Brix is a simple but powerful measure of how well a plant is functioning. Brix gives insight into photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Higher Brix is achieved through healthy soil systems that support consistent root function, biology and balanced nutrition.

Molasses can be a powerful soil tonic, when used in moderation. Packed with sugars and trace minerals, it feeds soil microbes, boosts plant health, and improves soil structure. This post explains when, where, and how to apply it for the best results, without harming your plants. A little sweet goes a long way!

Heard the tip to smear Vaseline on your tree to stop ants? While there’s a grain of truth behind it, the method can harm your plants more than help. This post unpacks the real issue, hydrophobic soil and offers a safer, more effective solution for protecting your trees from ants and aphids.

Honey is often suggested as a natural alternative to synthetic rooting hormones but does it really work? Research shows mixed results but honey generally doesn’t match the effectiveness of synthetic rooting powders or gels.

Planting myths often contain a seed of truth, but as any gardener knows, the real story is rarely so simple. In gardening, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all rule. The key is understanding your soil, your plants, and what they need to thrive and being willing to look beyond the hole.

Discover common gardening myths and the truth behind potting mix feeds, full sun labels and banana peels

Valentine's Day is a great day to remind ourselves how awesome and special our loved ones are. Sure many of us think it's a little over commercialized but honestly who wouldn't get a little tingle up their spine when their loved one arrived home with a flowering plant and champagne!

Amid discussions about exotic species becoming problematic in Australia, it’s crucial to re-examine native plants' role in our gardens. While I cherish native plants, I also appreciate many exotic species and believe they can coexist harmoniously.

Recognise that native plants can become weeds, like the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana), which can invade higher rainfall areas. Native gardens require effort, including soil cultivation, fertilising, and regular maintenance.

Genetic modification to meet consumer demands for constant flowering plants risks diluting native species' genetic integrity, weakening resilience and harming ecosystems.

By prioritising robust genetic traits and educating consumers, we can create sustainable gardens that celebrate both native and exotic species.

Gardening after deluges of rain can be hard but worth it for our mental health. Recent weather events have lead to our home gardens being inundated with large amounts of water. Unfortunately our productive gardens may not be exactly ready for plantings and other established plants are rotting in the ground. Here are some quick tips for gardening after the rain.

Discover the unparalleled satisfaction of tending to your lawn. Dive into the myriad of positive attributes lawns bring to your garden landscape, from recreational spaces to mental well-being. Explore sustainable practices to enhance these benefits while minimizing environmental impacts.

I find garden design concepts like ‘Mediterranean Garden’ hard to give actual plants for as it’s a concept, a feeling especially in Ipswich’s ever changing climate and soils. No matter what your garden design is it should be a complete sensory experience and practical for YOU. Here are my tips for creating a ‘Mediterranean Garden’ in Ipswich

Best Practices for having a Potted Garden

Transform your patchy lawn into a lush green paradise with these expert lawn care tips. Learn how to aerate, use soil wetting agents, fertilize, and control weeds organically. Say goodbye to unwanted invaders and welcome a healthy, vibrant lawn just in time for Christmas. Get ready for backyard cricket and envy-inducing lawns with our comprehensive lawn care guide.

Why attracting some insects to your garden is beneficial for the whole garden's success.

“An economic threshold is the insect's population level or extent of crop damage at which the value of the crop destroyed exceeds the cost of controlling the pest” Which basically means it would cost me more to deal with the problem than it would to replace the plant.

How do you improve any soil? Getting your soil right makes plants more robust and less prone to disease and insect attack, helps them develop better roots and helps the soil retain moisture for longer.

So to Improve Soil my mantra is ORGANIC MATTER, ORGANIC MATTER, ORGANIC MATTER.

When moving to a new house that has lawn, established trees and garden beds - what is the best way to take stock and come up with a plan for what you want to do with a new space when you know nothing about it’s current conditions?

Bees pollinate over a third of the food we eat. Unfortunately, bee populations all over the world are declining which in turn is affecting the availability of our food.

Gardeners are not water criminals. Gardeners and Gardens are necessary as we need trees and gardens to help sustain a healthy urban environment.

Kokedama is a style of Japanese bonsai made by taking a plant out of its pot and into a ball held together with a unique soil mixture, moss and string.

This Mother’s Day look past your mum’s insane streak and don’t forget all the wonderful Tim Tams and pieces of pie she gave you and is probably still giving you!