Category Archives: soil

Composting tips – and workshop on Wed March 18

Posted on March 5, 2015 by compostcorner

“Old gardeners never die; they just very slowly turn into the most magnificent compost. But what a marvellous, active brew it is!” – Peter Cundall Different composting methods break down the material in different ways, using different helpers – so … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn, children, community, compost, courses, dirty fun, events, Family, fertiliser, hanging out in the garden, permaculture design, planning, recipes, soil, workshops | Comments Off

Events Calendar Update

Posted on February 12, 2015 by compostcorner

Here’s a quick update on upcoming events – some workshops have been rescheduled around the weather and bookings. There are still places available in our first workshop for the year, Fruit Tree Pruning, Budding and Grafting, which is now on … Continue reading →

Posted in community, compost, courses, events, fruit, hanging out in the garden, permaculture design, permaculture principles, planning, soil, special offers, summer, sustainable food, time management, vegetables, wicking beds, workshops | Comments Off

Nadja’s Garden NEWSLETTER – January 2015

Posted on January 21, 2015 by compostcorner

WELCOME Happy 2015, gardeners, and welcome to the first Nadja’s Garden newsletter. Are you, like me, still bracing for the real summer heat to hit our gardens? So far this summer has brought a welcome holiday break to our family, … Continue reading →

Posted in community, courses, events, Family, fruit, hanging out in the garden, markets, permaculture design, permaculture principles, planting, propagating, resilient gardening, seeds, soil, summer, sustainable food, time management, vegetables | Comments Off

The alkaline soil challenge

Posted on October 25, 2014 by compostcorner

What is an alkaline soil? Alkalinity and acidity are opposites on the pH scale. An alkaline soil has a pH measurement that is above 7 or neutral, while acid soil is below 7. pH influences the ability of plants to access … Continue reading →

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Guest post: Seasonal Spotlight – Broad Beans

Posted on October 21, 2014 by compostcorner

I haven’t shared a recipe for a while… so I’m happy to extend a warm (unseasonally warm in fact!) welcome to Erin of ‘She Cooks, She Gardens‘, with thanks for this guest blog post celebrating the humble broad bean…and I’ll … Continue reading →

Posted in food storage, legumes, recipes, soil, sustainable food | Comments Off

AUGUST GARDEN GUIDE – MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

Posted on July 27, 2014 by compostcorner

Welcome to my monthly garden guide series for Adelaide and other Mediterranean climate areas. This update, along with corresponding suggestions for other climate zones, can also be found at Pip Australian Permaculture Magazine around the start of each month. The Permaculture ‘zones’ … Continue reading →

Posted in clay, permaculture principles, planting, soil, vegetables, weeds, winter | Comments Off

Beginners’ Edible Organic Gardening course

Posted on February 25, 2014 by compostcorner

“I got a raised garden bed for Christmas and I’m not sure what to do next…” “We just moved and we finally have room to grow some fruit and veg but it’s a bit overwhelming…” “I kill every plant that … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn, community, courses, events, fruit, hanging out in the garden, permaculture principles, raised garden beds, seeds, soil, sustainable food, time management, vegetables | Comments Off

What now in Adelaide gardens?

Posted on February 3, 2014 by compostcorner

At last, a bit of relief from Adelaide’s recent heatwaves! So far this January has been the fourth-hottest on record. As I listen to the dry, papery remains of sweetcorn rustling in today’s strong wind, I’m pondering what would be … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn, planning, planting, resilient gardening, soil, summer, time management, vegetables, water | Comments Off

Improving Sandy Soil

Posted on January 2, 2014 by compostcorner

Adelaide’s beachside suburbs are a great place to live and garden – a relatively frost-free Mediterranean climate that supports a broad range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, natives and exotic ornamentals. However, there is a downside to living on what was … Continue reading →

Posted in permaculture design, planning, sand, soil | Comments Off

Bugs in the garden getting you down?

Posted on October 18, 2013 by compostcorner

Sophie Thomson’s witty, warm and wise approach brought some organic balance to the subject when she spoke to home gardeners at the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide this week. The basic principle we need to understand, she explained, is whether a … Continue reading →

Posted in pests, soil, vegetables, wildlife | Comments Off