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The secret to vigorous plant growth is using the finest of all organic fertilisers, compost. You can either buy a compost bin or make your own using a large wooden box. If making your own, remember to leave space between the wood for air circulation.
Outdoors, collect garden wastes such as grass, flower clippings, dead leaves and weeds for the compost bin. Indoors, you can use veggie peels and scraps, tealeaves and even torn newspapers. Remember your compost will only be as good as the ingredients that go in it, so avoid diseased plants, meat, fat or oil and materials such as households cleaners.
Alternate layers of garden waste, food scraps with a thin layer of soil. Keep it moist and compost every 1 - 3 weeks with a shovel.
If you don't have available garden space, investigate the possibility of communal composting and garden space with your neighbours or local council. You will be healthier for it and save natural resources as well. The Australian Community Gardens Network is a good starting point for locating your nearest community garden.
Companion planting is the process of planting herbs and vegetables next to each other, which have a mutual beneficial effect. For example sweet basil grows well with tomatoes. Companion planting can also reduce the number of pests in your garden without having to use nasty pesticides. Many pesticides not only provide health risks to your pets and family, they are also expensive. Visit your local nursery to find out more about which plants are compatible with each other.
The best plants for Australian gardens are natives. Not only will they be easier to maintain, but they also require less water. Check with your local nursery for the most suitable natives for your garden.
Consider the times you water your lawn and garden, water in the morning or at night to prevent evaporation. One inch of water a week is better than several short showers. Always comply with water restrictions.
