The lucky winner of our bi-monthly new members draw was Jane from New Farm. She visited our stand at the Brisbane Organic Growers Fair and I have sent her a 4 layer stacking garden as her prize.
Remember, our motto is “Guiding you through to the harvest” so if you have any queries regarding setting up an edible garden or trouble with a pest, please email them to me so I can help you towards a more productive garden.

P.S. In the next few weeks, we’ll be at …
• 13-15th Nov Bayside Home Show, Cleveland Showgrounds
• 18th Nov Brookside Shopping Centre
• 24th Nov Toowong Village Shopping Centre

• 29th Nov NEW Farmers Market Brisbane Rd, Ipswich

Topsy Turvy
World’ s Easiest Way To Grow Tomatoes

Don’t worry about having to stake your tomato plants any longer! Instead of trying to hold them up just let them all hang down.
3 Simple Steps
Put the plant in the bottom.
Put soil in the bag.
Water in the top and you’re done!
This is all according to the instructions on the box! I have a small quantity of these in stock if you’d like to give one a try. Quite new in Australia but they seem to have been getting great reviews from around the world.
I set one up a week or two ago with a tomato and it’s progressing well. I have put a bracket off the side of my deck to hang it off which also automatically puts it out in plenty of sunshine. It easy to reach to water and it will be great to be able to harvest tomatoes without leaving the house!
You’ll find them down at the bottom of our home page.

A Welcome Visitor
I had a visit during the week from this little fella, a lacewing. It was on a stacking garden and then flew into the house. It pays to take a moment and take a better look at the tiny creatures we share the earth with. Jane Davenport has a great little book out called “The Garden Guardians” which helps identify and has some amazing close up photographs of the beneficial insects.
You may have noticed their tiny white eggs in groups out on fine hair like stalks on the underside of leaves. I found this batch of eggs (pictured) on my mandarin tree. When the eggs hatch, the larvae are very helpful to us. Some varieties remain on the leaves ferociously attacking aphids and other pests while others drop off onto the ground where they develop into antlions and make the conical traps for ants in the soft soil.
Lacewings are breed and sold as beneficial insects and are important in controlling pests in some of our farming areas and crops grown in greenhouses. To have these interesting lacewings around, you will need to adopt a close to zero, toxic pesticide policy.

Ezy Grow Planters
The Ezy Grow planters are truly a fresh design of the concept of the old laundry tubs. The laundry tubs made a great sized growing area but their weight made them a nightmare to move about. The new Ezy Grows come in a variety of colours and textures to look stylish anywhere around the garden but where they do come into their own, is up on a balcony or deck where they enable you to grow a huge assortment of crops close to the kitchen.
After several months of testing them and getting great results, I have made an adaption to make better use of the large water reservoir in the bottom of them. I’m calling this the “Productive Gardens Self Watering Modification” and I’ll perform these upgrades (valued at $39) at no cost on all orders between now and Dec 31.
Click here to see how these planters can grow the food you need.

Growing Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a very desirable crop to grow in the home garden for the flavour alone. It is worth taking the time to learn some of the techniques to ensure your plants grow healthily and reward you with a nice harvest.
There is nothing more rewarding than watching your crop of tomatoes turn from green to a ripe red on the vine and then to pick them as you need them.
If you really want the low down of what varieties to plant, how to stake and prune them, when and what to fertilise them with and how to identify any problems, I recommend the book “How to Grow Juicy Tasty Tomatoes”. It’s very comprehensive and specific to growing tomatoes. Written for Australian conditions, it’s available in electronic format for fast download which is available from here, or as a soft cover that is posted to you. I have the soft cover version which makes a nice glossy coffee table type book that’s easy to refer to as your tomatoes develop and would make a nice gift for someone. For more information on the soft cover click here.

Video Tip
Very short video tip this week. A few tips for the stacking gardens!
Click here to View.

It’s Getting Close to Christmas!
9 ideas for something to suit everyone in the family.

4 Layer Stacking Garden – All time favorite, suit anyone who wants to grow some of their own herbs and veg but don’t have a lot of space. Makes a stylish feature of plants only limited by their imagination!
Aquamiser Propagating Kit – Give children this kit to enable them to learn how to grow their own plants from seeds or cuttings. They’ll be busting to check the new growth each day!
Pop Vases -These make a lovely gift, easy to send to someone far away. Fits neatly into a C5 envelope. Brighten up their home, office, hospital room with the colourful designs. Totally water proof and reusable dozens of times.
Gift Voucher -These are great if you’re not exactly sure….! You’ll find vouchers here in various dominations or call me directly to custom design one if you have a gift in mind but what to leave to the person to decide colours or to have it delivered when they’re ready.
Topsy Turvy – Something different for the experimentalist in the family. Grow tomatoes, cucumbers upside down!
Ezy Grow Planter – Setting up your own Ezy Grow Planter is something the whole family can engage in. Situate the garden very close to the kitchen so it’s easy to pick the freshest herbs and salad greens just when you need them.
Fruit Pickers – Harvest like the growers do! These professional secatuers will snip herbs and harvest fruit neatly and cleanly.
“How to Grow Juicy Tasty Tomatoes” Book – A delightful coffee table style book that can be flicked through to identify any issues that are going on with the tomato crop. Ogle at the colourful pictures of the wide range of tomato varieties that can be grown and try to decide which ones to try next!
Wet Pot Kit – If you know someone who is going on holidays in January, give them a Wet Pot watering system to easily set up before they go. Then they can relax with the piece of mind that their beloved plants are being automatically watered at home.

Phone: 07 33936396 Email: Click here

Welcome to the September edition of our Productive Gardens newsletter.
Spring is a great time to be growing food so if you haven’t started already, find a patch and plant something! If you can get into the habit of planting a few seeds a week, you’ll always have plenty to harvest.
These monthly newsletters are now available for viewing on the website. You’ll see the newsletter archive in the top right corner of the home page. It will make it easy to go back to an article in a previous newsletter.
Remember, our motto is “Guiding you through to the harvest” so if you have any queries regarding setting up an edible garden or trouble with a pest, please email them to me so I can help you towards a more productive garden.

In the next few weeks, we’ll be at …
• 18-20th Sept Green Living Expo, RNA Showgrounds
• 4th October Brisbane Organic Growers Fair, Albion
• 18th October Gardens Alive, Gold Coast Botanic Gardens
Be sure to come along and say hello at one or more of these events.

Special of the Month

To welcome in the new range of EzyGrow planters, I have put together a special bonus pack for all orders of EzyGrow gardens in the month of September.

You’ll also receive free:
• 2.5kg Kickalong Organic Herb & Veg Fertiliser for the healthiest growth
• Box of 24 Jiffy plant starting pellets to ensure strong seedlings
• 4 Pkt seeds to help you get growing quickly

Whether you’re needing a space saving planter for your verandah or a growing area that is at a nice working height, the EzyGrow planter could be just what you’re looking for.
• Save and Reuse Water and Nutrients
• Have your Garden close to your Kitchen so you don’t have to tip toe in the dark to get your veggies and herbs when you need them
• Grow Intensively and you won’t have Weeds take over your Garden
• No need to Break your Back Bending over to Tend the Garden anymore
• No Mess, No Fuss, Attractive Style
• All Australian Made
See the new EzyGrow here now!

Growing Food 4 Wealth

Have you had a chance yet to look at Jonathan White’s Food 4 Wealth method of growing food?
Click here to inspect his method in more detail.

Following his 100% Australian method, you will set up a living, breathing ecosystem that’ s made up of edible plants. Once it is set up it requires very little attention but will feed you and your family an abundance of fresh, healthy food.
The food4wealth package includes an eBook and over an hour of video tutorials which for under $50 will show you exactly what to do to grow the food you need. It’s been written in easy-to-read language and set out as a step-by-step manual that anyone can easily follow. The secret behind the method is in the way the plants are arranged in a fashion that fills the niche spaces very tightly. If that sounds technical…don’t worry…it’s far easier than traditional gardening.
Filling the niche spaces gives you so many benefits apart from just massive yields. You will also have a garden that naturally repels pests, has well-balanced, fertile soils and does not require any difficult management strategies. And best of all, it will supply fresh, healthy organic food for you and your family every single day of the year. It’s a simple, yet prolific way of growing food in a small area and from the results Jonathan has achieved in his own garden, he says, with absolute certainty that this is the way we will be growing food in the future. It’s the perfect method for people who have little time but want big results.
I agree with Jonathan and I’m in the process of adapting my own raised garden beds to the Food 4 Wealth system. As these photos show, increased plant density and the addition of lots of compost, is making my own garden a lot more productive with less work.
Click here to inspect this method in more detail!

Pest Control

Biological controls are nature’s way of regulating populations. Biological
controls rely on predators and parasites to keep organisms under control.
Many of our present pest problems result from the loss of predator
species. Other biological controls include birds and bats that eat insects.
A single bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes an hour. Many bird species eat
insect pests on trees and in the garden. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a
bacteria that specifically attacks larvae of some insect pests including
white grubs in the lawn and Japanese beetles. This bacteria is harmless
to desirable species and is available to us as Dipel.
When using pesticides, follow label directions carefully. Altering the rate of application or increasing the frequency of application can injure desirable plant and animal species. Spot applications of the pesticide to the targeted pest can reduce the amount used and help reduce the risk of injury to non-targeted species. Do not apply on windy days.

Read the label for information on other environmental conditions such
as temperature and rain that may influence the pesticide’s effectiveness.
Be aware that many so-called “organic” pesticides may be just as toxic as
the synthetic or chemical products. Just like some snakes venom, it may be natural but it’s deadly!

Video Tip

Very short video tip this week! 7 Steps to a Great Harvest. If you have it close to the kitchen you’ll use it much more!
Check it out here!

Your Chance to Win a 4 Layer Stacking Garden

The winner of our “Guess the time it would take David to complete the 10km Bridge to Brisbane” competition, was Veronica from Alexandra Hills. She has collected her stacking garden and should have it all planted up by now.
The official times were published in the Sunday Mail last weekend and her guess/calculation was spot on at 55min and 30 sec. The last 3km was pretty tough but I was happy to have made it in a personal best time and coming home in 5332th place from the field of over 45 000. Something to look at bettering next year….maybe!

Tip

With the weather starting to warm up……..
Mulching is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can
use in the garden. Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that
is spread on top of the soil. Mulches can either be organic—such as
grass clippings, sugar cane, straw, bark chips, and similar materials—or inorganic—
such as stones, diatomite and plastic. Both organic and inorganic
mulches have numerous benefits.
• protects the soil from erosion
• reduces compaction from the impact of heavy rains
• conserves moisture, reducing the need for frequent waterings
• maintains a more even soil temperature
• prevents weed growth
• keeps fruits and vegetables clean
• provides a “finished” look to the garden

For Sale

I have one demonstration 400 Litre Aerobin for sale. I have had it set up as a display at a few of the garden expos we’ve been to this year but it hasn’t had anything put into it.
Usually $379, I can deliver this one and set it up anywhere in the Brisbane City Council area for $339. I’ll also include a Bio Fork which makes spreading your compost around really easy.
For a better understanding of how these composters work without the need for turning, go to Aerobin 400
Call me directly on 33936396 to secure it now.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a wonderful addition to any vegetable garden. They add zing and a variety of healthy nutrients to any meal. With over 10000 known varieties, it’s just a matter of selecting one to suit your requirements. There are two broad categories of tomato plants, determinate, those that develop a more bush like appearance and form a flower cluster at a terminal point and those that continue to grow taller indefinitely. The latter are called indeterminate and they tend to crop over a longer period of time.
• Popular determinate varieties are: Patio Prize(large), Mighty Red(large), Tiny Tom(small).
• Popular indeterminate types are: Grosse Lisse(large), Gardeners Delight(small), Tommy Toe(small), Yellow Pear(small pear shaped).
Blossom end rot can be an issue when growing tomatoes in pots. It’s caused by a calcium deficiency, appears as a large brown spot at the bottom of the tomato. It will often produce a soft spot and appear as the tomato ripens. One underlying cause is an uneven watering practice. Water helps transport calcium into the plant. Reduce the incidence of this by digging in a few handfuls of dolomite before planting.
To become an expert tomato grower and deliver bucket loads of tasty tomatoes to family and friends, check out the best, easiest to follow guide that I know of, How to Grow Juicy Tasty Tomatoes

Cost of Food

One packet of Carrot seed cost about $3.95

This packet happens to contains 1500 seeds.

Lets say you had the brownest thumbs in the world and lots didn’t come up or died.

That means you could still harvest whole bunches of carrots for a total of, wait for it, a couple of cents!

Phone: 07 33936396 Email: Click here

Mailing Address: PO Box 5419 Manly, QLD, Australia 4179
Copyright © 2008 Productive Gardens. All Rights reserved.

It’s been a very busy month with many garden shows on around SEQ. I have really enjoyed hearing from so many people about how they are supplementing their diet with fresh homegrown produce.

The winner of our latest new members draw was Caroline from Benarkin and she’s told me the Stacking Garden has been put to good use already.

Remember, our motto is “Guiding you through to the harvest” so if you have any queries regarding setting up an edible garden or trouble with a pest, please email them to me so I can help you towards a more productive garden.

22nd August Sustainable Living Expo, CREEC, Caboolture
4-6th Sept Red Fest, Cleveland Show Grounds
4th October Brisbane Organic Growers Fair, Albion

Be sure to come along and say hello at one or more of these events.

Special of the Month
I have a limited number of Earth boxes (11) going at a very special price. With the weather starting to warm(Brisbane), now is a great time to get some veggies in. I like to make the most of the space in an Earthbox by planting taller climbers on the trellis at the back like a cucumber and tomato and lower salad greens like lettuce and beetroot leaves along the front. What I mean by the front, is the side facing towards the sun.

Usually $149 for the complete Earthbox with the trellis and on the wheels, these 11 are only $129 so you can easily get started and grow the fresh food you need.

Growing Food 4 Wealth
Those of you who have been on my newsletter for some time will know I’ve been threatening to write a book due to my frustration of not being able to bring you a growing system that can be adapted for all back yards to grow large amounts of produce in a small area in sync with nature.

Now there is no need for me to put pen to paper, I’ve discovered Jonathan Whites instructional book and video that describes a system that I have a lot of belief in and I have been putting aspects of it to use in my own garden for sometime. I agree with Jonathan that this will become a method by which we produce a lot of our own food in the future. Anyway, I’ll let Jonathan tell you a little more about it……..

Dear Food Growing Enthusiasts

I’m thrilled to be part of David’s fantastic website, Productive Gardens, and equally thrilled to have this opportunity to tell you a little about my unique, 100% Australian, method of growing food.

Following my method, you will set up a living, breathing ecosystem that’s made up of edible plants. Once it is set up it requires very little attention but will feed you and your family an abundance of fresh, healthy food. In fact, my garden, which is about 6m x 6m, slashes $5000 off my annual grocery bill and only takes about eight hours of effort per year. That’s the equivalence of making $625 per hour. Not a bad hourly rate for a gardener!

The food4wealth package includes an eBook and over an hour of video tutorials. It’s been written in easy-to-read language and set out as a step-by-step manual that anyone can easily follow. The secret behind the method is in the way the plants are arranged in a fashion that fills the niche spaces very tightly. If that sounds technical…don’t worry…it’s far easier than traditional gardening.

Filling the niche spaces gives you so many benefits apart from just massive yields. You will also have a garden that naturally repels pests, has well-balanced, fertile soils and does not require any difficult management strategies. And best of all, it will supply fresh, healthy organic food for you and your family every single day of the year. It’s a simple, yet prolific way of growing food in a small area, and from the results I have achieved in my own garden, I can say, with absolute certainty that this is the way we will be growing food in the future. It’s the perfect method for people who have little time but want big results. I am very happy to answer any questions you may have in regards to the method and would love to hear about your ‘food growing’ journey. You can contact me at jonathan@freshfoodgardenguru.com I look forward to hearing your story and wish you all the very best.

Jonathan White, Environmental Scientist and Author of Food4Wealth.
Click here to inspect this method in more detail!

Win a Surprise Prize!!!

What is the main problem when you arrive at the hospital to visit a patient with a bunch of flowers?

Wow, what a response! It seems many of you have faced the problem of trying to find a vase for the flowers you take to hospital! And with some hospitals banning the use of glass vases there has never been a better time to introduce the amazing folding POP VASE! Fresh into Australia, these fully water tight folding vases are just the shot to take to the hospital for the bunch of flowers. Available in several bright colours and patterns, they will add cheer to any room.

The winner of the draw for a pack of 3 Pop Vases is Heather from Bribie Island. Congratulations Heather!
Check it out here!

More styles will be arriving soon. As a very special introduction, I am offering 5 for $19.95 till Sunday only so you’ll need to call or email me directly to take advantage of this. Grab a couple to try now. Ideal for an easy to mail gift.

Video Tip
Very short video tip this week! How to easily start your own veggies from seed.
Check it out here!

Your Chance to Win a 4 Layer Stacking Garden
Planters that are so efficient, it’s just like having your own farm on the door step!

Its on again this month, the annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run. The Productive Gardens Team is entering again and hoping to improve on times from last year. This year, all proceeds will go to the Heart Foundation which is a fitting cause as we’re also trying to improve people’s heart conditions by encouraging the growing and eating of the freshest vegetables.

Ok, this is what you need to do. Click here to enter your guesstimate of the time it will take David to complete the 10km run. A winner will be declared when the results are published in the Sunday Mail usually a fortnight after the race.

For those who like to study the form guide!

Last year the winner crossed the line in 30min 32 sec.
David wears a size 10 jogger.
It’s usually pretty cold when the race starts at 6.30am.
David trains (jogs) along the Manly foreshore which is about 1 meter above sea level depending on the tide.
The first kilometer of the course is uphill over the Gateway bridge.(Struggle!)

Tip
Soils along the coastal belt of sub-tropical Queensland are naturally acidic. When preparing beds for your spring crops add some dolomite if the beds haven’t been limed in the last year or so. Soil pH test kits are inexpensive and tell you straight away how much you need to add but as a rule of thumb, apply approx. 150 – 200 grams per square meter for starters. As well as sweetening the soil, Dolomite contains the needed minerals of calcium and magnesium.

Edible Flowers
It’s rather sad but true that our ancestors had, in many ways, a far more adventurous diet than we do today. We have been accustomed to consider flowers to be decorative rather than an important ingredient in the kitchen. Edible flowers can make a salad look and taste spectacular. It’s great to be able to use all parts of the plant so be adventurous and try some of the following flowers, you can even plant them in amongst your veggies!
Viola, Nasturtium and Dianthus.
Roses and Sunflowers.
Zucchini and Squash.
Basil, Rocket, Chives and Dill.
Peas and Beans.

Cost of Food
One packet of Broccoli seed cost about $3.95

This packet happens to contains 450 seeds.

Lets say you had the brownest thumbs in the world and lots didn’t come up or died.

That means you could still have whole heads of Broccoli for a total of, wait for it, ONE CENT each! And guess what? As a bonus they’ll reshoot and throw out even more side shoots to harvest!

Lettuce is in the Family called Asteraceae or the daisy family. All plants in this family will have similar characteristics.

Lactuca is the Genis name. Plants of a genis are usually quite easily recognisable as being in the same group. Lactuca is latin for having ” milky ” sap.

sativa is the species. Always spelt with a small letter and usually describing some part of the plant. sativa is latin for “cultivated” or “sown”.

Then there is the variety which is the name we usually hear. Such as “Green Cos”, “Freckles”, “Tom Thumb” or “Great Lakes”.

Bob from Bulimba

Thanks Bob!

Clay Soils

Pak Choi

Discover how now! Click Here!