Australian Organic Gardening, Self Sufficiency & Permaculture

Intro to Sprouting

A major aim of the organic gardening project was to present practical organic gardening methods that are applicable for those that do not live on hobby farms. People with little to no backyard are still able to grow some of their own food even if they are renting. The amount of emails I recieve from peoplewanting to grow veggies in pots varifies the fact that growing needs are adapting and that efficiency is required. Sometimes the smallest and quickest growing plants can reliably save you money. No matter if you live in a city unit or in the country, you should be producing a few batches of sprouts each week. Although there are many choices with sprouts, aim for 4-6 jars of alfalfa sprouts per week if you are just starting out.

Why should you want to grow sprouts?

Once you buy the seed you will save lots of money with each batch compared to shop bought sprouts - and they taste much better fresh! You are harvesting at least some foodstuff literally within 3 days. Sprouts are a super food and come packed with enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Isabell Shipard has produced the best available book on sprouting. She gives many great reasons to grow your own although the point saying "sprouts provide the best nutritional value for money" really is the bottom line. Apart from this, you should have all the equipment you need at home. 

METHOD.

I save glass jars left when I buy sundried tomatos or artichokes. Simply wash them well and dry out in the sun. All you need then is some chucks cloth and spare elastic bands or hair elastic.

250g of alfalfa seed from an heirloom seed supplier is around $9. Eden actually do 400g for $10 which is good value - it will get you many many batches of sprouts.

So once you have your jars, cloth and seed your ready to go. I place a tablespoon of seed into each
500ml glass jar. Quarter fill the glass with water and soke the seeds for 2-3 hours before tying over the chucks cloth and draining well (see image). This is the only time the seeds are submerged in water - after this they only require a slight rinse with water. Place anywhere they will get some light (kitchen window) and rinse with water morning and night. I usually start using on the third day and then keep refrigerated from the 4th day.

The majority of alfalfa sprouts grown this way turn out fresh and healthy. Occasionally you may get sprouts that look and smell a bit waterlogged and heavy. If this happens throw out the entire batch and start again after cleaning the jar. To avoid this problem be sure that all water is drained when doing your twice per day rinse.

RESOURCES

The jar method of growing being the old fashion way, there are many options now for growing sprouts when you want to step up production at home. Sprouts like sunflowers grow more like traditional seedlings and have different growing needs. Other sprouts can be grown in sprout bags made from linen, hemp or cheesecloth. Once you discover the benefits of sprouting, you may even want to invest in a kit for sprouting. For around $100 there are self watering 3 layer domes available - if you want the more basic self watering dome you can expect to pay around $60. Sprout.net.au are based in Melbourne and have a good site to compare the available products if you are interested. Isabell Shipard's book "how can I grow and use sprouts as a living food" is the recommended book to learn everything on sprouting at home. I suggest to start out with the basic jar and alfalfa and progress one seed at a time. 

Controlling Aphids and Ants with Organic Pest Control methods

Aphid outbreak on a protected
balcony garden

The warm weather in South East Queensland lasted well into April this year. That is one reason it is so good to grow many vegetables year-round up here. Having said this, it also seemed to help some of the pests who took a liking to the conditions.

The Aphids seemed to thrive in the undercover, potted and warm conditions. We did eventually get rid of them (and the ants) after they had destroyed one perennial basil and did a bit of damage on the chilli and snake beans also. It ended up being a combination of manual removal and sprays that did the trick. One of the advantages of a small garden is the viability of manual removal. Some of the sprays used and researched are given below - I am sure you will find something to do the job of beating the aphids in your garden.

As you can see from the close up images, the aphids bunch around and feed on the tender shoots and the underside of leaves of the chilli plant. The ants follow them to feed on the honeydew they secrete. They seem to work together as the aphids shed skin and grow up to 5mm while the ants provide mobility and dig into the soil at the base of the plant.

Manual removal is the best method for a balcony garden. Spending 5-10 minutes a few times a week and scraping them onto paper before folding the paper was the single best measure. You can see the result of this below - dead aphids with no sprays. Temporary relief was obtained by spraying the underside of leaves with water to remove them - another 100% organic method that can be used in larger gardens also.

Jeff Gillman's book "the truth about organic gardening" claims the best measure apart from manual removal is a garlic spray. While not an insecticide, it acts as a strong aphid repellent. Although I did not use it this time, it seems to be true for a number of pests. It is a good alround choice as it does the least damage to good insects and is generally safe to use.

Best organic methods for controlling aphids

Obviously the problem is the aphids as the ants will not stick around once they are gone. So removing them from or applying sprays to the underside of the leaves is the priority. My preference is for manual removal (for small gardens and pots), then try a garlic spray and then a plant based white oil.

The Gardening Australia folk advocate spraying early the morning to minimize any damage to plants and other beneficial insects. In this fact sheet, Jerry Colbey Williams suggests making your own white oil although I do not like the sound of any dish washing liquid being sprayed on plants even if it is a clean brand. Spraying early is a very good idea for warmer areas especially.

If you want to buy your white oil, the good stuff is not cheap. I did have the standard petroleum based spray you can find everywhere, but obviously wanted the plant based alternative which I found at the local bunnings for $19 (see above). This did seem to work as good as anything, but for the price, it would want to. This blog is all about organic gardening success on the cheap, so try some of the home made remedies first.

Another Queensland gardener, Annettee Mcfarlane, likes Chilli spray for aphid control. In her book successful gardening in warm climates, she recommends combining the chilli in 1L of water with 5g of pure soap before straining. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection if spraying this! Some pure soap would also be added to a garlic spray mixture if you opted for a garlic concoction instead.

Pyrethum

Although I have tried the amgrow organix brand (and still may use it as a quick fix emergencie), I did not realize at first how toxic this is to other insects and pets. It goes to show that even things marked organic are not necessarily safe all the time. Most of the organic experts are not advocating its use as anything else but a last resort for aphids. When using it would be best applied at sunset only.

Find Out More...(links open in a new window)

Gardening Australia fact sheet

                                                                           

Balcony Gardening In Coolangatta And Lots more In Version 4 Update.

Balcony Gardening and Starting Over

For a year now, I have been looking for a suitable (and affordable) area to relocate and build a new sustainable home and organic garden from scratch. A relationship breakdown and other factors caused the move originally and it was back to renting/sharing. Early this year, with no suitable (and affordable!) house found I took a temporary move to share a unit with my partner. So 2009 has not only been lived renting, but actually with no garden of our own. I often say that the Organic Gardening material was largely put together for people in such situations. Originally it seemed a huge step back - now its a case of looking at the positive and growing as much as possible in the available space. This is only what I constantly tell others to do. So it is yet another chance to do this better and list some better techniques here on the blog.

I must say sorry for the lack of input into this blog and other material during this period. When originally moving to South East Queensland I had factored in the great growing conditions and not so much the potential relationship and friend/family strain. A word of warning - when moving to live the self sufficiency life, be sure you take into account the isolation factor. Not only that, be sure that the person you are with has also thought about these things.

It has been fun to set up this mobile balcony garden. I hope to make the most of it while the hunt for a new block continues. As there are so many people in the same situation, this period of balcony gardening will provide better info for this blog and the next update of Organic Gardening. Organic herbs and vegetables should be grown by everyone yet specific info on this has been a bit lacking so far. Many people do email requesting info on growing in pots as that is the only option. There are certainly some advantages to balcony gardening also. For example, you can move your garden to suit conditions and also when you move. It is possible to garden at night time when you have time and your home from work. Growing in pots and boxes is also water wise.

The new motto will be to continue to be self sufficient, but do it in a place that does not shut off other important areas of life. You can have your space yet remain close enough to see friends and do other things. A semi farm block is simply not necessary for most people - just look at what Jerry Coleby Williams has achieved on a 400sq.m block up in Wynnum. This type of smaller site that's better selected and impeccably designed is the goal for the next home.

Things going well on the balcony at the moment are Mills Peas and Dwarf Snake Beans. After planting these in early May, the Mills peas shot up then quickly re-seeded. 2 weeks later the weather had cooled slightly and the second attempt was very successful. Beautiful flowers followed by quick growing snow peas. The Dwarf snake bean grows even quicker. Quick growing plants are important as space is the main issue you have. The snake bean has been a great producer even though its having a running battle with aphids. Aphids have been the biggest challenge so far for this garden - more on that in an upcoming post.

How much can you grow on a balcony?

This will be the new project for this year - measuring how much can possibly be grown on a normal size, 3rd floor balcony. This is an important area as many people in populated areas will always be balcony gardeners. I have about 8 boxes at the moment and will soon increase this. Composting is an obvious challenge though I have been working on ways balcony gardeners can do this effectively. It involves creating liquid compost and only including food that breaks down quickly. I hope to pick up my old worm farm in the next few weeks.

Version 4 updates started - More Info for Organic Gardening in Pots

Growing in pots and balcony organic gardening will be better featured when the next version is released. The update is being worked on now and will be available in the near future.

Western Australia Wildflower Season

October - The month to check out Western Australians Wildflowers

Friends of mine from Sydney, Michael and Dan, took a 2 week drive up along the W.A coast during October. As Dan is a fanatical propagator of Natives, their aim was to visit flower shows and capture as many species in the wild as possible.They took some of the following photos that I thought I would share with you. Also there has been questions from members and an update on the six week "Turn over a new leaf detox".

After looking at these who would not want to be doing this drive come October? Just another wonderful attraction of W.A. and justifies a trip over this October. Some of these I believe you can grow in the Eastern states but certainly not them all.

Flowering Gum                               Menzies Banksia                       Tall Grass Tree


Eucalyptus Pyriformis                                           Lambertia (or Mountain Devil)


 

Parsley and carrot seed germination

Received an email last week from a member wanting to know how to germinate parsley and carrot seeds. Parsley seeds can be one of the hardest seeds to germinate. Many gardeners simply bite the bullet and buy seedlings but if you are really keen, try the following.

Plant your parsley seeds and cover with a thin layer of seed raising mix. Get some hot (near, but not boiling) water and apply just enough to water in the seeds. The heat can help activate them. Another thing you can try is soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting with a pinch of Epsom salts.

Detoxing with "Turn Over A New Leaf" book

I had mentioned the "Turn over a new leaf" cookbook last week and I am now into the 3rd week of my annual detox (6 weeks in total). It is always great how quick the body can adapt to what you are feeding it - cleanse and then start to produce more life energy. The thing that sets this book apart from the liver cleansing and other eating programs is you really do not feel you are missing out on good food. Food is to be enjoyed - why deny yourself this? So I have found to eat well, we have to be organized, prepared and a little creative. And the rewards in terms of health and lifestyle are certainly worth it.

On the same subject, I noticed what looks like a great show coming up this Thursday on the ABC. "Flour, sugar and Tea" will examine the effects of a Western diet on Aboriginal health over the years. Such refined products are damaging to us all and I believe this program will be very interesting. The show starts at 9.30pm this Thursday (click the link below to find out more).

I also have more information coming in terms of REAL natural sweets (not artificial) that I promised you last post. This of course is the wonderful herb Stevia.

Find Out More...(links open in a new window)

1. The Australian Native Plant Society
2. "Flour, Sugar and Tea" - this Thursday, 9.30am ABC
3. Getting Parsley to germinate

                                                                        

Turn Over A New Leaf Style of Cooking

Ever since leaving uni I have continued to seek the most practical methods to live a very healthy life. One of the biggest challenges has been to make vibrant healthy meals without feeling like you are missing out on the good stuff! This has certainly been a challenge and long term problem. While at uni, it was fine to get around eating raw carrot and celery sticks and plain oats with water (no sugar added) but this is simply not sustainable. I think all but the most stubborn naturopaths and nutritionist do not think variety (and the fact eating is to be enjoyed) is necessary.

There is ways to prepare food that tastes amazing with nothing bad added. I have always said that if you let me cook with butter, sugar, white flour etc, I can make something REALLY NICE, but what if we wanted to make something really nice, that we want to eat with nothing bad added...that is not easy. After perusing many macrobiotic, vegetarian, vegan, liver cleansing and zen cookbooks during the last ten years, there is one I am using now which is a clear standout - its called Turn over a new Leaf and its by a Gold Coast lady named Di Skelly Heron. For this reason, I have actively started to promote Di's book on this blog (see link to the right).

Healthy eating that gives you pure energy and gives the best level of preventative health care should not be as rare as it is - we have all the resources and information needed except maybe one - time. I have found that healthy eating requires organization and time management above all else. When you get busy, stressed and overworked it can just be too much to soak the chick peas for 12 hours, cook them for 2 and then start to prepare your meal. But with forward planning and assigning these tasks, it becomes possible. This was a big part of wanting to put together the bonus of "chefs organic garden recipes" and I make mention of these things in there. While it contains some great healthy recipes, it does not have the overall eating plan and dinner/lunch recipes to cover 6 weeks (and more) like Di's great book. You can see what it is all about and download the recipe of the month to see what I mean, go to Turn Over A New Leaf. At the moment, you can download the Carob fridge fudge recipe which I can give you a hint for - use the light carob instead of the normal carob - if you get this recipe right you will not miss chocolate! Serious. If you visit the page regularly, the recipes of the month change and when you buy the book, you have access to all of them via the members area.

Be a Gardener - Then Become a Chef.

Preparing food and gardening go hand-in-hand. The first step is to grow (or access) as much local organic product as possible. The only way you can be sure is if you (or someone you know) grows it. Nothing beats this in terms of your overall health, but you will also want to know the best ways to enjoy what you have grown. I have seen people grow their own vegetables and not use them all because they did not like the end result of what they were eating. Once you are growing a decent amount of organic herbs and vegetables at home, take the time to improve your chef skills. This makes perfect sense if you have been watching Jamie Oliver over the last few years. Once you can cook the raw ingredients naturally and they taste much better than unhealthy cooking, you will want to grow more. You will find yourself searching for new varieties and a whole cycle starts from "spade to blade". Its one of the best things in life and you will feel so much better for it.

Recently I got the chance to do some cooking classes with Di and it was great to learn so much and take home some new recipes that are super healthy and will not make me feel like I am missing the good stuff. I am looking to continue making these dishes right up over Christmas so it does not become an overindulgence this time.

Coming Soon

In the next post I will tell you all about stevia, and why I added it to my "must have" herbs in the home garden. It will be very interesting reading if you are not yet using it. Be sure to bookmark this page before then. All the best in health and gardening.