In the world of regenerative gardening, a transformation in mindset and methodology is more than just a trend; it's a mission for a greener, more sustainable future. Amid this movement, several profound works stand out as guiding stars, illuminating paths to increased biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and longevity for both gardeners and the environment. For those passionate about planting with a purpose - creating a harmonious garden that not only yields wholesome produce but also nurtures the land - these three books are not only recommended reading; in my humble opinion, they're essential.

As the seasons shift, the urban gardener's calendar beckons with fresh opportunities to cultivate and sustain our tiny patches of green amid the urban sprawl. For those of us that live in Australia, April is a pivotal month teeming with potential. Whether you have a compact balcony, a communal plot, or an innovative indoor setup, the following guide will equip you to contribute mightily to growing your own food right at home.

Urban sprawls are synonymous with bustling city life, architectural landscapes, and, unfortunately, often deemed a desert of greenery. However, a new wave of gardening is redefining our city spaces, and in doing so, is offering eco-conscious urban dwellers a way to reconnect with nature and steer urban areas towards sustainability. Regenerative urban gardening is not only a personal pursuit but a movement transforming public spaces, building rooftops, and community gardens into vibrant oases of life. In this comprehensive look at regenerative urban gardening, we'll explore what it is, its benefits, and practical tips to get you started on your green transformation, one sprout at a time.

From time to time a compost pile can go bad and it can be very upsetting particularly if you've put heaps of effort into the compost. If your compost pile has an unpleasant odour, has mouldy or slimy material, is teeming with flies, there is too much moisture, or it isn’t decomposing your inputs, then chances are you have a bad compost on your hands.

Organic pest control is a method of managing pests in the garden without the use of synthetic pesticides or other potentially harmful chemicals. It involves using natural methods such as biological control, cultural practices, organic solutions and physical barriers and traps to create a healthy ecological balance in the garden. Organic pest control focuses on preventing pest problems by promoting beneficial insects, encouraging natural predators and controlling pests with natural products.

Inoculating your seeds with beneficial bacteria is a great way to encourage healthy and robust growth. Not only does it increase the success rate of germination, but also increases nutrient availability for plants as these bacteria help to break down organic matter in the soil. This can improve the overall quality of the soil, leading to higher yields and healthier crops. In addition to this, inoculating your seeds can help to protect them against disease. The beneficial bacteria found in the soil act as a shield, discouraging many potential pathogens and helping to keep your plants healthy.

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together to benefit one or both of them. It can be used to attract beneficial insects, repel pests, improve soil nutrition and water retention, optimize air circulation, and more. Companion planting has been practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world as a way of creating an optimal environment for growing plants.

There’s plenty of talk about eating ‘seasonally’ these days. Even some of the fancy restaurants and big-time chefs put a lot of time and effort into creating a seasonal menu. So what is it, why is it important and how can you create your own seasonal garden?

Everything I do in my urban garden is ultimately influenced by my desire to preserve the health of our soil. You’ll notice that I said “our” soil, not my soil, and that’s because I believe that despite the fact that I have purchased my block of land, I don’t believe that I own the soil. I believe we are ALL stewards of the soil and it is our responsibility to look after it.

One thing gardening and growing vegetables has taught me is patience. For a Taurean woman this is not an easy feat; patience is definitely not my virtue.

Well let’s start with what cities have going for them. They are thriving hubs for business and provide copious amounts of opportunities to engage in a vibrant cultural life.

I’m going to share a couple of stories with you from my past, some which I’m not particularly proud of and in reality they were probably the building blocks to a turning point in my life and a big reason why I find myself where I am today.

Recently I was scrolling through Netflix and came across a suggestion for me based on my recent views. It was called Doomsday Preppers.

How can we bridge the divide between our farmers and the 93% of Australian population who live in suburban areas? Through farming; together.

2 years ago whilst I was at the Woodford Folk Festival I made sure that I was at the talk by Costa, one of my all time gardening heroes. Now his talk was amazing - of course, but my attention was constantly being drawn to a poster being held high in the air towards the front which read, “COMPOSTING CAN SAVE THE WORLD”. I thought that was a bold statement and slightly over optimistic.