight fistful
of sulphate of potash sprinkled around mature tomato plants
actually enhances and strengthens the taste of tomatoes.
PHOTO: PETER CUNDALL
Potassium deficiency is inevitable on heavily leached,
acidic soils. Plants tend to remain small and vegetables such
as silverbeet form extra-wide leaf stalks with a markedly
reduced amount of green leaf.
ORGANIC SOLUTIONS
39
above: Squat growth and
cupped apple leaves typical
of a potassium deficiency.
Broad-beans growing in over-rich, high-nitrogen soils
develop chocolate spot, which causes growing tips to wither
and turn brown. Sulphate of potash, sprinkled as a side-
dressing at the rate of a tight fistful to each two metres of
row, reins-in excess nitrogen and alleviates the problem.
In apple trees, potassium deficiency causes leaves to
remain small and curl upwards while the fruit fail to fully
develop, then ripen early while still small. Sprinkle sulphate of
potash at the rate of an eggcup full over every square metre
beneath drip-lines every month during the growing season.
Microelements
MOLYBDENUM
It is fascinating to note that the lack of even the tiniest
amounts of a microelement can cause serious disorders in
green, leafy plants. An important one is molybdenum, which
is either non-existent or unavailable in many leached, acidic
Australian soils.
Cauliflower plants commonly display molybdenum
deficiency by remaining stunted, fail to form curds and
most conspicuously, produce long, narrow leaves with thick
edges. This is whiptail disorder and is a widespread problem
in many vegetable gardens in every state. Yet the amount
required is so small that a large, heaped dessert spoonful
 NUTRIENT PROBLEM SOLVER
Well-established organic gardens have few nutritional problems but if they occur, heres what to do:
Nutrient Signs of deficiency Solutions in brief
Nitrogen (N) Yellowing, starting with oldest leaves. Leaf drop. Pelletised organic fertilisers, aged chook
Major nutrient Stunted growth. Excess flowers and fruit while manure, fish emulsion.
still young.
Phosphorous (P) Dark green or even blue-purple older leaves, Add bone meal, blood and bone, fish emulsion,
40
Major nutrient sometime red/yellow margins. Burnt tips. aged chicken manure.
Potassium (K) Yellow purple hues in older leaves, brown edges, Flower and fruit organic fertilisers, sulphate of
Major nutrient spots, scorching. Pale flowers, few fruit. potash, seaweed extract, molasses. Wood ash,
aged poultry manure.
Calcium (Ca) Tip hooking of leaves then darkening of older Lime, especially liquid lime. Dolomite, blood and
Major nutrient leaves. Blossom end rot, bitter pit, stunted bone. Well rotted cow and sheep manure.
celery, asparagus.
Magnesium (Mg) Yellowing between leaf veins, reddish brown Epsom salts as foliar spray. Dolomite or Epsom
Major nutrient tints at edges, but leaf base stays green. salts to soil.
Pale blotchy older leaves.
Sulphur (S) Youngest leaves yellow with rolled edges, Add gypsum or sulphur powder. Also seaweed
Major nutrient then whole plant yellows. extract.
Boron (B) Youngest leaves have yellow margins, Add borax powder. Also seaweed extract and
Micro nutrient are distorted and narrow. Dead growing tips, aged manure or trace element mix.
hollow fruit, brown patches.
Copper (Cu) Distorted, yellow growth tips and young leaves. Add copper sulphate (bluestone). Seaweed
Micro nutrient Fewer flowers. extract, aged manure or trace element mix.
Iron (Fe) Yellowing between dark veins on young leaves. Add organic iron chelates, seaweed emulsion or
Micro nutrient Eventually completely white. meal or trace element mix.
Manganese (Mn) Yellowing between veins on young and older Add manganese sulphate or chelate. Seaweed
Micro nutrient leaves. Veins pale green rather than dark green. extract or trace element mix.
Molybdenum (Mo) Mottling, cupping and distortion of old leaves Add Sodium molybdate in tiny amounts as found
PHOTO: PETER CUNDALL

Micro nutrient and stems. Whiptail in cauliflower. in trace element mix. Add lime to increase pH if
soil too acid, decrease alkalinity if too alkaline.
Zinc (Zn) Young leaves small and bunched, mottled Add zinc sulphate. Use zinc nails. Seaweed
Micro nutrient yellow, white markings between veins. emulsion and aged manure or trace element mix.
 ORGANIC SOLUTIONS

(as sodium molybdate) is enough to correct the entire

molybdenum deficiency in a hectare-sized vegetable patch.
Backyard vegetable growers can purchase a container of
mixed trace elements (and individual ones) from most garden
centres or nurseries. Just check the mixed pack includes
sodium molybdate.
Dissolve two teaspoons of trace-element mix in 10 litres
(about a bucketful) of water and apply the solution directly
over newly sown cauliflower seeds or tiny, emerging
seedlings. Usually, one application is enough.

BORON
A similar microelement is boron, with only the tiniest amount
required. Deficiencies occur in alkaline, or heavily limed soils
that are difficult to acidify. Most plants need boron and are
able to take it up, often despite alkalinity. However, boron-
deficient swedes develop internal mottling while beetroot
seedlings have a particular need, especially when growing in
coarse, sandy loams.
We can tell boron is in short supply when beetroot
seedlings grow slowly, become wobbly and top-heavy, and
despite irrigation, always appear to be suffering from lack
of water. Borax, obtained from any supermarket, is basically
the same stuff and cheap to buy. Dissolve two teaspoons in
10 litres of water. Apply it directly over freshly sown
beetroot seeds and as leaves develop, spray the mix as a
foliar feed. As an alternative, place half a teaspoon of Borax
in a litre of water and soak beetroot seeds overnight in it
41
to swell and absorb the nutrient before sowing. That said,
always keep borax powder out of direct contact with seeds.
top: Boron deficiency causing hollow
ZINC stem in broccoli.
The leaves of several plants reveal a shortage of zinc by above: Drive blunted galvanised clouts into
citrus trunks to correct zinc shortage.
mottling and turning yellow, very similar to magnesium- facing page: Citrus under stress.
deficiency symptoms. Citrus trees, especially after being overcrowded blossoms with tiny,
undeveloped fruit.
hard-lopped, often display a zinc shortage as masses of new
foliage, stimulated by pruning, turn pale.
Just two teaspoons of zinc sulphate in 10 litres of water EXCESS FLOWERING
is enough to correct this deficiency. I prefer to water it in Another common signal plants put out is excessive flowering.
directly over the outer feeding roots, always after heavy Distressed citrus trees, particularly those restricted to tubs,
rain or irrigation. may produce huge blossom clusters, followed by tiny fruit
I also drive short, blunted, galvanised (zinc-coated) clouts that fall off. The cause can be lack of water or because roots
into the stems of mature trees to steadily supply minute have fully occupied containers and exhausted potting soils
amounts of zinc into systems over many years. causing nutritional deficits. The first act must be to snip off
all flowers and fruit and continue to do so until new leaf-
Other factors shoots appear.
WATER AND WILTING When potting soils become too dry, root balls not only
PHOTO: TOP: ALAMY/BOTTOM: PETER CUNDALL

Apart from nutritional problems, many soft-stemmed plants,
such as tomatoes, signal distress by suddenly wilting.
While an obvious cause is lack of water, in many cases it is
the opposite.
The biggest cause of tomato-seedling death in early
spring is water-logged soil. Even mature tomato plants will
collapse when over-watered in summer; the only immediate
remedy is massive pruning to help balance root loss.
shrink, they also become water repellent. This means that
most water applied runs straight out the drainage holes
missing the roots.
One solution is to block all drainage holes with clay or wet
tissues then pour in water until it ponds over the surface,
indicating the core of a root ball has finally become wet.
Leave overnight then be sure to unblock drainage holes.
* Slaked lime is not a certified-organic input.
 42
ORGANIC GROW

PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI


discovering
native herbs Karen Sutherland reveals the unique flavours and aromas
of many little-known native herbs.
N
ative Australian plants have been used for centuries
by Aboriginal people for food, medicine, tools and
shelter. While some traditional uses have been
documented, sadly much ancient knowledge has been lost
along with its holders. Luckily, there are still Aboriginal
people around with knowledge, bolstered by the work of
ethnobotanists who have researched and recorded the
traditional uses of indigenous plants.
Although edible native plants have been mostly ignored
by mainstream Australia, the native food industry is
beginning to flourish, as chefs and foodies alike discover
what is on offer and how to use the produce.
Similar to their European counterparts, native herbs can
be used as medicine or food here we focus on the latter
and incorporating them into our diet. There are an amazing
variety of Australian herbs that are easily grown in pots or
gardens, full sun or semi shade. Native varieties offer tastes
and aromas unlike any other and can be used fresh or dried,
in teas, drinks, baking and a range of sweet and savoury dishes.
Facing page: A range of
distinctive dried native herbs.
ORGANIC GROW
43
Provenance is important when sourcing native herbs.
It relates to where a plant comes from and will determine
the levels of essential oils in plant cells and the flavour.
Provenance can also determine climatic tolerance, so that
some lemon myrtles may be naturally more cold tolerant
than others due to the microclimate in which they occur.
It is good to check provenance when buying plants.
To avoid depleting our natural landscapes, its always
better to buy plants from reputable nurseries and grow your
own rather than wild harvest. If you do choose the latter,
you must ensure correct identification.
The native herbs Ive chosen to feature can be grown in
pots, making them suitable for most gardens. Herbs with
leathery leaves, such as native pepper and lemon myrtle
need to be picked when the leaves are fully mature so their
leaf structures, flavour and aroma profiles are sufficiently
developed.
For the home gardener and cook, many native herbs are
still difficult to source as only a small number of nurseries
have embraced them. Here, then, are some of the more
readily available ones to start with.
ORGANIC GROW

Lemon myrtle
Perhaps the best-known Australian herb, lemon myrtle
(Backhousia citriodora) is a large shrub or small tree from
coastal rainforest areas of Queensland, growing up to
8m tall x 3m wide in its native state. As a rainforest plant
it prefers humidity and enjoys shade, or at least some
protection from cold wind, making it a suitable understorey
plant. It can do well as far south as Melbourne, growing
3m tall x 1.5 m wide in 20 years. In cooler climates it makes
a great potted plant on a shady verandah, easily kept to
1.5m tall x 0.5m wide by regular harvesting.
Leaves have a strong lemony aroma and taste, with a
hint of the spiciness of lemongrass, and should be harvested
when fully mature. One leaf crumpled in a cup of boiling
water makes a delicious drink or you can add several to a pot
of black tea. Iced lemon myrtle tea is a refreshing summer
beverage, as is a cordial made from the leaf infusion.
Dried and ground leaves can be sprinkled over fish fillets
when cooking or added to biscuits, cakes and desserts,
while whole leaves can be added to curries.

Native pepper
Native pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata), also known as
pepperberry, has spicy leaves and berries for culinary use.
Native peppers are dioecious, which means that both male
44 and female plants are needed for berries to be produced
and harvested. Youll need to wait 35 years for your
first harvest though. Native to temperate rainforests of
Tasmania, Victoria and NSW, plants vary between 0.5m and
4m in height, depending on their provenance, and thrive in
rich, well-drained soil. They need some shade and will perish
if allowed to dry out. Harvest mature leaves for drying and
grinding, and enjoy the dull-green powder used as you would
any ground pepper. Fresh pepperberries are best crushed in
a mortar and pestle when they are still quite soft, although
older, drier fruit will pass through a pepper grinder.

Native sage
Native sage (Prostanthera incisa) is a smaller plant than
native thyme, growing to approximately 1.5m high and wide
but has similar uses, such as an ingredient in mint sauce
(native thyme and sage have strong menthol content and
PHOTOS: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI/CENTRE: KAREN SUTHERLAND

are sometimes labelled as mint bushes). Native sage seems

to appeal to people more because of its smaller leaves
and slightly softer flavour. Plants occur mostly in eucalypt
forests along the east coast of NSW. Both native sage and
thyme can usually be found at native nurseries.

Top: Lemon myrtle flower and leaf.

Centre: Native pepper.
Left: Native sage.
 ORGANIC GROW

Native thyme
Native thyme (Prostanthera rotundifolia), an evergreen
shrub up to 2m high and 1.5m wide, is found in temperate
regions of Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
Similar to native sage, its a fast-growing understorey plant
with bright-purple flowers in spring that enjoys some shade
and moisture. Finely chopped fresh leaves, with stems
removed first, make a fabulous herb butter, great for melting
over vegetables and meat alike. Leaves can be used fresh
or dried and their strong flavour pair well with meat or
eggplant dishes, as a marinade or added during cooking.

Native mint
Native mint (Mentha australis) or river mint, is widespread
near waterways in all eastern states and Tasmania and has
an incredibly variable aroma and flavour. In my experience,
three different indigenous nurseries from Melbourne have
yielded three plants with very different aroma profiles.
Native mint copes with much less watering than European
mints and prefers more sun. Its deciduous in winter but
should only be cut back by half at this time cutting to
ground level will kill it.
Native mint has delicate leaves with surprisingly strong
aromas. Aboriginals crush a handful of leaves to inhale to

45
Top: Native thyme.
Right: Native mint.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE
Ian also learnt important plant
Karen Sutherland meets native knowledge from botanists at the
plant expert Ian Hunter. Latrobe University Wildlife Sanctuary,
and well-known ethnobotanist Beth
Ian Hunter is a Wurundjeri Wilam man, Gott, from Victorias Monash University.
born and raised in Reservoir (VIC) with his Late last year I spent a day with Ian in
four brothers. A carpenter and helicopter the cool and restorative green forests of
pilot, he now spends much of his time teaching Toolangi, north-east of Melbourne, looking
PHOTOS: TOP: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI/BOTTOM: KAREN SUTHERLAND

Aboriginal culture at schools. at native herbs.

About 25 years ago, Ian met and spent time with some
tribal Aboriginal men from the Northern Territory who
were visiting Victoria to perform at a local festival.
Their visit inspired him to connect with his Indigenous
heritage, including plant knowledge.
His mother was a great source, having learnt from her
grandmother (born in 1854, she lived at Coranderrk Station,
Healesville). Coranderrk was a government reserve where
many Wurundjeri people lived up to 1924 after being
dispossessed of their land.
To make a soapy hand wash, the young leaves of
blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon),
are crushed and rubbed vigorously with water.
Commonly known as black sassafrass, or in the
local language chingrum, the leaves of Atherosperma
moschatum were used to make a tea to improve circulation
and relieve arthritis.
The dried sap of two wattles, Acacia melanoxylon and
Acacia dealbata, can relieve intestinal complaints when
sucked on.
 Native mint combines well with
chocolate and enlivens cocktails that
would normally use European mint.

clear a stuffy nose. The leaves can be used whole or chopped

in savoury dishes such as tabbouleh or salsa, or thrown over
chopped watermelon or pineapple. Native mint combines
well with chocolate and enlivens cocktails that would
normally use European mint.

Strawberry gum
Strawberry gum (Eucalyptus olida) is a medium-sized tree
(to 20m) that occurs naturally in an isolated pocket of
northern NSW, but can grow to about half its height in cooler
regions such as Victoria, where frost protection is likely
needed in the first year or two after planting.
In cooler regions, strawberry gums can be trained into an
attractive small tree, or kept as a shrub by allowing branches
46 to grow from the base and pruning to keep bushy. Try to
prune when a new growth flush has matured, as strawberry
gum leaves need to be harvested when fully mature.
Use one crumpled fresh leaf to make a cup of tea or add a
few to a pot of black tea. Leaves can be added to stewed fruit
while cooking for a lovely berry flavour. Dried and ground
leaves make an aromatic green powder for use in baking.

Lemon tea-tree
Lemon tea-tree (Leptospermum petersonii) is an easily
grown shrub. Useful in the garden for screening, it grows up
to 45 m tall with a gently weeping habit. Crush a sprig of
leaves and rub them over your skin as a homemade mosquito
repellent it contains citronellal, which gives the aroma and
insect-repellent characteristics to citronella oil. Tea-trees
gained their common name from early European settlers
who used the leaves to make tea. A sprig of leaves makes
a refreshing lemon infusion, although it should perhaps be
consumed irregularly due to the citronella content.

Caution: Always take medicinal plants in moderation and consult a doctor

before consuming if you have a chronic or serious health condition, or if
PHOTOS: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI

Top: Karen Sutherland with Lemon

Myrtle in her Melbourne garden.
centre: Strawberry gum.
left: Lemon tea-tree.
 ORGANIC GROW

gardens to visit
Gardens where you can see and sometimes taste edible
native plants include:
NSW: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney; Australian Botanic
Garden Mt Annan; Booderee Botanic Gardens, Jervis Bay
(the only Aboriginal owned and run botanic garden in
Australia); Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens.
VIC: Melton Botanic Garden; Royal Botanic Gardens
Victoria, Melbourne and Cranbourne.
ACT: Australian National Botanic Gardens.
NT & WA: Alice Springs Desert Park; George Brown
Darwin Botanic Gardens; Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth.
SA: Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Port Augusta.

47

Sourcing native herbs

Drying
Hang small bunches of herbs to dry in
a cool, dark, dry place, or dry individual
leaves in wicker baskets, to allow good
airflow. Once dry, the more fibrous
leaves can be ground in a small electric
coffee grinder set to coarse. Pack the
grinder well with leaves or you will find
they spin without grinding. To retain
flavour and aroma, store dried leaves
or powders in a cool, dark, dry place.
If correctly processed and stored
without delay, powder and leaves will
PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI
Look for specialist native nurseries or others that carry
a good range of natives. Here are some suggestions:
VICTORIA
Ceres Bushfood Nursery (ceres.org.au)
Kuranga Native Nursery (kuranga.com.au)
St Kilda Indigenous Nursery Cooperative (skinc.com.au)
NEW SOUTH WALES
Muru Mittigar Provenance Nursery
(murumittigar.com.au/provenance-nursery)
Burringbar Rainforest Nursery
(burringbarrainforestnursery.com.au)
Daleys Fruit Tree Nursery (daleysfruit.com.au)
QUEENSLAND
Witjuti Grub Bushfood Nursery (witjutigrub.com.au)
Yuruga Nursery (yuruga.com.au)
TASMANIA
Plants of Tasmania (potn.com.au)
Wildseed Tasmania (wildseedtasmania.com.au)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

last 12 months. Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Port Augusta

(aalbg.sa.gov.au/shop/aridsmart)
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Zanthorrea Nursery (zanthorrea.com)
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 ORGANIC ANIMALS

49

fluffy
foragers
Rabbits and guinea pigs make fine garden friends theyre mini manure machines and
handy lawn mowers. Jessamy Miller explains how to run some in your backyard.

R
abbits and guinea pigs make surprisingly
sustainable pets. They are low maintenance and
inexpensive to feed, and as herbivores have a
smaller enviro footprint than many other animals.
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
entertaining behaviour. However, because theyre fragile
and easily frightened, they are best looked after by older
kids, or cared for under adult supervision.
Bunnies and guinea pigs are known for their rapid

They turn weeds and grass into highly useful manure, reproductive rates so either get them desexed or choose
and may be persuaded to mow the odd patch of lawn. to keep a single gender; animal shelters have enough
Their gentle natures make them ideal for developing individuals to supply your needs. Likewise, do not allow
responsibility in children, who will enjoy their quirky and either species to escape into the wild to breed.
 Diet Myth Busters!
Rabbits
Many of the foods traditionally associated with
bunnies are in fact not good for them:
Take carrots; rabbits dont naturally eat root
vegies and fruit, which are high in sugar and should
only be an occasional treat.
Iceberg lettuce, which contains lactucarium, can
be harmful, while lighter-coloured lettuce varieties
are high in water but low in nutrients. Aim instead
for darker types such as Romaine lettuce, which is
high in valuable fibre and nutrients.
Spinach contains high levels of oxalates, which can
accumulate in the system and cause toxicity, so only
offer very small amounts.
Common vegetables to avoid include beans,
cabbage, parsnips, potato, avocado, chilli, rhubarb
and tomato leaves, plus all bulbs, including onion
and garlic.
Dont overdo the commercial food pellets and
avoid richer types of hay, such as alfalfa and clover Leafy greens are vital to guinea pig health.
50 as your rabbits will get fat. Stick to grass or oaten
hay.
If feeding apples or pears, remove the pips as they
guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are mini-manure machines that will plow through
contain minute amounts of cyanide, which is toxic
greens and turn them into super poop for the garden. These
for rabbits. rodents are originally from South America and live around
48 years. Piggies are social creatures that prefer to live in
Guinea Pigs groups, ideally all male or all female, so plan for at least two.
Similar guidelines apply to guinea pigs, however
they require a cup of vegies daily to meet their Diet
Top nibblers, guinea pigs have a fast metabolism and eat
vitamin C needs, and will enjoy fruit once or twice
constantly. Quality hay makes up 80 per cent of their diet,
a week. providing nutrition and roughage, and wearing their teeth
Leafy greens are an important part of their diet, down, as these continue to grow throughout their life.
but to be safe, avoid Iceberg and lighter lettuces; They also require fresh fruit and vegies. From the garden,
avoid spinach and other greens high in oxalic acid. theyll enjoy grass, dandelions, fruit-tree prunings, herbs
Dont feed them grains, nuts, seeds, corn, peas or such as parsley, basil and dill, and celery and carrot tops.
Piggies cant manufacture their own vitamin C, so youll need
apple and pear pips.
to meet their daily requirement by providing a balanced diet
In the garden, avoid onion grass, onions, potato, of hay, dark leafy greens and a small dose of quality pellets.
beans, beetroot, and spinach and rhubarb leaves. Certain foods are harmful to guinea pigs, including
Do not feed foods high in sugar or carbohydrates grains; sweet foods; beans and peas; and spinach, tomato
to rabbits or guinea pigs. and rhubarb leaves. They love fresh grass, but shouldnt be
Moderation is the key feeding most plants in fed lawn clippings, as these may have been polluted by the
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

mower, or have begun fermentation due to the heat and

excess can cause digestive problems, so aim for a
crushing of the mower, which can cause digestive upset.
wide variety. Avoid rich clover and alfalfa hays. Water dishes should be
clean and not easily nudged over.
 ORGANIC ANIMALS

Housing
Unsupervised free ranging is likely to result in guinea
Rabbits have complex personalities,
pigs being eaten by predators including currawongs, but with proper management make
dogs, cats and foxes, or becoming lost, so provide secure
accommodation, such as a house and run. Each guinea pig fun and rewarding pets.
needs at least 60 square centimetres, but will be happy with
more. Weather protection is vital: piggies do best between
18 and 25C and are sensitive to heat and cold. It may be best
to bring them inside at nights and during weather extremes.
The guinea pig pen should be cosy and well ventilated,
lined with newspaper, and hay, sugarcane mulch or untreated
wood shavings. Renew litter twice a week, well before odours
become an issue. Put bedding into the compost, paper and all,
to break down as brown waste.

Enrichment and care

The piggies run should offer environmental enrichment such
as piping, cardboard-box mazes, Besser-block tunnels, ramps
and clumps of dried grass or thick bushes to hide in.
If they escape and prove hard to catch, their instinct is to
run to the closest cover, so provide a box or bag nearby, and
herd them straight into it.
Gentle handing and a predictable environment will result
in calm and friendly guinea pigs. Each week, check whether
teeth and toenails need filing, comb fur if matted, and look
for signs of illness or parasites such as mites and lice.
Guinea pigs make a range of different vocalisations, and
are surprisingly communicative. Their noises and behaviour
51
indicate mood and wellbeing so spend time with them and
learn the lingo.

rabbits
Rabbits have complex personalities, but with proper
management make fun and rewarding pets. They live for
812 years and come in many varieties, so its worth
researching which is best for you. Larger breeds tend to
be more placid, and Lop varieties make good companions.
Angoras are also docile, but their long fur needs weekly
brushing, whereas shorter furred bunnies require less
maintenance. Rabbits prefer not to be lifted; instead pat
them gently on or beside your lap while at ground level.
Rabbits need exercise, a healthy diet and socialisation for
PHOTOS: TOP AND BOTTOM: ISTOCKPHOTO/CENTERE: JESSAMY MILLER

good welfare. Unless you can spend lots of time with your
rabbit, aim to keep a couple. A desexed male and female
make the best pairing, as two of the same gender can fight
over territory. As well as preventing unwanted babies,
desexing makes rabbits less moody, prevents uterine cancer
in females, and stops males hassling the cat.

Diet
Rabbits need around 80 per cent oaten or grass hay to
provide roughage and help maintain teeth. They also require
green leafy vegies from the garden such as carrot tops, cauli
leaves and herbs. Treats include hard fruit and vegies, and Top: Guinea pigs require secure housing.
Centre: supply water in a heavy ceramic bowl to avoid flipping.
a handful of rabbit feed pellets, and they will enjoy gnawing
bottom: Grass hay helps rabbits maintain teeth health.
ORGANIC ANIMALS

twigs and branches. Like piggies, there is a range of foods

bunnies dont digest well (see Diet Myth Busters, page 50).
Its best to supply water in both a drip bottle and a heavy
ceramic bowl, in case one is overturned.

Housing
Rabbits have numerous predators, and are highly sensitive
to heat and a range of diseases, including calcivirus and
myxomatosis. Rabbits breed like, well, rabbits. These factors
make unsupervised free ranging impractical.
Equally, space is important to their wellbeing. Rabbits
need four hours of daily exercise exploring, playing,
hopping, running and doing binkies or circus leaps.
One option is a sturdy and easy-to-clean hutch paired with
a run of galvanized wire netting these escape artists cant
dig out of. Fit insect netting over the top to exclude disease-
bearing mosquitoes. Hay, untreated wood shavings and
shredded paper make ideal hutch bedding. Change regularly
and put in compost.

Enrichment and care A handful of rabbit pellets is a welcome treat.

The run should be big enough for bunny to do three big hops
and stretch upright. Furnish with raised platforms, tunnels
and hides, access to grassy areas, and places to be alone.
Alternatively, many people keep rabbits inside the home.
This keeps them safe, allows space to roam, and increases
social time. They naturally toilet in one spot so can be litter
52 trained, but love to chew wooden items and electrical cords,
so safety proofing is required. Indoor rabbits tend to live
longer than those outdoors, and can even be taught to walk
on a leash. If bunnies are outside, be aware they are very
sensitive to heat, so provide shade, wet towels and ice blocks
in water on hot days.
Rabbits should be checked for the same health issues
as guinea pigs, and must be vaccinated annually against
calicivirus. The fatal disease myxomatosis can be caught
from mosquitoes and rabbit fleas, so screen hutches and
avoid exposure to wild rabbits. Rabbits can get fleas, fur
mites and ear mites; inspect regularly and treat if found.
Rabbits are allowed in all states except Queensland.
mini mowers
To use guinea pigs or rabbits to mow the lawn, park them in a
shady spot in a tractor or A-frame, based on chicken tractor
designs. Rabbit tractors will need a wire skirt to prevent
bunny digging out. Both pets will eat grass to the roots,
so an hour or so during their active period in the morning or
evening is recommended. Make sure the tractor is predator
proof, shady and has hiding places so piggies feel safe.
Move it regularly or urine will burn grass.
Tractors can also be placed over spent garden beds for
super duper pooper
No waste worries here gardeners consider rabbit and
guinea pig manure to be black gold. The potent pellets
contain nitrogen, phosphorus and often potassium, and are
conveniently dry, low odour and easy to handle. As a cold
manure rather than a hot one, they can be dug straight into
the garden, however its best to compost them before using
on food plants, where they act as a slow-release fertiliser,
improving soil structure, drainage and moisture retention.
Watch the vegies grow!
Earthworms and compost worms love well-aged guinea
pig and rabbit manure, so they are welcome in the worm
farm. Alternatively, pop the poop to the compost bin as
a green waste or nitrogen source and then add in equal
amounts of straw, hay or wood shavings. Any manure
containing urine should be well composted before using.
Bedding containing hay is also best hot composted as
weed seeds may spread if its mulched.
To make liquid fertiliser, soak four cups of manure in a
bucket of water for three weeks then use diluted to the
colour of weak tea on the garden as liquid fertilser.
Resources
rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/RWAbrochuremaster.pdf
N.B. Rabbits in the UK wont face diseases present in Oz.
therabbitdoctors.com.au
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

pets to explore, eat grasses and munch weeds like dandelion, agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/other-pets/rabbits/
dock and chickweed, however make sure there are no guidelines-on-keeping-pet-rabbits
harmful plants present, such as Iceberg lettuce, garlic and aaps.org.au/caring-guinea-pig
onion, potato, or tomato leaves.
 ORGANIC POULTRY

55

New chook
in town
If youre in the market for fowl, Jessamy Millers tips on what, where and how
to buy plus transporting and settling them in at home will prove invaluable.

M
y favourite shopping expedition is one in search of new
chooks. Sourcing birds used to be as simple as looking
in the local paper, but these days there are auctions,
websites and many other options, all with their pros and cons.
What to buy
PHOTO: JESSAMY MILLER
and pullets in summer and autumn. Decide whether you want
backyard-quality birds as layers and pets, or are prepared
to pay more for exhibition-class purebreds. Look breeds
up in the Australian Poultry Standards (vpfa.com.au) or on
club websites to get familiar with the comb, body shape and
feather pattern in both genders. This may stop you falling

The best age to buy pullets is point of lay; around 18 weeks. into two well-known traps; mistaking a crossbred for a
If youre set on raising chicks, remember they need warmth purebred, or a cockerel for a hen!
and special care, will take time to mature, and half will be above: The Hamburgh (left) meets the Australian Langshan
boys. Hatching is seasonal, so expect to buy chicks in spring (right) combining new birds with the established flock.
 Markets
Many people see fowls for sale at markets, whether large
or local, and get them on impulse. The rule here is buyer
beware. Dont trust so-called sexed chicks, or purebreds that
look like bitsers. This is a fun and easy purchase, likely at a
bargain price, but think carefully as quality and reliability are
variable. Get contact details for the seller and make sure
birds look in good health.

Classifieds
Websites such as Gumtree and Backyard Poultry display
classified advertisements for everything from large
operations to backyarders with spare hens. To work out if
the buyer and birds are the quality you need, inspect the birds
first and only buy if you are satisfied. Equally, if you book an
appointment, be punctual and do turn up. When bargaining,
respect that breeders rarely recoup feed costs in the sale
price and that purebreds are rarer and attract a premium.

Business websites
There are now numerous poultry dealers and breeders with
dedicated websites or Facebook pages. Be aware that photos
may not be of current stock. Dealers buy their fowls from
elsewhere, and their wide range is handy, but it can be tricky
to assess how birds were raised or follow up with the actual
breeder. If you want top quality, its sensible to source fowls
from a specialist breeder. Larger operators often vaccinate
56 birds against Mareks disease, which is an advantage, though
not crucial. Some offer a take-home care kit or ongoing
chook advice, and may even replace birds if misfortune
strikes soon after you get them home.

Breed clubs
Looking for a particular purebred? First point of call is the breed
club. Its website may have a list of birds for sale, or email the
secretary with your request and they may recommend someone
suitable nearby. Find out when the next show or auction is and
head there to see the birds and make contact with breeders.

Shows
Poultry are shown at both agricultural shows and breed club
shows, and are often put up for sale to save taking them home.
There may also be an auction held in association with the show.
Even if birds arent for sale, you can network with breeders and
get a feel for their birds. They might have something suitable
at home, or recommend someone who can help.

Auctions
Poultry auctions are bustling events where breeders and
dealers buy and sell; many have a wide range of birds of
PHOTO: JESSAMY MILLER

Top: Well-known poultry auctioneer Braham Metry

auctions birds.
centre: Plenty of roosters to be had.
left: Auction cages are numbered and the winning
bidders number is added below in texta.
 ORGANIC POULTRY

every quality, and there are always plenty of spare roosters.

Arrive early, register for a buyers number so you can bid,
read the rules, and then look carefully at the catalogue and
the birds. Assess their quality, health, age and gender.
Chat to the auctioneer beforehand to ask any questions,
or tap a steward in a fluoro vest, but dont ask during the
auction youll look a dill. Take cash just in case theres no
eftpos, plus lunch and a water bottle, and your carry cages.
Dont brush at flies or you might win a bid but make eye
contact with the auctioneer and bid fast and often if you
mean to win! Auctions are great entertainment and you
might snap a bargain, or beat a rival to a top-class bird.
Helmsman auctions
Many poultry clubs now choose to run Helmsman auctions.
Instead of an auctioneer calling, bidders walk around with a
pencil, marking their bids on the card at the front of the cage
of their desired bird. When time is up, the highest bid wins.
Again, get there early, register for a bidders number, read
the rules, and take cash. Be sure to get the breeders contact
number for any birds you buy, as the club may not keep
details if you want to follow up with them later.
Chook checklist
Look for chooks that are alert and bright eyed,
with an upright stance and glossy feathers.
Younger birds have slimmer legs and sweeter-
looking faces.
Functional, well-shaped beaks and feet are a
disctinct advantage.
A plump red comb indicates a hen is laying,
a pale one that shes not.
Roosters have larger wattles and combs, pointed
hackle and saddle feathers, and longer tails.
Make sure birds have no bald patches, and no
mites or lice around vents.
Raised thick scales on legs indicate scaly leg mite.
Avoid birds that are mopey, breathing loudly,
have runny eyes or nostrils, dirty vent feathers,
swellings on head gear, or just dont seem right.

Transporting birds
You want your new birds to get home in good nick, so pack
suitable cages when intending to buy as its illegal to carry
birds in feed bags, tie their legs, or transport them in the boot.
Cat or dog carry cages are ideal. Make sure birds transiting
57
have plenty of ventilation, and if its a hot day, check air
conditioning is reaching them. Pack a bottle of water and dish
too in case you need to stop and hydrate them or, heaven
forbid, the car breaks down (it has happened to me).

At home
Once home, check new birds for lice and mites, and house
them away from any existing flock for a few weeks in
quarantine. Its not unusual for healthy birds to succumb to
illness due to the stress of a location change, or because
an auction or show brought them in contact with unfamiliar
diseases. Once you are sure they are healthy, put them in
with the flock at night, then provide plenty of distractions
during the day to help them settle into the pecking order.
Find out what feed they are used to and gradually change
over to your preferred option chooks dont respond well
to sudden dietary changes.
Above: Sensible cat and dog cages
Buyer behaviour with good ventilation are ideal for
transporting chickens.
Be thoughtful when purchasing by being polite, punctual and
reliable, and accept the final price. A good relationship with
a poultry breeder can pay multiple dividends as they may
provide ongoing advice, become a mentor or supply a special
More information
PHOTO: JESSAMY MILLER

order. The best advertisement is word of mouth, so make
contacts with other fowl folk and youll pick up great tips from
the chook chat. Enjoy your foray into the fascinating world of
poultry sales and the characters you meet, I always do!
Australian Poultry Standards vpfa.com.au
Australasian Poultry magazine (newsagents)
backyardpoultry.com
 58
backyard
aquaponics

PHOTO: 1Aquaponics.com.au
 ORGANIC DESIGN

Aquaponics promises an abundance of

backyard fish and vegetables,
all produced in a neat ecosystem.
getting things right, however, can be
a challenge, writes SIMON WEBSTER.

P
aul McKay eats rainbow trout twice a week, freshly
harvested from his suburban Melbourne backyard.
And he produces more fruit and vegetables than he,
his partner and two-year-old son can handle.
We grow way more than we can eat, the 55 year old
59
says. We have got really good at processing and bottling.
And we give a lot away and sell a bit too, from the farm gate
as we call it.
More than 130 different plants everything you can
think of and probably some you cant grow in his garden
and on the nature strip outside.
At the heart of it all is an aquaponics system. Actually five
aquaponics systems to be exact.
Weve got about 10,000 litres of water and if I wanted
to soup it all up we could grow a kilo-and-a-half of fish a day,
McKay says. But thats too much so I dont stock to the max.
Aquaponics is about fish and plants (vegetables, herbs and
even fruit trees) providing for each others needs to produce
bumper crops. In the gravel in the 14 grow beds that are part
of his five aquaponics systems, McKay says he has produced
everything apart from potatoes, which he grows in a garden
bed nearby.
His aquaponics systems all vary to differing degrees.
His favourite and apparently the fishes too comprises an
in-ground pond and a river instead of the more usual tank
and plumbing.
Thanks to the consistent temperatures in the in-ground
pond, trout can survive through January and February, when
a few days of hot weather can kill fish in tanks due to oxygen
levels falling as the water heats up.

A bountiful, large-scale home aquaponics system

at Lewiston (SA) designed by #1Aquaponics.
 The trout also seem to like the fact that they have a
gravel race, in which they have tried to spawn.
We had a fish expert over recently and he said we need
some different-sized gravel in the race, Paul says. We are
going to try it. We think we might become the first people
who can breed trout in an aquaponics system. Its a bit of fun.

What is aquaponics?
Permaculture design consultant and aquaponics teacher
Floyd Constable says an aquaponics system can be as simple
as a fish tank and an equally sized grow bed, linked by a pump.
Water from the fish tank is pumped to the grow bed, and then
drains back to the fish tank.
The fish are essentially feeding the plants with their
waste and the plants are filtering and purifying the water
that gets returned to the fish, Constable says.
Weve got water going around in a constant cycle and weve
got nutrients going back and forth between fish and plants.

The importance of microbes

As well as fish, plants and the overseeing human, there is one
more important player: microbes.
Bacteria are absolutely key, Constable says. They live
on the growing medium. They colonise the surface area of
the gravel and the grow bed itself. The fish produce waste,
and one of the main components of that waste is ammonia.
That ammonia, in very small quantities, is highly toxic to the
60 fish, so we absolutely need to get rid of it.
In an aquarium you would do a water change. What we do
is send that water to the gravel grow bed, where bacteria eat
the ammonia, break it down and turn it into nitrites.
Another group of bacteria eat the nitrites and convert
them into nitrates, which is nitrogen for our plants, and
basically non-toxic to the fish. Without those bacteria this
system is nothing.
Getting these bacteria to move in is easy, according to
Constable. You fill your system with water (if town water, let
it sit for a few days to off-gas), plant your plants, and provide
a food source such as seaweed or fish emulsion that will feed
the plants before you introduce fish.
Its also a food source for bacteria that are all around us
in the atmosphere. They will land on the grow bed and there
will be food there for them to get established.
A basic aquarium test kit will reveal whether the bacteria
are doing a good job of cleaning the water. You can then add
fish to your system.

Environmental pros and cons

Aquaponics can be good for the environment. As well as
PHOTOS: MILKWOOD PERMACULTURE

taking pressure off the worlds depleted fisheries, it can

vastly reduce the amount of water needed to grow crops.

Three stages of a small DIY bathtub system

designed by Floyd Constable (top) as part of
a Milkwood Permaculture rooftop project in
Redfern, Sydney (see resources p. 63 for more).
 ORGANIC DESIGN

You can produce a crop in an aquaculture system using

only 20 per cent of the water you would use growing in
soil, which is massively significant in an Australian context,
Constable says.
An aquaponics system also reduces fertiliser use to
zero (apart from in the establishment stage). And chemical
pesticides are out of the question because if they get in the
system theyre likely to kill the fish.
Many organic remedies, such as chilli and garlic sprays,
can be used safely. But even these shouldnt be needed too
much, because the plants should be healthy.
The plants are receiving water and organic nutrients in
a natural form that they can pick and choose when they like
100 per cent of the time, Constable says. The system isnt
immune from pests and diseases but rates are significantly less.
Aquaponics, however, is no environmental golden bullet,
Constable says. What you feed your fish may not be good for
the environment at all. Commercially produced fish pellets
often contain wild-caught fish, which means fisheries are still
being depleted to produce the fish in your backyard.
One way to mitigate this downside, Constable says,
is to not grow a heavily carnivorous fish species such as
barramundi, but a species such as silver perch, whose diet
can be supplemented with leafy greens such as kang kong,
azola and duckweed. (An even better fish for aquaponics
would be tilapia, which is hardy and can be wholly vegetarian,
but its considered highly invasive and is illegal in Australia.)
You can also reduce your reliance on fish pellets by
61
supplementing fish diets with homegrown worms and black
soldier fly larvae, a prospect that excites Paul McKay.
Were going to try to set up a maggot farm or soldier fly
farm, McKay says. Theres a way of doing those so they will
self-harvest and jump into the pond when theyre ready to be
food for the fish.

But theres a catch

If it all sounds too good to be true, it often is. For every
Paul McKay, producing more food than his family can eat,
there are plenty of individuals, schools and community
gardens that have tried aquaponics and failed.
Frank Chalmers, a writer, and Julie Chenery, a teacher-
counsellor, set up a system in their Brisbane backyard about
six years ago only to see it crash and burn.
It started brightly enough. We set up a 1000-litre tank,
under three bathtubs crammed with vegie plants, and built
a large steel frame over it covered with shade cloth,
Chalmers says.
We stocked the tank with about 90 baby silver perch.
Julie did a workshop, research and calculations, and we
were soon familiar with a daily regime of ensuring the water
PHOTOS: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI

stayed clean and at the right pH. It only took a few minutes.

Top: Paul McKays in-ground pond system.

Centre: A grow bed and tank at Paul McKays.
Right: Lush tomatoes at Frank Chalmers and Julie
Chenerys Brisbane system before it all went wrong.
 Paul McKays top aquaponics tips
Do your research and plan your system carefully.
Get help during the planning phase.
Persist. Most people lose fish at the beginning.
Have a normal vegie bed or orchard near your
aquaponics system. It will love some aquaponics
water, and your fish will love the fresh tank water
you use to replace the water youve given the vegies.

We watched the fish grow over about four months with

relatively few losses, and ate handsomely of the vegies.
Tomatoes grew like something from Jack and the Beanstalk.
Neighbours came to gaze in awe.
Then disaster struck. Just as they were approaching
dinner-plate size, the fish began to die.
Every morning we scooped out a few more bodies.
The number of deaths escalated and over a week or so the
entire batch was dead.
We thought about trying again but moved house and
dismantled the system. We ended up using the bits and
pieces for a chook house and gardens.
Chenery adds: We just didnt have the heart to try again
62 in case we killed so many more fish.
Chalmers and Chenery are far from alone. Tales of
abandoned systems are common, and McKay acknowledges
that aquaponics can be a steep learning curve.
Youre going to kill fish when you start off, he says.
Youve got to get over it. Solve the problem and move on.
The first year we might have eaten two fish, and the
second year 30. Now [seven years after setting up his first
system] they all get to size and we get to eat them all.

School of fish
Murray Hallam travels the world teaching aquaponics
courses and attracts students from all over Australia and
overseas to his four-day Brisbane masterclasses.
He also sells DIY plans and kits, and says the cost of
setting up a backyard system can be anything from a few
hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Its a small price to pay for food quality and security,
Hallam argues. But he says its vital you get training in
aquaponics before jumping in the deep end.
There are multiple reasons fish could die, Hallam says.
Lack of aeration in the tank, pump failure, overfeeding
theres a lot to learn.
PHOTOS: 1AQUAPONICS.COM.AU

Top: earlier planting stage of the aquaponics system

(p. 58) at Lewiston (SA) designed by #1Aquaponics.
Centre: A tank of rainbow trout (15cm long) at the
Lewiston garden.
left: A small-scale system at St Columba primary
school in Yorketown (SA).
 ORGANIC DESIGN

People who have kept aquariums tend to fare better at

keeping their fish alive, Hallam says. McKay agrees that
previous fish-keeping experience helps, and that careful
system design is important.
Often people dont get the maths right, McKay says.
If youre planning a system, jump on a website or Facebook
group and say, look, this is how Ive designed my system,
what do other people think? Theyll give you their two bobs
worth in the planning phase rather than after its built.

Which system?
A handyman level of skill is generally required to set up an
aquaculture system, Constable says. It can be a bit of an
engineering project.
I really like using recycled material, things like bathtubs
and water tanks, he says. It is already built for you and you
just have to design how it fits together and fits in place. A rainbow trout
at Paul McKays.
You can custom make stuff if youre a great welder. Theres a
treasure trove of material online to help [see Resources].
If you want a kit, youre in the right place, as Australia is a
world leader in aquaponics, Constable says. The future of aquaponics
We have quite a few businesses manufacturing Operations manager of #1Aquaponics, Andrew de
components and full-on kits that arrive as a flat pack. You put Dezsery (M. Sc) has been working in fisheries and
it on the patio, follow the instructions, hook up the pipes,
aquaponics for more than 30 years and says it is
flick the switch and away you go.
one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world for
Can you manage it? home food production. In Australia he says there
Theres no doubt that a well-designed aquaponics system are now close to 10,000 home-based operators, 63
has the potential to grow a lot of food. A backyard set-up so there are a lot of people giving it a go.
can grow enough lettuce and leafy greens (which grow It is viable as a low-cost, more-natural food
particularly well because of the high nitrogen content of the
production that offers healthier year-round food
water) for a family of six in an area 3m x 3m, Hallam says.
products as well as the pride of growing food in
And have one fish dinner a week all year round.
And in theory, managing an aquaponics system is easy. the home yard, de Dezsery says.
Constable says once a system is ticking over, maintenance In coming years, I expect aquaponics to expand
should only take a few minutes a day. commercially into integrated food-production
You get a feel for it, he says. Your senses learn whats systems helping to stabilise local food bowls.
normal and very quickly you can tell its all good. It smells
good, the flow is good, the fish are happy, the plants are happy.
You feed the fish, which is exciting because the fish go crazy,
jumping for food, and its job done. RESOURCES
But even if things are going well, you should check on your
fish every day. A weekend away would probably be OK fish Western Australia-based kits and components:
can survive a few days without feed but any longer and youll backyardaquaponics.com
need someone to step in and look after the system for you. Brisbane-based courses, plans, kits, DVDs and free
With this daily maintenance requirement, the cost and videos: aquaponics.net.au and murrayhallam.com
skill required to set up a system, and the ethical and practical 1aquaponics.com.au
ramifications of fish dying (in the early stages at least), it is DIY system design rules of thumb:
clear aquaponics is not for everyone. But for people who theaquaponicsource.com/rules-of-thumb
can make it work, like Paul McKay, its another step towards Good book: Aquaponics in Australia by Shannida
PHOTO: KIRSTEN BRESCIANI

self-reliance. and Matt Herbert

That food in the supermarket looks lovely and shiny See a full article of the DIY bathtub system shown
but it would take me two to three hours a week to do the on page 60: milkwood.net/2015/01/19/making-diy-clip-
shopping, he says. Id rather spend that time growing my together-bathtub-aquaponics-system
own food at home.
ORGANIC BASICS
the great divide
Want to increase or share your gardens perennials? Penny Woodward
explains how to propagate by root division.
64
Dividing perennials
I love root division because its the easiest form of propagation
and provides you with lots of free plants for the garden or to
pot up and give to family and friends. Division should be done
when the plant is dormant after it has died back or stopped
growing in autumn. Its a good idea to divide perennials every
45 years, even if new plants are not needed. This stops them
becoming over-crowded and gradually loosing vigour and
even dying. Although late autumn is the perfect time to divide
perennials, if you dont have time now, they can also be divided
in early spring just as the new growth begins to appear.
Herbaceous perennials
These include plants that largely disappear in winter, such as
comfrey, horseradish and tarragon. Dig up the whole clump,
shake off excess dirt, and carefully separate into smaller
pieces by pulling apart. Cut through roots with a sharp knife
or secateurs if necessary. To produce a new plant, each bit
must consist of a piece of healthy root with a shoot. If you
want big clumps quickly then cut into larger pieces with
several shoots and plenty of roots. Replant the healthiest
pieces straight away. Dig some well-rotted compost or
manure into the soil first, replant to the same level as before,
water well and push down carefully on the surrounding soil.
Adding seaweed extract to the water will help overcome
transplant shock and ensure clumps settle in quickly.
Dividing garlic chives.
Extra pieces can be put into pots of an appropriate size
with a good potting mixture. In both cases, ensure that the
soil remains moist, but not wet, until the roots have re-
established themselves.
Creeping perennials
This group includes plants such as bergamot, chamomile,
mint, oregano and violets. Dig up part or the entire clump,
depending on its size and your needs. Shake or wash off
excess soil, exposing the fibrous root systems. Break the
clump in half by carefully pulling it apart continue this until
the pieces are the size you want. Dont let them get too small
very small pieces take too long to recover. Proceed as for
the herbaceous perennials, but make sure the fibrous roots
are firmed down well into the soil or the new clump may
wash out in heavy rain.
Bulbous perennials
Bulbous perennial plants such as chives and garlic chives
are in this group. Dig up all or part of the clump and gently
pull the bulbs apart, being careful not to break the roots
PHOTO: PENNY WOODWARD
from the bulbs. Then proceed as for the other perennials.
Make sure that the bulbs are returned to the same level as
they were, because some bulbs will rot if planted too deeply,
and others will fall over and dry out if they are not planted
deeply enough.
 ON SALE
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growing revolution. it includes everything you need to know to get growing
in any space. from gardening basics and success stories to farming animals.

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 66
ORGANIC ORNAMENTAL

PHOTO: PENNY WOODWARD


a host of
bulbs
Beautiful in bloom, spring bulbs (from bluebells to ranunculus)
are ripe for digging in now, explains Stephen Ryan.
T
he primary focus of Organic Gardener has always been
edible plants but I contend that one needs to feed the
soul as well as the body and spring bulbs do that
admirably well.
Im talking about bulbs in the broadest sense, including
corms, rhizomes and tubers, which are structurally different
but perform the same function and can usually be handled
in the same manner. Corms are swollen stems (gladiolus),
true bulbs consist mainly of modified leaves (think onion or
daffodil), rhizomes are truncated swollen creeping stems
(bearded iris) and tubers can be swollen storage roots
(dahlias) or in fact stems (potatoes).
Autumn is the peak planting period for these spring-time
bombs so its vital to give some thought now to the explosion
of colour you would like to see in your garden in the months
to come.
If you have ever browsed a plant catalogue youll know
what a bewildering array of bulbs can be ordered, and also
be familiar with the impulse to order one of everything or
large quantities of the usually cheaper mixed varieties.
Take my advice and dont fall for either the best way to
enjoy bulbs is via the impact of single colours and en masse.
If youre inclined to buy 20, double it to ensure a proper
show. Fortunately, the more you buy the cheaper bulbs get;
most common varieties range from 50c to $1 each, so getting
ORGANIC ORNAMENTAL
67
it right can be a substantial investment. That said, 40 bulbs
would cost no more than buying a potted tree and as
they are perennials you are getting years worth of value.
Certainly this is the case in cold climates where most bulbs
will reappear and flower well, year after year. For those in
tropical climates its difficult to keep bulbs growing after the
first year so its best to treat them as annuals, buying fresh
ones every year. Keeping them in a pot and out of extreme
heat will also help.
Room for all
If the aim of your garden is to feed the family, how can
you justify taking up space and allocating your budget for
flowers? Bulbs, corms and rhizomes can in fact be used in
lots of ways that wont impact on the productivity of your
garden and will give you a splash of colour in late winter and
early spring just when its so needed. Many bulbs also provide
nectar for beneficial insects and make admirable cut flowers.
As they grow in the winter and lie dormant in summer
they wont compete with your deciduous fruiting plants and
will get the sun they need to perform. Under-plant your fruit
trees with telling drifts of daffodils or bluebells, and your
blueberries and gooseberries with clumps of hoop petticoat
facing page: Tulip Negrita.
ORGANIC ORNAMENTAL
daffodils, crocus or snowdrops. Be warned that many South
African bulbs (think ixias, sparaxis and watsonias) can go feral
they naturalise far too well.
I have even grown tulips among rhubarb and asparagus:
as the former are doing their thing the latter are dormant,
giving me double the value for the one spot. And when the
tulips are spent, the asparagus and rhubarb do a splendid job
of disguising the dying bulb foliage. Its a great combination.
Planting
Follow the instructions on the packet for time, spacing and
depth of planting, but as a rule of thumb a depth of twice the
width of the bulb generally works.
If you are planting numerous bulbs its worth buying a
simple dibber to make the holes, or for bigger bulbs a specific
bulb planter, or even a cordless drill attachment that easily
makes holes in harder soils. To obtain a natural effect, dont
plant bulbs in rows, but broadcast the bulbs over the ground
and plant where each bulb lands.
I rarely lift bulbs unless I want to spread them further
afield or give some to friends. Those that lose vigour and stop
flowering are easier to replace with new bulbs than to bring
back to flowering size.
Putting the bulbs in the crisper of the fridge is often
recommended if you wish to encourage flowering the next
year, however its only any use if the bulbs have retained size
(not gotten smaller). It also helps to produce longer stems.
If the flower bud isnt already in the bulb, the fridge wont
produce it.
Growing needs
While in active growth (winter/spring), most bulbs like a
well-drained aspect, reasonably sunny conditions and a soil
that is rich in organic material. If your soil is heavy, add coarse
sand. As bulbs are dormant in summer, the need for shade
is neither here nor there. And apart from varieties such as
snowdrops (Galanthus) and many crocus that need a winter
chill (frosty weather) to ripen, most bulbs are easy going and
undemanding.
Feeding time
Theres no point in feeding bulbs after flowering, as is often
cited the whole plant is about to go dormant and cant
possibly take up food at this time. Feed with compost and well-
aged manure at planting, without allowing it to come in contact
with the bulb, and dont feel nervous about a gentle liquid feed
every few weeks until just before flowering. What you are then
PHOTOS: ALAMY
doing is providing nutrients that will help the plant set flowers
for next year. If bulbs are growing in the ground with other
plants theyll all appreciate the extra attention.
 ORGANIC ORNAMENTAL

And remember, if youre upset by the messy foliage after

flowering, cutting it will reduce future flowering. Better to Bulb species
grow in containers or among other plants.
and hybrids
Individual bulb species can be grown from seed,
Tulips
Hybrid tulips need cold winters to reappear and flower as well as by lifting, dividing and replanting bulbs.
well year after year, but a couple of dozen new ones cost Some of the most familiar and showiest bulb
very little and flower without fail and you may get bonus flowers are actually grown from hybrid bulbs,
flowers from previous plantings. but there are also many different species of tulips,
If you want tulips that will keep flowering year after year,
daffodils and other bulbs with delightful flowers.
and multiply into serious drifts, then look at the species
These are usually more diminutive and less showy,
instead of the hybrids. What they tend to lack in pure size of
flower they make up for in quantity of blooms and daintiness. but often more resilient and easier to grow.
I love Tulipa saxatilis with its bicolour mauve-and-yellow
flowers; two colours I wouldnt ordinarily plant together but
somehow they work. A few bulbs will become dozens in a
couple of years and if they are happy will just get better
PHOTO: LEFT: ISTOCKPHOTO/RIGHT: ALAMY

and better.

Daffodils
The daffodil tribe includes a huge range of species and
hybrids that range from the diminutive hoop petticoats
through to scented jonquils (which are really Tazettas) to
the classic trumpet daffodil of William Wordsworth fame.
Some will stay undisturbed in naturalised clumps for years
above left: Hyacinths in bloom.
above right: snowdrops and daffodils
en masse.
facing page: clockwise from Top left:
Daffodils, bluebells and freesias.
ORGANIC ORNAMENTAL
Pots are great for many bulbs as they
can be strategically placed to show off
the flowering bulbs and then hidden
behind the shed when spent.
70
ABOVE: potted ranunculus.
Get your bulbs
Aside from nurseries, many mail-order companies
supply packaged bulbs. They include:
Broersen Bulbs broersenbulbs.com.au
Bryan Tonkin tonkinsbulbs.com.au
Garden Express gardenexpress.com.au
Tesselaars Bulbs tesselaar.net.au
Van Diemen Quality Bulbs vdqbulbs.com.au
Vogelvry Bulbs vogelvry.com.au
while others will test the skill of even the best gardener.
Colours range from yellow through white to even some with
red or pink trumpets. For garden show, its hard to top the
classic yellow forms that for me are the epitome of spring.
The form usually sold as King Alfred, which after all these
years is probably not the original, has a classic trumpet
shape and is a great choice. I also love the late-flowering
Poets Daffodil (Narcissus poeticus). It has pure-white petals
surrounding its short red-and-green cup and is sweetly
scented. A bunch in the house is a joy.
Bluebells
A drift of easy-to-grow bluebells (Hyacinthoides) can be
stunning in the spring. That said, their foliage is ugly as
they die down and can easily swamp small nearby plants.
They are very vigorous and all but impossible to remove,
so think carefully about placement.
Freesias
Freesias are much loved and if your soil is slightly alkaline
and freely drained they will multiply with abandon (feral in
some places). The old-fashioned cream ones have by far the
best perfume but the brightly coloured hybrids have more
visual appeal, especially if you can manage to get them in
separate colours.
Ranunculus
Great value for money: you can get a heap of ranunculus
for very little and theyll fill quite an area with long-lasting
blooms that can also be used as cut flowers. I also like
their rich-green leaves, a complete departure from those
usually associated with bulb-like plants. The tubers resemble
clusters of claws; plant them with these facing down.
Hyacinth
The modern hyacinth is a far cry from its wild ancestor and is
one of those bulbs thats better to buy fresh every couple of
years as they deteriorate over time. Their chunky flowers in
tight spikes have an intoxicating scent. I prefer to plant a few
in a pot indoors.
Potted colour
Pots are great for many bulbs as they can be strategically
placed to show off the flowering bulbs and then hidden
behind the shed when spent. Use a good bulb potting mix for
the best results and liquid feed as described (Feeding time,
page 68).
Most species will need to be repotted each year or new
bulbs bought as they usually lose vigour in containers.
Pot-grown bulbs can also be used in gardens simply sink
the pot and its contents into a convenient gap to flower and
then pull it out when finished. If youre a truly keen gardener,
fill the resulting gap with some annuals or a pot-grown
PHOTO: ALAMY
perennial that will flower later; I often grow canna lilies for
this very purpose.
 ORGANIC ACTION

73

Plant cabbage and other crops

now so you have vegies for
winter fermenting.

into the
autumn patch Nows the time to get your autumn garden in order, from pruning
and planting to seed saving and pest management.

It seems that unexpected climate events are becoming part of the day, and be prepared to race out with temporary
the new normal and gardeners and gardens are having to protection if early or late frosts are predicted. Also its not
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

adapt to more heat, unexpected cold and heavy downpours. too late to divide herbaceous perennials including herbs such
Increasing the organic matter in your soil will help with water as chives, mint and oregano, and replant into a pot (mint) or
absorption and reduce runoff. Plan your garden so that compost-rich soil.
taller tougher plants shade more tender ones in the hottest Penny Woodward

Dill and fennel attract benecial insects,
are hardy and have delicious green parts
and seeds. They produce year round in
74
warm regions; summer to early winter
in cooler climes.
Harvest is prolic: 1015 well-grown
plants will supply most home cooks
enough culinary seed to last a year,
with left over to sow.
Cut stems when the umbels are just
beginning to brown. Hang them upside
down in a dry, airy place, over newspaper
so insects can crawl away. When dry, rub
seeds gently from stalks, then winnow
in a wide shallow bowl to remove chaff.
Check again for insects before storing
in airtight jars. Seeds are excellent with
seafood, for baking and to aid digestion.
Helen McKerral
tropical
Top Tip:
With humidity gone, its time to save seeds. Save the healthiest,
strongest seeds as they produce more resilient plants for next
season. Each time we save and plant a seed it programs itself
to adjust to the particular climatic conditions. Suggestions
amaranth, corn, mustard, snake beans.
Must Do:
Cooler weather is the perfect time to prune trees as they are
in their dormancy, and risk of heat stress is gone.
Disease Alert:
Check for Mango anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides).
Increase sanitation by removing dead wood, rake up leaves
remove and destroy. Prune the tree to allow airflow and light
into the centre. Spread blood and bone, add potash, trace
elements and organic matter on the soil to the drip line, then
water well with seaweed and fish emulsion. Mulch. Sterilise
all tools afterwards. Leonie Shanahan
subtropical
Plant Now:
Plant brassica family (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, kohlrabi),
peas, spinach, strawberry and herbs coriander, fennel, herb
Robert, lemon balm, nasturtium and salad burnet. Plan ahead
to make sauerkraut and kimchi by planting cabbage, wombok,
daikon radish, beetroot, carrot and chilli.
Top Tip:
Get your diary out and mark the dates of garden expos, fairs,
shows and open days as these are a brilliant way to gather
new information, advice, ideas and motivation. See the latest
releases and use the opportunity to meet knowledgeable and
helpful gardeners.
How To:
Is your compost slowing down due to the cool weather?
Add some fresh herbs to accelerate heat, a handful of
comfrey (Symphytum officinale), yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
or nettle (Urtica dioica). Grow these next to your compost
bin for convenience. Leonie Shanahan
PHOTO: LEONIE SHANAHAN/ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO
Hand shred
comfrey leaves to
heat up compost.
 ORGANIC ACTION
STEP
by STEP
Tamarillo fruit

A vertical herb spiral using pots is a creative

and attractive addition to your garden.
Pre-water herbs with seaweed to reduce
transplant shock.
Select three different size pots and position
in full sun, north facing.
Add bricks (or similar) to centre of largest
pot, as a platform, to support middle-size pot.
Backfill pot with potting mix and trace
elements.
Add next pot. Half fill with potting mix, add
another support in the centre and place final
pot on top.
arid/semi-arid Before planting herbs, place them on spiral
Top Tip: to see if you are satisfied with the final look.
Fungal diseases are less common in arid regions, but Keep in mind that herbs planted at the top will
sheltered gardens may suffer. Space vegies more widely, need to like
reduce organic mulch, and prune tree canopies to improve hot and dry
airflow and light. Dont over-fertilise healthy plants resist conditions
disease better than excessively soft ones. and as you
Harvest: go down
Tamarillos crop in winter. The orange, yellow or red fruit are
each tier
ripe when shiny, fully coloured and slightly yielding to gentle
pressure. Use in savoury or sweet dishes: dip in boiling water choose
to peel as you would tomatoes or scoop raw flesh like herbs that 75
passionfruit. prefer
Pest alert more
Many pests use moisture.
camouflage. Check Plant.
leaves individually
Mulch.
inspect front, back
and ribs (caterpillars
Water
often align with well with
veins). Search cupped seaweed.
Cabbage
leaves and central white Leonie Shanahan
growing points, stem butterfly
caterpillar.
bases, under bark and
surrounding soil or
mulch. Snap stems to
inspect tunnels.
For nocturnal pests,
hold a torch at eye level to spot insect eye reflections.
PHOTOS: HELEN MCKERRAL/STEP BY STEP: LEONIE SHANAHAN

Sometimes frass is more obvious than insects search nearby.

Helen McKerral

warm temperate
Top tip:
Apple and pears are traditionally pruned in winter, but
this encourages much more vigorous growth in spring and Above left and right: Place bricks inside pot; Position second pot.
summer. To keep trees smaller, prune just after harvest and Top: completed Three tier herb spiral.
before the really cold weather sets in.
 ORGANIC ACTION
STEP
by STEP
Tamarillo fruit

A vertical herb spiral using pots is a creative

and attractive addition to your garden.
Pre-water herbs with seaweed to reduce
transplant shock.
Select three different size pots and position
in full sun, north facing.
Add bricks (or similar) to centre of largest
pot, as a platform, to support middle-size pot.
Backfill pot with potting mix and trace
elements.
Add next pot. Half fill with potting mix, add
another support in the centre and place final
pot on top.
arid/semi-arid
Top Tip:
Before planting herbs, place them on spiral
to see if you are satisfied with the final look.
Fungal diseases are less common in arid regions, but Keep in mind that herbs planted at the top will
sheltered gardens may suffer. Space vegies more widely, need to like
reduce organic mulch, and prune tree canopies to improve hot and dry
airflow and light. Dont over-fertilise healthy plants resist conditions
disease better than excessively soft ones. and as you
Harvest: go down
Tamarillos crop in winter. The orange, yellow or red fruit are
each tier
ripe when shiny, fully coloured and slightly yielding to gentle
pressure. Use in savoury or sweet dishes: dip in boiling water choose
to peel as you would tomatoes or scoop raw flesh like herbs that 75
passionfruit. prefer
Pest alert more
Many pests use moisture.
camouflage. Check Plant.
leaves individually
Mulch.
inspect front, back
and ribs (caterpillars
Water
often align with well with
veins). Search cupped seaweed.
Cabbage
leaves and central white Leonie Shanahan
growing points, stem butterfly
caterpillar.
bases, under bark and
surrounding soil or
mulch. Snap stems to
inspect tunnels.
For nocturnal pests,
hold a torch at eye level to spot insect eye reflections.
PHOTOS: HELEN MCKERRAL/STEP BY STEP: LEONIE SHANAHAN

Sometimes frass is more obvious than insects search nearby.

Helen McKerral

warm temperate
Top tip:
Apple and pears are traditionally pruned in winter, but
this encourages much more vigorous growth in spring and Above left and right: Place bricks inside pot; Position second pot.
summer. To keep trees smaller, prune just after harvest and Top: completed Three tier herb spiral.
before the really cold weather sets in.
ORGANIC ACTION

Harvest:
In temperate regions its possible to grow turmeric and
ginger in big pots. When the leaves die back in autumn, it is
time to harvest the rhizomes. Dig the whole clump, replant
a couple of rhizomes for next years crop, wash and dry the
remaining rhizomes and store in a cool position until you
want to use them.
Pest alert:
In autumn, it is especially important to hunt out snails as
they are carrying eggs. During summer they retreat into
their shells and cover their entrance with an epiphragm:
Tropical after the first decent rain they emerge, mate and get ready
Subtropical to lay eggs. Find them and throw into soapy water so that the
Arid/semi-Arid eggs die along with the parents. Penny Woodward
Warm Temperate
Cold Temperate

WHAT TO PLANT AND SOW NOW

PLANT/SOW MAY JUNE

Artichoke
Asian greens
Asparagus spears
BeanS: French/Climb
76 Beetroot
Broad bean
Broccoli
Above: Rosemary flowers attract Bees and other beneficial insects.
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
cold temperate
chives Plant now:
ENglish Spinach Plant rosemary for winter flowers and nectar for bees and
GARLIC other beneficial insects. You can get prostrate, dwarf and
Herbs/Mediterranean bush rosemaries, with blue, white or pink flowers. They like
Kale a sunny well-drained position and you can start harvesting
leaves for food, or to make a reviving tea, as soon as plants
Kohlrabi
are big enough.
Leek
Top tip:
Lettuce As you prune back your grapevine, take hardwood cuttings
onion about 20cm long with several nodes. Cut at an angle just
Peas below the bottom node, and straight across at the top.
Radish This reminds you which end to push into the soil. Push three
snow pea or four cuttings into a pot with potting mix, water well and
SPRING ONION keep just moist until leaves start to grow.
Strawberry plants Persistant weeds:
During quieter times its good to tackle persistent perennial
SWEDE
weeds such as couch and dandelions. Use a pronged weeder
Tomato
to remove dandelions root and all, pull the couch from garden
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

Turnip beds by hand, and if its really bad, consider a wooden or

metal barrier sunk into the ground to stop the stolons from
Our climate zone map is a simplified version of a Bureau of Meteorology map.
For more detailed climatic information in relation to cities and major towns, growing into the bed in the first place.
go to: bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/climate-classifications/index.jsp Penny Woodward
 78
ORGANIC HARVEST

PHOTO: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO


warm
and slow
Take it slow and warm yourself this autumn and beyond with these tasty recipes from
Sally Wises new book Ultimate Slow Cooker.
In my kitchen garden
While other parts of Australia sweltered in record summer
heat, down here in Tassie it was the coolest of the past four
years, which bodes well for our autumn produce.
Little effort has been required to ensure that the red
cabbages have thrived to maturity. The fertile soil here
is conducive to large, tight-hearted cabbages with truly
magnificent colour. Fennel is another root vegetable that
produces abundantly and which features in the pork shoulder
recipe page 81. Its inherent aniseed flavour, paired with a
tasty combination of red cabbage, bacon, onion, apple and
caraway seed provides a bed on which the pork shoulder
ORGANIC HARVEST
79
is placed. Over the hours of slow cooking, they provide a
delicious braise to be served with the fork-tender pork.
The beetroots from our garden are big, bold and bright,
growing with seemingly incredible speed. In the soup recipe
(next page), their vibrant colour is retained and the flavour
outstanding. Lovely, light, cream-cheese dumplings, added
close to serving time, are the perfect complement.
We are again harvesting lemons. Our tree, one of the
reasons we bought the property, has finally recovered from
marauding possums now it's enclosed in a protective cage.
All is good in our autumn garden, providing me with ample
bounty to prepare (and slow cook) the delicious and warming
dishes of autumn. SALLY WISE
ORGANIC HARVEST

WINE PICKS
BY MAX ALLEN

Red wine. Thats what you want as we head into the

cooler months and start eating rich, slow-cooked dishes
like these, with the earthy flavours of beetroot and
cabbage and beef and bacon. Yes, you could drink white
or ros and cider is lovely with pork but red from a
warm region such as McLaren Vale would be best.

2016 Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz,

McLaren Vale ($22)
This vibrant, purple-fruited, gluggable
and slurpy young shiraz comes from one
of McLaren Vales best certified organic
vineyards. It was made and bottled with no
added preservatives.
battleofbosworth.com.au

2015 Yangarra Mourvedre, McLaren Vale

($35)
A brilliant example of the full-flavoured
mourvedre grape, from one of Australias top
certified biodynamic vineyards: a wine with
80 dense black berry fruit flavours and firm,
chewy tannins.
yangarra.com

BEETROOT, BEEF AND BACON SOUP WITH FOR THE DUMPLINGS

CREAM CHEESE DUMPLINGS 1 tablespoon cream cheese
cup self-raising flour
teaspoon salt
The rich, earthy tones of beetroot are matched with lovely 1 spring onion, finely chopped
light dumplings in this delicious and colourful soup. 60g rindless bacon, diced
cup milk, approximately

Serves 46 To make the soup, place all the ingredients into the slow
cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for four
For a 3.54.5L slow cooker.
hours or low for seven hours or until the beef and beetroot
FOR THE SOUP are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. If on low, turn the
PHOTO: CHRIS CRERAR/STYLING BY CHARLOTTE BELL

1.2kg fresh beetroot, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1cm cubes cooker to high 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
250g lean stewing beef (such as blade, topside or chuck), To make the dumplings, rub the cream cheese into the
cut into 8mm cubes flour and salt with the fingertips or in a food processor until
1 onion, finely diced the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in the spring onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed and bacon and then enough milk to make a soft dough.
100g rindless bacon, diced Place small teaspoonfuls of the dough on top of the
400g tin diced tomatoes simmering soup, replace the lid and cook for 2030 minutes
500ml chicken or vegetable stock or water or until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
teaspoon salt Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon. Ladle the soup
2 teaspoons quince or redcurrant jelly into bowls and top each serve with several of the dumplings.
 in season

Vegetables
ASIAN GREENS CORIANDER PUMPKIN

PORK SHOULDER WITH RED CABBAGE BEETROOT

BROCCOLI
FENNEL
LEEK
SILVERBEET
SPINACH
AND FENNEL BRAISE CABBAGE LETTUCE TATSOI
CARROT MIZUNA TURNIP
A perfect dish for cold nights, this deliciously spiced, fall- CELERIAC PARSNIP
apart tender pork is served on a bed of luscious red cabbage. CELERY POTATO
As this cooks, the slow-braising cabbage surrounds the pork,
picking up the flavour of the spices and imparting its own
richness to the dish in a wonderful melding of flavours. Fruit
APPLE FIG
Serves 6 AVOCADO KIWIFRUIT NASHI PEAR
For a 4.56.5L slow cooker. BANANA MACADAMIA PERSIMMON
CHESTNUT MANDARIN PEAR
500g red cabbage, cut into 8mm slices
150g fennel bulb, thinly sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 apple, coarsely grated
2 cloves garlic, crushed
150g rindless bacon, diced or sliced
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
teaspoon caraway seeds
81
2 teaspoons redcurrant jelly, plus 3 scant teaspoons extra
1.8kg bone-in pork shoulder, visible fat removed
teaspoon ground cardamom
teaspoon ground fennel seeds
teaspoon brown sugar
teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 teaspoons cornflour mixed to a paste with 2 tablespoons
cold water (optional)

Place the vegetables and apple into the cooker along with
PHOTO: CHRIS CRERAR/STYLING BY CHARLOTTE BELL/ILLUSTRATIONS: ISTOCKPHOTO

the garlic, bacon, vinegar, caraway seeds and redcurrant jelly

and stir to combine.
Spread the extra three teaspoons of redcurrant jelly over
the pork and place in the slow cooker. Combine the spices,
sugar and stock powder, and massage into the meat.
Cover and cook on high for 45 hours or low for 89 hours
until pork is tender.
Remove the pork from cooker and leave to rest for
15 minutes. Keep warm.
Stir the tomato paste into the cabbage mixture, cover
and cook on high for five minutes. If necessary, stir in some
or all of the cornflour paste to thicken slightly. Add salt and
pepper to taste and cook for seven minutes more.
Serve the cabbage braise in bowls, topped with pull-apart
portions of the pork and fresh spelt and wholemeal bread to
soak up the juices.
ORGANIC HARVEST

BAKED LEMON RICOTTA AND GINGER

CHEESECAKES

The delicate freshness of ricotta provides a light and

lovely alternative to cream cheese in these delightful little
cheesecakes. A pleasing touch of ginger adds another level
of interest to these delicious desserts, which are baked bain-
marie-style in the slow cooker (4.56.5L).

Serves 6
250g fresh ricotta
cup sugar
1 tablespoon Greek yoghurt
3 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind
4 eggs
cup lemon juice
5 teaspoons cornflour
120g glace ginger, chopped
6 gingernut-style biscuits
cup sweetened whipped cream, to serve
HARVEST NOTES cup flaked almonds, to serve
6 small sprigs mint, to serve
Beetroot Nashi
These delicious root These fruit, also known Grease six 180ml-capacity metal dariole moulds and line the
vegetables can be as Asian pears, can be base of each with a circle of baking paper. Grease again.
82 harvested from when harvested from late Fit a small rack in the base of the slow cooker and pour in
they are quite small to summer to late autumn, warm water to a depth of 1.25cm. Turn on to high.
when they reach their depending on what Place the ricotta, sugar, yoghurt, lemon rind, eggs, lemon
full size. I often plant cultivar you are growing. juice and three teaspoons of the cornflour in the bowl of a
them close together and Their flesh is crisp and food processor and process until smooth. Pour evenly into
harvest every second juicy like apples but with the prepared moulds.
one small, eating both an unusual distinctive Toss half of the ginger in the remaining cornflour. Shake
the leaves and the texture. Nashi are eaten off any excess cornflour and gently place the ginger on top
bulb. Leave the rest to when still crisp, they are of the puddings (dont worry if it sinks).
develop to their full not left to soften like Place the puddings in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low
size (about 10cm wide) European pears. Harvest for 34 hours or until the puddings are set. Place a ginger biscuit
but dont leave too long time is determined by on top of each pudding. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes.
or they will start to go taste and colour. On Remove the cheesecakes from the cooker and refrigerate
to seed, at which point ripening, the background for at least two hours until very cold.
bulbs become fibrous colour of russet fruit Unmould onto serving plates. Top with a little whipped
and eventually inedible. turns from green to cream, the remaining ginger, a sprinkling of almond flakes
YOUD

Once picked, trim back reddish-bronze, and and a small sprig of mint.
ANT ONG

the leaves, leaving short yellow fruit from green

PHOTO: VERONICA

stems, but dont cut the to golden. Fruit can be Sally wise preparing
JULIE RAY/ PHOTOGRAPHY:

ingredients.
bulb. Wash removing harvested before full
any small fibrous roots. ripeness and will store in
CHRIS CRERAR/AUTHOR

Beetroot bulbs can be cool conditions for a few

boiled, baked, steamed months; fully ripe fruit
and pickled. They are should be eaten within
AND STYLING:

particularly good just weeks. Handle carefully These recipes come from
Sally Wises Ultimate
grated fresh into a salad. to minimise bruising. Slow Cooker, with
PHOTO:

kind permission of
Penny Woodward ABC Books and Harper
RECIPES

Collins; $29.99.
RECIPE
 ON
SALE
j
une 8

grow your own staples from legumes to grains

Microclimates to extend your crops

COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
Grow peaches and broadbeans
Make your own beer
ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO

plus much, much more

84

in conversation with
Joel Orchard
PHOTO: FUTURE FEEDERS

Kylie McGregor meets Joel Orchard, founder of Future Feeders, a group dedicated
to helping young people enter the agricultural industry.

F
uture Feeders is a grassroots farming cooperative
based on the north coast of New South Wales.
The brainchild of Joel Orchard, a science graduate
turned farmer, it was established about three years ago and
offers support to new farmers in the way of assistance with
land acquisition, mentorships and skills development.
Q : How does Future Feeders work and what are you
hoping to achieve?
A : We are a cooperative of like-minded young farmers
who share land, resources and a passion for sustainable
farming. For the past three years weve been subletting a
section of the Mullumbimby Community Gardens where we
grow a wide range of crops using permaculture principles.
As a cooperative, our members benefit from scalability of
association and shared costs of distribution, tools, marketing,
etc. Its about sharing skills and working together as a group
of young farmers, supporting each other. Ultimately our aim
is to raise awareness of the issues with our ageing farming
population and to encourage and support young people
wanting to enter the agricultural industry.
Q : How did a science graduate become a farmer and
co-founder of Future Feeders?
A : I was living in Melbourne when I did my science degree
and I had a really productive backyard garden. I was also
involved in the urban food-growing movement down there.
When I finished my degree I was working in an organic fruit
and vegie store and just became really entrenched in the
food system talking to growers, wholesalers, farmers and
consumers. The hobby of growing my own food turned into a
way of life and I decided to try to make a living out of it,
so I moved to the north coast of NSW. When I realised all of
the roadblocks and just how difficult it can be for the new
generation of farmers, I thought we really needed to start
highlighting this as an issue. And I wanted to make the entry
process for others easier.
Q : What are some of the obstacles facing new and
would-be farmers?
A : First of all, theres the issue of access to suitable
farming land. Many cant afford to buy land themselves.
ORGANIC CONVERSATION
Our idea is to try to access land that is not being used.
Up here [on the NSW North Coast], there are large lifestyle
blocks where we can access an acre that is not being used
and turn it into something productive by growing food crops.
We believe that small-scale sustainable farming is a much
better way to produce nutrient-dense food than large-scale
monoculture cropping.
Q : What are the greatest threats to the future
of food?
A : If we dont start to look at how to encourage and
support more young people to get into farming, I dont
think its going to be many more years before we really
start to struggle to maintain a demographic of people
who have the skills to grow food on a scale that can feed
communities. While its great for people to grow their own
food in their backyards, we are always going to need farmers
85
for happy and healthy communities. I see farming as a huge
way for people to have a really active role in preserving and
protecting our local environment.
Q : How important is it that we encourage more
young people into agriculture?
A : The average age of a farmer in Australia is about 60,
and the number of young people getting into farming
has plummeted over the past 20 years. So its crucial we
encourage and support young people to counteract this,
otherwise the future of farming will be endangered. And if
we dont have new people moving into agriculture, ultimately
we are going to go hungry.
Q : Are there plans to expand Future Feeders?
A : We dont want to get too ahead of ourselves, but it
would be great to see this model mimicked elsewhere.
The idea of young farmer cooperatives is also popping up in
Victoria and South Australia. For ourselves, bit by bit were
taking on more and more land and young farmers, so we
really hope more co-ops will grow from this.
For more details visit futurefeeders.org
Facing page: future feeders Joel orchard is assisting young farmers.
ORGANIC ADVICE

QFLOWERING
SHALLOTS
I have been growing French
shallots (red shallot) for a
few years now. Despite some
research and experimentation
Our experts answer your questions. I have two questions.
1. Is there a way to prevent
flowering? I have tried
planting at different
times and breaking off the
developing flower spikes.

QLEAF CURL ON PEACH TREE

I have a desert peach that is three years old and
has produced very good fruit but suddenly has leaf curl.
Bulbs that flower seem to
have less edible mass and
rot sometimes gets in via the
induce flowering, especially
a really heavy downfall
of rain. It is possible that
The tree is full of fruit. What can I do? flower stalk. I have heard
changed climate conditions
Wilma Grobbelaar flowering in alliums may be
are inducing flowering
Perth (WA) related to large fluctuations
in plants that normally
in day/night temperatures,
wouldnt. If you have been
A Hi Wilma,
Leaf curl is a fungal disease that can be serious but
wont kill your tree. The photo you sent us indicates
which we do experience.
2. When is the best time to
harvest? I know the shallot
growing shallots from
seed, then hunt out some
is related to garlic so should bulbs and see if that makes
plenty of healthy leaves as well as affected ones. It is
hard to treat once all the leaves have opened, but I would these be harvested before a difference. These are
remove all the affected leaves and even cut back some the top dies? Or do you available now (autumn)
branches (both will open up the canopy). Put the leaves treat like onions and wait from diggers.com.au,
and branches until the top is completely greenharvest.com.au and
into your rubbish brown before lifting? thelostseed.com.au
not the compost. Helen Doherty Penny Woodward
86 Your tree should Waterloo, near Beaufort above: Helen Dohertys flowering
(VIC) shallots.
still produce well,
although cropping
may be reduced.
The fungal spores A Hi Helen,
There are some shallot WINNING
will over-winter
on the tree and
cultivars that never produce
flowerheads or seed and so
WORDS
if you again have can only be grown from bulbs.
cool wet weather If growing from bulbs, then
at leaf sprout, plant in winter, generally Jun/
growth will be Jul and harvest around Nov/
affected. You can Dec. You dont wait for the
Helen wins a copy of Sally Wises
largely prevent leaves to die back completely, new book Ultimate Slow Cooker.
but should see some brown See page 79 for recipes.
this by spraying
with lime sulphur leaves that signal they are
just before bud ready to harvest. You can
burst next year harvest earlier as long as
make sure you cover all the twigs and bark. (Never use this the bulbs are big enough to be
spray on deciduous trees when they are in full leaf, only useful. Dig them up, hang in a post
when they are dormant and carefully follow directions on dry, airy position to cure for a Locked Bag 5555,
the label). Copper oxychloride can also be used but this few weeks, then use or store. St Leonards NSW 1590
will affect soil fungi and worms, so protect the soil below Seed-grown shallots are
the tree when spraying. Finally when you prune, make sure more prone to go to seed, email
editor@organicgardener.
you open up the tree a bit to lessen crowding and create but you should be able to com.au
better air movement. Also collect the leaves at leaf fall harvest the bulbs before
PHOTO FAR LEFT: ISTOCKPHOTO

and bin them; otherwise the tree may be re-infected from the flowerheads appear. web
the soil. Once shallots produce organicgardener.com.au
Penny Woodward flowers the bulbs below are
often woody and unusable. Find us on:
Above: peach TREE with leaf curl.
All that being said,
climatic conditions can

Backyard Chickens
Dave Ingham
MURDOCH BOOKS, 2017, $35.00
Dave Ingham has been
running Rentachook in
Sydney for 15 years and
has a handle on exactly
what new chicken owners
need to know. His book is
written in a friendly and
down to earth manner; he
stresses the ease of caring
for fowls and the multiple
benefits they bring. Ingham
explains which chooks to
start out with, what housing
and management theyll
need, and how to protect
them. Issues like vermin are
tackled, and handy charts
such as Why No Eggs?
address common problems.
A key benefit is that this is
Australia specific advice
that takes into account our
climate, predators, and pests
and diseases. Its beautifully
illustrated too the colour
photos of backyard chickens
by Cath Muscat had me
enraptured.
Jessamy Miller
Taste for Life
Animals Australia
ABC BOOKS, 2017, $39.99
Taste for Life: A complete
guide to plant-based eating
by Animals Australia,
a leading not-for-profit
animal rights organisation,
encourages ethical eating
in a non-preachy way with
its eat kindly, tread lightly,
live well, message. Coining
new culinary catchphrases
like cruelty-free calories
and compassionate cooking,
the book includes over
100 versatile recipes that
dont really sound vegan at
all sausage rolls, mac n learn how to bake your
cheese and bolognaise as
well as vegie favourites
and tasty meat and dairy
substitutes. With a foreword
by Campaign Director Lyn
White AM, and loads of
myth-busting facts and
information on health,
nutrition and lifestyle,
the environmental impact
of the meat industry, and
stocking your larder with
healthy ingredients,
a vegan diet never looked
so appetising!
Jacqueline Forster
The Little Book of Slow
Sally Wise & Paul McIntyre
ABC BOOKS, 2017, $24.99
Described as a gentle guide
to living more mindfully
and savouring the simple
things in life, The Little Book
of Slow is a pocket-sized
compendium of recipes,
hints, tips and activities
for those of us wanting to
ease the pace of modern
living but not sure where
to start. Combining the
culinary wisdom of Sally
Wise with radio personality
Paul McIntyres nous for
nostalgic pastimes, youll
meat, eggs, fish, dairy and
own bread, make jam or
stock from scratch, plan
the perfect picnic, curate
a vinyl collection, master
the art of beachcombing,
and grow bonsai plants,
plus many other meaningful
pursuits. Available from ABC
Centres, ABC Shop online
and booksellers.
Jacqueline Forster
ORS PICK
EDIT
Your Food
Malcolm McGuire
CUSTOM PUBLISHING, 2016, $28.95
This information-packed
guide asks and answers many
of the big food questions we 87
face daily where does our
food come from and do we
really know what it contains?
Those eating only organic
have little to worry about,
but few of us can entirely
avoid the food system with
its inherent chemicals and
additives. McGuire has
compiled a comprehensive
overview of the major
food groups vegies, fruit,
how they are produced by
conventional means.
He lists artificial fertilisers,
pesticides, spraying regimes
and the many unsustainable
practices used to satisfy the
supermarkets. Did you know
your non-organic asparagus
tips are likely dipped in
calcium hypochlorite, a
household bleach ingredient,
to prevent bacterial soft
rot? An excellent and
valuable read. Available via
yourfoodcommunity.com
Steve Payne
 YOUR ABC
RADIO GUIDE

Peter Cundall turns 90! NSW LOCAL RADIO

ABC radio Sydney
ABC North West QLD
ABC Western QLD
Friday 10am

N
Saturday 9am
ational living
ABC radio Central Coast
treasure and Saturday 9am
Tasmanian gardening ABC Central West
legend Peter Cundall has Saturday 8.30am
a great sense of humour, 97.3 ABC Illawarra
which has helped him cope
Saturday 8.30am
with a birthday that falls on ABC Mid North Coast
April 1. As we went to press, Saturday 9.30am
Peter was due to celebrate Wednesday 9.30am
his 90th birthday with a special event organised by ABC 1233 ABC Newcastle
Radio. Anyone in Australia (or the world for that matter) Saturday 9am
who could make it were invited to the party called Petes ABC New England
North West
Picnic, held in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Saturday 8.30am
still home to Petes Patch, made famous on ABC TVs
Thursday 9.30am
Gardening Australia.
ABC North Coast
Peter has hosted Saturday morning Gardening Talkback
Saturday 8.30am
for nearly 50 years in Tasmania, with a mass of listeners
ABC Riverina
to this day soaking up his gardening wisdom. His co-host
Wednesday 10.30am
for around the last 20 of those, Chris Wisbey, was due
88 to broadcast Petes Picnic live on ABC Radio around
Saturday 8.30am
ABC South East
Tasmania with many stories from his colleagues whove Wednesday 10am
worked with him over the decades. Saturday 9am
If you are expecting Peter to slow down or retire ABC Western Plains
dont. The words never enter his head for he says its Thursday, fortnightly, 9.35am
gardening and his full-on involvement in life that keep him Saturday 8.30am
going. Happy 90th Peter! WA LOCAL RADIO
ABC radio Perth, ABC Great
To listen to Peter, tune into ABC Radio Hobart and Southern, ABC SOUth west,
ABC Goldfields Esperance
Northern Tasmania every Saturday at 9am.
ABC kimberley, ABC North west,
ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt
Tune in to the Wednesday 2.30pm
best of ABC Saturday 9.05am
NT LOCAL RADIO
Gardening Australia screens on ABC TV on ABC radio Darwin
Saturdays at 6.30pm and again on Sundays at 1pm, Saturday 9am
or you can catch up with the team on iview. Visit the 783 AM ABC Alice Springs
Gardening Australia website for great content. 106.1 ABC Tennant Creek
Check out organicgardener.com.au for regular Saturday 8.30am
blogs, gardening tips, resources, magazine articles, QLD LOCAL RADIO
competitions and the latest environmental news. ABC radio Brisbane
Saturday 6am
Missed a program on ABC TV?
ABC Far North
Friday 10am
Saturday 8.30am
SA LOCAL RADIO
ABC radio Adelaide
639 ABC North & West
1485 ABC Eyre Peninsula
& West Coast
ABC South East
Saturday 8.30am
1062 ABC Riverland
999 ABC Broken Hill
Saturday 9am
Statewide
891 ABC Adelaide
639 ABC North & West
1485 ABC Eyre Peninsula
& West Coast
ABC South East
1062 ABC Riverland
999 ABC Broken Hill
Sunday 10.30am
VIC LOCAL RADIO
ABC radio Melbourne &
ABC Victoria
Saturday 9.30am
91.1 ABC Central Victoria
Thursday 7.35am
100.7 ABC Gippsland
Monday 10am
594 AM ABC Western Victoria
tuesdays 9.10am
107.9 ABC Ballarat
Wednesday, monthly, 6.40am
ABC Goulburn Murray
Tuesday 9.40am
ABC Southwest Victoria
1602 AM Warrnambool
94.1 FM Hamilton
96.9 FM Horsham
Thursday, 7.35am
ACT LOCAL RADIO
ABC radio Canberra
Saturday 8.30am

Go to abc.net.au/iview to catch up.

ABC Southern Queensland
Saturday 9am
Listen online at abc.net.au/local 630 ABC North Queensland
CHECK ONLINE FOR PROGRAMMING CHANGES: Times and dates shown are Friday 10am
subject to change, so please check for updates: abc.net.au/local for
radio updates; abc.net.au/tv for television updates; and abc.net.au/ ABC Tropical North
abc2 for ABC2 updates. ABC Capricornia
ABC Wide Bay
TAS LOCAL RADIO
ABC radio Hobart
ABC Northern Tasmania
Saturday 9am,
Peter Cundall & Chris Wisbey +
weekly, Chook Talkback, 10am
 ORGANIC COMPETITION

WIN one of five

Diggers Club
prize packs!

89

T
he Diggers Club has grown over 40 years to become
Australias largest garden club with 75,000 passionate
members. Five lucky Organic Gardener magazine
readers will win a one-year membership to The Diggers Club,
which includes the chance to shop for heirloom vegetable
and flower seeds, bulbs and rare and unusual plants at
member prices, access to exclusive products, free seed how to enter
offers and eight garden magazines a year. There is also online
Simply answer in 30 words or less:
advice and unlimited access to three outstanding world-class
How long has The Diggers Club been in operation?
gardens in Victoria.
Each winner will also receive a collection of vegetable
seeds and a copy of best-selling books The Australian Fruit ONLINE: organicgardener.com.au click on the
& Vegetable Garden and There is No Excuse For Ugliness WIN/COMPETITION tab and enter your details and response.
CODE IS: DIGGERS CLUB
written by Diggers co-founder Clive Blazey.
The total prize value is $136.40, made up of a $49 annual POST: Organic Gardener Diggers Club Pack Competition,
nextmedia, Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards, NSW 1590
membership, two books (No Excuse For Ugliness; $29.95 and
Australian Fruit and Vegetable Garden book; $39.95) and the Competition is open to Australian residents only. Entry opens at midnight AEST on Thursday 6
vegetable seed collection $17.50. April 2017 and closes at 11.59pm AEST on 7 June 2017. This is a game of skill and entrants must
answer in 30 words or less, How long has The Diggers Club been in operation? Five winners
For more details on The Diggers Club call 03 5984 7321 or will receive a Digger Club prize pack valued at $136.40 each. Total value $682. Entries will be
judged on 12 June 2017 at the promoters premises. Full T&Cs are available at organicgardener.
visit diggers.com.au com.au. Delivery: Included in the giveaway. Remote areas can incur extra charges.
ORGANIC TALE

Holiday
hangovers
Life on the land is no holiday, writes Simon Webster, especially after youve taken one.

Y
ou never know what your gardens Large vegie beds
going to look like when you come This is the beating heart of Plot Farm,
home from a holiday or a carefully managed using crop rotation
trip away. Here at Plot Farm the and succession-planting techniques.
tensions almost unbearable as But after a week away, I fear the worst.
we open the bottom gate and I grab my clipboard, ready to note
slowly climb the hill towards any sign of nutrient deficiency or
the cattlegrid at the top. disease among the crops. It doesnt
Its no good, I say. take long. Across six beds there is
I cant look. And I put a grand total of four living plants:
my hand over my eyes two cucumber and two tomato.
to protect myself Phew! Just the way I left it.
from whatever horrors Alpacas: Hooray! Weve
90 lie ahead. got roughly the same number
Dad, were going to we had before we went away.
hit a post! one of Theyre alive, but skinny. Though,
the kids screams. to be fair, they are vegetarian, so
So I begrudgingly take no surprises there.
my hand down and put it Salad beds: Lucky we stopped at the
on the wheel again. I am supermarket on the way home.
just going to have to Herb garden: Egg and rosemary, anyone?
face my fears.
According to the weather reports it hasnt rained while Orchard
weve been away. A neighbour said she would call in to keep An experiment has proved beyond doubt that nets keep fruit
the animals alive, but did she remember? And did she water flies at bay. Who needs agriculture research stations when
the vegies? youve got Plot Farm! We have a bumper crop of red, ripe
Its time to get out of holiday mode and return to the peaches and nectarines, ready to be scoffed. Though the fact
reality of life on the land. I step out of the car and say Ow! that each one is about the size of a marble does indicate that
(bindiis), before grabbing my thongs and beginning my survey further experimentation, possibly involving the addition of
of what has lived and what has died. water, might be beneficial.
ILLUSTRATION: THE ILLUSTRATION ROOM/TANYA COOPER

Chickens Water tanks

The flock seems skittish, though this may be because Im
wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a lei. A head count reveals the
presence of 10 birds, which is strange because Im sure we
only had five a week ago. In good news, our one chick (the
somewhat underwhelming result of placing 12 eggs under a
broody hen), is still alive. In bad news, shes beginning to look
like a rooster. Still, after a week of laying, at least the flock
has provided us with a welcome-home breakfast: two eggs.
Actually, hang on. One of them is plastic.
Almost empty. Just the way I like them. Keeps life interesting.
Reminds you that it is a very fine line between thirsty and
pleasantly hydrated here in the great Australian bush.
This hard-scrabble existence isnt for everyone, but if youre
willing to tough it out and arent afraid of back-breaking
work, its wait Mrs Plot appears to be calling urgently
from the house. Sounds like an emergency.
Cocktail, Mr Plot?
Dont mind if I do, my dear.