Muddy Boots: Recent Episodes
Keith and Elisabeth
Landscape Designer, Keith Edwards, and 'Garden Girl', Elisabeth Kingman, join forces to bring an engaging, informative, and entertaining take on all things gardens. From growing perfect produce to garden design, Keith and Elisabeth will cover it. Come along and get your hands and boots muddy. For more information follow us on Instagram @muddybootspodcast
Got a sloping block, awkward corner, or challenging piece of land that feels impossible to landscape? In this episode, Keith explains why difficult terrain can become one of a garden’s greatest assets. From creating garden rooms and pathways to making the most of views and natural features, this episode is packed with ideas to help gardeners see opportunities where they once saw obstacles.
Plants recommended in this episode
- Callistemon spp. — Bottlebrush
- Acacia spp. — Wattle
- Eucalyptus spp. — Eucalypt
Products & Tools recommended in this episode
- Geofabric
- Jute erosion-control matting
- Weed Gunnel
- F.D Ryan's Broadfork
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August is all about getting ready for the spring rush. In this practical seasonal episode, Keith talks through the key jobs to tackle before the garden takes off, from sowing warm-season seeds and planting flowering annuals to improving soil, feeding organically, protecting fruit trees from disease, and staying alert for late frosts. It’s a useful preparation episode for gardeners wanting to build stronger soil, get ahead of pests and diseases, and make the most of the final weeks of winter.
Seeds to sow indoors or in greenhouse
- Tomato
- Chilli
- Capsicum
- Eggplant
- Black Passionfruit
- Cosmos
- Snapdragon
- Marigold
Seeds to sow directly into your garden
- Snow Pea
- Sweet Pea
- Cornflower
- Poppy
- Carrot
- Potato
- Radish
- Turnip
Seedlings to start in August
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Silverbeet
Products & Tools recommended in this episode
- Clyde's Compost
- Neutrog “Who Flung Dung”
- MycoGold
- Neutrog Gogo Juice
- Neutrog Popul8
- Munash Rock Dust
- Neutrog Rooster Booster
- EE Sea Liquid Fertliser
- Lime Sulphur
- Copper Fungicide
- Seasol
- Moon calendar
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Looking for quality gardening tools that actually last, or wondering what products experienced gardeners swear by? In this episode, Elizabeth and Keith chat with Jamie Stewart, founder of Backyard Botanist, about turning a passion for plants into a successful business. From heirloom-quality tools to small-space gardening and the growing demand for well-made products, this episode is packed with inspiration for gardeners who appreciate quality, practicality, and a love of the craft.
Products & Tools recommended in this episode
- Lowe Secateurs
- Hori Hori Knife
- Trugs
- Haws Watering Cans
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This month’s Q&A brought to you by The Plant Runner
Moving plants, battling persistent weeds, setting up productive veggie beds, or wondering if you're doing things the right way? In this practical Q&A episode, Keith tackles a wide range of real-world gardening challenges submitted by listeners from around Australia. Packed with straightforward advice, seasonal tips, and problem-solving solutions, this episode is ideal for gardeners looking to avoid common mistakes and get better results from their gardens.
Plants recommended in this episode
- Raphanus sativus — Radish (particularly French Breakfast radish)
- Pisum sativum — Sweet pea
- Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon — Snow pea
- Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon — Sugar snap pea
Products & Tools recommended in this episode
- Clyde's Compost
- Manutec pH Test Kit
- F.D Ryan's Broadfork
- Dicamba Herbicide
- HDPE or LDPE Food-Grade Plastic Liner (for raised garden beds)
- Neutrog Gogo Juice
- Wormly Worm Farms
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Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just needing a reset? In this inspiring episode, special guest Conchi Batson shares how gardening became a lifeline during a difficult chapter in her life.
Discover how slowing down, getting your hands in the soil, and reconnecting with nature can transform both your mindset and your garden.
If you’ve ever needed a reason to step outside and reset, this episode will leave you feeling motivated and hopeful.
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Struggling with smelly bins, slow breakdown, or compost that just doesn’t work? This episode takes the guesswork out of composting and shows you how to get it right. Keith shares simple, practical insights to help you turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich, living soil. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your results, this episode will help you compost with confidence and boost the health of your garden.
Products & Tools recommended in this episode
- Clyde's Compost
- Rooster Booster
- F.D Ryan's Broadfork
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July’s Garden – this episode of Muddy Boots highlights essential winter gardening tasks to prepare for spring. Keith emphasises pruning deciduous plants, planting bare-rooted trees and roses, and improving soil with compost and additives. He recommends planting ornamentals, bulbs, and winter vegetables like brassicas and root crops. Pest control, mulching, and lawn care are also key, along with frost protection. Overall, staying active in winter ensures healthier plants and stronger growth in the coming season.
PLANTS (Recommended by Keith)
- Lagerstroemia indica — Crape myrtle
- Magnolia spp. — Magnolia
- Acer palmatum — Japanese maple
- Acer platanoides — European maple
- Acer saccharum — Canadian maple (sugar maple)
- Paeonia spp. — Peony (both bush and herbaceous types)
- Nerine spp. — Nerine
- Ranunculus asiaticus — Ranunculus
- Brassica oleracea (various groups) — Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale)
- Spinacia oleracea — Spinach
- Lactuca sativa — Lettuce
- Coriandrum sativum — Coriander
- Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis — Wombok (Chinese cabbage)
- Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis — Pak choy
- Quercus spp. — Oak
- Fraxinus spp. — Ash
- Liquidambar styraciflua — Liquidambar
- Rosa spp. — Roses
- Primula × polyantha — Polyanthus
- Viola spp. — Violet
- Primula spp. — Primula
- Brassica rapa subsp. rapa — Turnip
- Allium cepa — Onion
- Beta vulgaris — Beetroot
- Raphanus sativus — Radish
- Pisum sativum — Peas (including snow peas)
PRODUCTS / TOOLS with hyperlinks
- MycoGold (BioStim)
- Clyde Compost
- Eco Neem
- Eco Oil
- Monash Rock Dust
- Neutrog “Who Flung Dung”
- Neutrog Sudden Impact for Lawns
- FD Ryan Broadfork
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Recommended PlantsHibiscus spp. — Hibiscus
Eremophila nivea — Emu Bush
Philotheca myoporoides — Long-leaf Waxflower
Correa backhouseana — Correa
Correa baeuerlenii — Chef’s Cap Correa
Liriope spp. — Lilyturf
Liriope muscari ‘Evergreen Giant’ — Giant Lilyturf
Liriope spp. ‘Alba’ / ‘Monroe’s White’ — White Lilyturf
Pachysandra insignis — Japanese Spurge
Anthemis ‘Susanna Mitchell’ — Anthemis (chamomile-type)
Anthemis ‘E.C. Buxton’ — Anthemis (chamomile-type)
Rosmarinus officinalis (prostratus) — Prostrate Rosemary
Myoporum parvifolium — Creeping Boobialla
Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’ — Cousin It / Prostrate Sheoak
Recommended ProductsLowe Anvil Pruners
Backyard Botanist
EE – Sea FertliserNeutrog Bush Tucker
Neutrog Gyganic
Neutrog Kahoona
Eco Neem
Eco OilWeed Gunnel
Firehawk Organic Herbicide
Modbox Raised Beds –
The Plant Runner
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Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
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Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
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Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
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Growing a love of gardening in kids.
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Climbing Plants for Home Exteriors - Non-Invasive Options & Maintenance Tips
In this episode, we explore non-invasive climbing plants for home gardens, ideal for creating beautiful green walls while minimizing maintenance. From fragrant flowers to edible fruits, there's a wide variety of plants to choose from for both sunny and shady walls.
Non-Invasive Climbing Plants for Home Gardens
Here are some excellent options for non-invasive climbing plants:
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Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) – An evergreen with fragrant, beautiful flowers. Known as Woodbine in the UK, it needs support to climb but adds a lovely scent to the garden.
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Mandevilla – Available in white (Laksa) and pink (Sandereae) varieties, this tropical climber has large, beautiful flowers that require support.
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Climbing Roses – Banksia roses (an Australian variety) are evergreen, producing yellow or white blooms. Climbing roses are ideal for vertical structures and add charm to any garden.
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Clematis – These climbers come in various colors and are perfect for trellises or fences, offering vibrant blooms in spring and summer.
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Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) – Excellent for shaded walls, this climber produces creamy white flowers and lush foliage.
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Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – Thriving in shaded conditions, Star Jasmine is an evergreen climber with fragrant white flowers.
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Wisteria – A fast-growing, beautiful climber with cascading flowers. Wisteria is perfect for sunny walls but needs regular pruning to stay controlled.
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Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) – A vigorous climber that provides stunning foliage, especially in autumn. It requires maintenance but is ideal for quick coverage.
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Figs, Apples, Pears, and Espaliered Citrus – These edible climbers are perfect for sunny walls, offering both fruit and attractive greenery.
Maintenance Tips for Climbing Plants
To keep climbing plants healthy and well-managed, follow these maintenance tips:
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Regular Feeding: Provide your plants with the necessary nutrients to thrive.
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Pruning and Clipping: Trim plants regularly to maintain shape and prevent them from becoming too unruly. Tie them back to supports as needed.
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Support: Install a strong structure (trellis, wall, or fence) for the plants to climb on, helping them grow in the right direction.
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Soil and Climate Considerations: Choose plants based on the soil type and climate in your area. Figs, apples, and citrus prefer sun, while Hydrangeas and Star Jasmine do well in the shade.
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Managing Growth: Vigorous climbers like Virginia Creeper and Wisteria need consistent pruning to prevent overgrowth.
Additional Tips and Considerations
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Edible Climbing Plants: For a vertical garden that’s both functional and beautiful, consider edible plants like passion fruit, gooseberries, or strawberries. These plants produce fruits and flowers but can attract pests like birds and possums.
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Vertical Gardens: PhytoGreen offers a high-end vertical garden system that uses organic blocks filled with plants. While this option is primarily for commercial use, a similar smaller container setup can be used for home gardens.
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Dealing with Pests: To deter pests like possums from eating your edible plants, consider planting passion fruit at the top
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Today’s focus is perennial plants - which ones can you rely on to thrive in the summer heat?
Gardening jobs during the heat of February.
- Check watering for maintenance and installing additional sprinklers where required
- Adding organic wetting agents such as ECO Hydrate.
- Broadforking for all your garden to get as much air, moisture and goodness deep down into the soil. Keith recommends F.D Ryan's Broadforks for this job
- Consider soil improvement with Clyde’s lignite
- Using Seasol or other seaweed products to help heat-stressed plants
- Using a product such as MycoGold and watering this into holes created with a broadfork will help with moisture retention
- February is also a great time for doing some Summer pruning of fruit trees
- Keeping your eyes out for pest and disease is another very important job for February, particularly powdery mildew and leaf hopper . ECO Neem (best used on its own in Summer, mix with Eco Oil at other times of the year)
- Make sure your lawns are kept cut on a higher mowing setting over the summer months.
- If you love eating Brussel Sprouts like Keith does, then this is the month to plant your seedlings into your well-prepared vegetable beds.
So there are lots of things you can be doing in the garden in February, and these are just a few.
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Today Keith and Elisabeth talk to Sally Pittman, outback farmer and gardener from rural NSW outside of Dubbo. A fascinating conversation learning about Sally’s experiences growing up in remote location, her farming enterprises and her gardening ambitions.
You can check out Sally’s Instagram page HERE
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Today’s focus is perennial plants - which ones can you rely on to thrive in the summer heat?
What is a Perennial? Generally have a life span of 5-7 years. Once the flowers die off, the plant produces new growth at the base. Perennials are a fantastic choice with long flowering seasons (up to 9 months). Perennials can’t be beaten for colour, texture and variety.
Before selecting perennials, be sure to check your ‘heat and cold zones’ for best performance.
Aim to prune before at the end of March before the Autumn Equinox to extend the flowering season. Dead-heading your perennials and regular feeding with products like Charlie Carp will help them to thrive.
Common pests - bugs like leaf hoppers can be treated with ECO Neem and Eco Oil (avoid spraying in full sun).
Top performing perennials:Verbena bonariensisSalvia mystic spiresAgastache orangeAchillea MoonshineRudbeckia GoldquellePersicaria amplexicaulis Fat DominoHelenium Moerheim BeautyEchinacea Magnus SuperiorAchillea Summer BerriesSedum Autumn JoyPerevoskia atriplicifoliaEuphorbia Arctic BlueScaevola ground coverPigface
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Q&A time again! Who will be this month’s lucky winner of the fabulous prize donated by The Plant Runner?
- ECO Neem and Eco Oil - undoubtedly 2 of Keith’s favourite plant products. What can we use them for? Keith recommends them for all insect pests in the garden. Be sure to use out of direct sunlight
- Black Spot on roses - need to use specific sprays. Ensure affected leaves are removed and put in the bin
- Recommendation for windbreak in dry shade area
- Large shrubs (up to 2-5 meters) Hakea laurina, Pomaderris, Westringia, Correa lawrenceana, Kunzea ericoides, Acacia boormanii, Acacia cardiophylla, Acacia iteaphylla
- Trees - Acacia cognata, Acacia fimbriata, Acacia implexa, Acacia pravissima, Allocasuarina littoralis, Callitris oblonga, Callitris rhomboidea Corymbia ficifolia, Eucalyptus cinerea, Eucalyptus crenulata, Eucalyptus spathulata. Melalueca linariifolia and Melaleuca styphelioides.
- be sure to assist plants by adding MycoGold.
- Hydrangeas not flowering - ensure when pruning, prune only down to the dominant large bud. If planting in pots use a quality potting mix (replace every 3-5 years) and feed with Neutrog Kahoona regularly
- Fruit fly in stone fruit? Use fruit fly traps and net your trees with 2ml micron black nets. Bin affected fruit.
- Withered orchids - could be overwatering? Use the finger test! If it’s moist, don’t water them. Try
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Q&A time again! Who will be this month’s lucky winner of the fabulous prize donated by The Plant Runner?
- Leggy seedlings? Likely your newly germinated seeds are looking for as much light as possible
- Keith suggests mowing and hedge clipping by the Moon calendar (ie during low sap flow period) to reduce growth rate
- Tips for ‘Little Gem’ magnolia - often sparse up to 1.5m. Keith suggests underplanting with shade tolerant plants. Magnolias are heavy feeders so suggest products like Neutrog Gyganics and liquid fertiliser to kick start.
- Starting a garden from scratch? Keith recommends having a solid plan!
- Making your own Biochar? Keith suggests storing ‘uncharged’ and ‘charging’ before use.
- Long and deep watering is best for lawns and shrubs to encourage deep rooting. Vegetables, on the other hand, need more regular watering as their roots are shallowing. Keith works on 4mm per day.
- Can bee-keepers stop their bees stinging? Aggressive bees are symptomatic of a bigger problem with the hive that should be addressed by the bee-keeper and may require “requeening” the hive
- Camelias not thriving - check soil pH (5.5-6).
- Pond plants - Keith lists some favourites including cycnogeton procerum, ludwigia palustris, mariophyllum, cyperus papyrus and Bog Plants include carex appressa. Keith recommends Kuranga Native Nursery in Mt. Evelyn, Victoria
Keep sending in your questions to Muddy Boots!
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Start of Spring is a great time to get going with planning for your Spring/Summer Veggie garden.
- Check what climate zone you are in. Keith recommends The Seed Collection’s Map
- Cool Climate Area (most of Vic) - Beans (including Lazy House Wife, Scarlet Runner),
- Keith will be trialling new dwarf varieties of tomatoes - stay tuned for Keith’s observations
- Consider climbing frames for vegetables like cucumbers and pumpkins allowing more space underneath for other planting
- Remove finished Winter vegetables and add compost (Clyde's Compost and Clyde’s lignite), MycoGold and Munash Rock Dust and cover with quality mulch like Who Flung Dung. Rest for approx 3 weeks before planting. Water new seedlings in with Seasol
- Tomatoes seedlings can’t be planted until about the end of October
- Some recommendations for planting now - Carrots, Radishes (try French Breakfast Radish),
- Sow seeds into paper pots now and keep warm in hothouse or indoors including - eggplant, pumpkin, tomatoes, spring onions, chillis
- Follow the directions on the packet for seed/seedling spacing
- Marigold, basil, Spring onions, garlic will all help to deter pests
- Pea Straw and lucerne are excellent mulches adding nutrients to the soil but will attract birds so best used in beds that will be netted
- Vegetables need 4mm of water every day. Keith recommends Dan’s Modular Sprinklers
- pH level should be neutral at 7.0
Happy veggie gardening!
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Q&A time again! Who will be this month’s lucky winner of the fabulous prize donated by The Plant Runner?
- Organic Weed Killers - follow the directions precisely! Keith recommends Slasher, Bioweed or Slayer
- Banksia’s not flowering? Banksia’s prefer a sandy soil and may take several years to flower
- Prune lavender after they’ve finished flowering. Lightly trim back to 4-6 leaves of new growth
- Lawn vs gravel between garden beds - Keith explains why he has opted for grass.
- Raised beds - timber or colorbond? Keith recommends ModBOX beds (timber). Corrugated iron or colorbond can be good in cooler months but attracts to much heat in summer and can burn roots. Henley's Rustics have wonderful corrugated iron wicking beds for those who prefer metal look
- Using charcoal from your fire? Breakdown with Gogo Juice to create an activated biochar.
- Potting mix - does it have a shelf life? Store unopened in cool place and it should last approximately 12 months
- Manure best left out on the ground for a month or so before use
- Hydrangeas - only cut back to the nearest node. If cut back to far, you can risk either killing the plant or no flowers the following summer
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Citrus is one of the most talked about topics on Muddy Boots. Don’t already have a citrus or thinking of adding a new on to your garden? Today we learn Keith’s Top 10 varieties as well as some tips on caring for your citrus.
Citrus like lots of heat, full sun and lots of moisture. In areas prone to frost, look to grow near a ‘heat sink’ (such as a brick wall or a body of water like a pond). Leave frost affected leaves on the plant to protect from further frost until the frost period is finished. Citrus can be planted in pots with regular feeding (worm ‘wee’ is perfect) and plenty of water. Feed all citrus regularly with liquid feed Spring/Summer and slow release feed such as Neutrog Gyganics during Winter months.
Spray all citrus trees with ECO Neem and Eco Oil to prevent pests like citrus miner. Citrus Gall affected branches either need to be either removed or the area opened with a sharp knife to kill the larvae.
Prune regularly to maintain manageable size and shape.
Keith’s Top Ten
- Meyer Lemon
- ‘Prior Lisbon’ Lemon
- Tahitian Lime
- Finger Lime
- Washington Navel Orange
- ‘Arnold’ Blood Orange
- Satsuma Okitsu Mandarin
- ‘Lemonade’ lemon
- Tangelo ‘Seminole’
- Junos Yuzu
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
As regular listeners would know, Keith raves about an easy to use Moon calendar. Today we meet Sheree Scott whose parents developed this handy, easy to use Moon calendar wheel.
This traditional agrarian practice of observing the effect of the gravitational force of the moon has many sceptics in the modern world. This handy, easy to use 1 page moon calendar is a simple way to try this for yourself to observe increased germination rates and plan your gardening guided by the moon phases. The calendar wheel is a perpetual calendar meaning it can be used year on year by simply observing the dates provided on the Moon Gardening Calendar website.
Be sure to check out and order your Moon Gardening Calendar and observe the results for yourself!
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
Ornamental grasses are an excellent way to add height, movement, colour and contrast to your year round landscape. This week we hear about some of Keith’s favourite varieties and how to incorporate them into your garden.
Most grasses are easy to grow and require minimal attention provided they have reasonable soil. Preferring full sun but some will tolerate part shade. Once established they are drought tolerant and rarely prone to pests or disease.
Keith recommends cutting grasses back almost to the ground at the end of winter. Can be then easily divided by digging up and dividing with sharp spade.
Some of Keith’s favourites include:
- Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’ - tall form growing to 1.2-1.5m
- Miscanthus ‘Kleine Fontaine’ - with vertical stripe through the leaf
- Miscanthus ‘Klein Silberspinne’ - compact variety
- Miscanthus ‘Zebrinus’ - with horizontal stripe through the leaf
- Miscanthus ‘Adagio’ - ideal for smaller garden
- Miscanthus ‘Giganteus’ - grows to over 2m
- Calamagrostis -tall vertical accent
- Stipa Gigantea - tidy clump with 2m flower stems
- Stipa ‘ichu’ - smaller variety
- Poa labillardierei - small tussock clumping grass
- Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’- blue grass 30cm
Why not add some interest to your garden with some of these beautiful grasses!
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
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Mid July and half way through Winter. Plenty of jobs to prepare for the Spring season ahead!
- Get your soil into great shape - add compost (Keith recommends Clyde's Compost), Munash Rock Dust, MycoGold (added at time of planting) and mulch. Add products like Blood & Bone manure and Rooster Booster now as these take some months to take effect
- Good time to plant and/or fertilise brassicas. Feed with liquid fertliser like Charlie Carp or Power Feed now to optimise growth. Still time to plant cabbages, lettuce, radish, turnips, peas, beans and herbs
- Clean up your tools - scrub off rust, sharpen and treat with Vaseline
- Prune deciduous plants including apple trees by approximately ⅓ . Avoid pruning apricots (this should be done in Summer). Prune to an outward growing bud. Open out centre to allow light and air.
- Prevent (or treat) pests like aphids and mealybugs with ECO Neem and Eco Oil
- Continue to water your vegetables (depending on rain). Vegetables need 4mm a day!
- Get on top of weeds while they are growing less vigorously. Keith & Elisabeth love F.D Ryan's Ho-Mi and Collinear tools. Best to do in the low growth period on the Moon calendar
- Open up compact soil with F.D Ryan's Broad fork to eliminate algae and moss
- Perfect time to buy and plant bare-rooted trees (in cooler states).
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
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We know from Keith’s Instagram that he visited the Agrarian Kitchen at Willow Court in Tasmania. Today we hear from Rodney Dunn, the brainchild behind the Agrarian Kitchen - a restaurant, cooking school and garden set in New Norfolk, Tasmania.
The kitchen garden is at the centre of everything that happens at the Agrarian Kitchen with fresh produce being grown and harvested to support the cooking school, restaurant and function venue set
Keith applauds the companion planting approach used in the garden to promote continuity of supply over the year. The 5000m vegetable garden is set in what was an old prison yard. The productive garden is a closed loop system with minimal waste, converting food waste into compost to maximise soil production.
Next visit to Tasmania, be sure to treat yourself to a visit to this incredible place
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Q&A time again! Who will be this month’s lucky winner of the fabulous prize donated by The Plant Runner?
- Unwanted grass coming up in garden beds try either organic Slasher or the less toxic version of Roundup now available called Roundup Natural
- Nectarine with gumosis seems unusual to Keith! Possibly grafted onto an unsuitable rootstock?
- Pots with wheels! A great idea to enable moving them around with the seasons. Check out Omnia Plant Gliders. Potting mix should be replaced every 3-5 years
- Pruning crepe myrtle - cut back by ⅓ in Winter months
- Dahlia tubers only need to be dug up if you are in areas with heavy frosts. Feed with Blood & Bone, Rooster Booster or try Strikeback for Orchids
- Escallonia hedge is hardy. Can be cut back hard. Keith suggests aerating the surrounding soil with a broad fork (check out F.D Ryan's)
- Hedge trimmers - Keith recommends AEG or EGO battery operated models
- Kurrajong trees attacked by the Kurrajong Bag Moth won’t usual destroy the tree but where size allows try ECO Neem and Eco Oil
- Rose with botrytis? Remove affected leaves/petals and bin them
- Hydrangea cuttings should be taken late summer for propagation
- Planting an Avocado tree? - plant on mound, feed well and mulch with pea straw or lucerne. Plant min 8m from the nearest Eucalyptus tree.
Thank you for your great questions again!
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
Landscaping a garden can be overwhelming. Where to start? What to consider? This week, Keith gives us some practical advice.
Steps to follow:
- Start with a ‘wish list’ - consider how you would ideally want to use the space. Do you want a BBQ, a pool, outdoor seating, a pond, vegetable garden etc. Look at the paved areas - do you want decking, paving, granitic sand etc.
- Start a Pinterest Board can be a great way to explore what you like and compile your ideas.
- Consider zones including those that you don’t want to be seen (utility area, clothes line etc)
- Create your plan (or employ a landscape architect), drawing in your structures, paving, decking and plants. Using the council plan of your house and garden will help you work to scale to work out the quantities of what you need - eg for soil, plants etc
- Before commencing, existing vegetation will need to be poisoned and remove any unwanted materials. Slasher is an excellent organic herbicide
- Lay down the paving decking etc
- Bring in the soil and additional materials for soil improvement. Soil improvement is the number one factor to growing a healthy, lush garden. Adding Compost, Clyde’s lignite humate to improve the soil and using products like MycoGold will give your plants a great start. Mulch - Keith recommends granitic sand over the top of soil.
- Irrigation best to go in before the plants. Check out Dan Modular Sprinklers
- Planting - Autumn when they can get established before the winter.
Consider a landscaper to do the initial work of the pathways, decking, soil and irrigation systems if this is too much work.
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Struggling to have enough pockets for your secateurs, phone, seed packets etc while you're working in the garden? Well this week we meet Sahra Dixon, who has the solution!
Le Sac is a gardening belt designed to be both practical and stylish. Cotton/canvas, machine washable, built for comfort with plenty of pockets for your gardening essentials (even a pocket for your Airpods!). Affordable at $75.95
Find out also about Sahra's other venture - The Wool Shed. The Wool Shed is an intimate, farm-to-table experience, situated on a working farm in Burragate on the far South Coast of New South Wales.
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
Q&A time again! Who will be this month’s lucky winner of the fabulous prize donated by The Plant Runner?
- Lemon tree with droopy branches from so much fruit? 4 stakes and lightly tying the branches to support them, could help here. Alternatively, remove some of the fruit
- Cut flower bed in a raised bed - Keith recommends a wild flower mix. Look at The Seed Collection
- Direct or pre-propagate in a greenhouse? Check the seed pack. Peas, beans etc can be sown directly
- Hibiscus rubra with spots and holes. Could be metallic flea beetle. Treat with ECO Neem and Eco Oil (including the soil and under the leaves), also try Diatomaceous Earth or companion planting with fennel or coriander
- Ficus stipulata (pumila or minima) is a great choice for covering a fence where the soil depth is minimal
- Hear about the benefits of Comfrey and the experience at the Garden of St.Earth. Other crops like lucerne, beans, peas and “Clever Clover” also have benefits to the soil.
- Keith recommends MycoGold - added at time of planting
Thank you for your great questions again!
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
Citrus trees - a complex and needy tree to grow but worth it when you are well rewarded with abundant fruit. We have regularly discussed their heavy feeding requirements and the long list of pests that can cause problems. Today, instead, we are discussing “root stock”.
Grafting is bringing a tree with good root structure together with best the quality and size of fruit. Rootstock is grown then the trunk is cut above the ground and the desired fruiting tree is grafted onto this trunk.
The most common root stock is Trifoliata due to its smaller size, disease resistance and tolerance to cold. Troyer is another common rootstock and “Flying Dragon” is another rootstock ideal for pots or smaller spaces due to its slow growing habit.
Most rootstocks have a life span of approximately 10 years. Expect to have to replace your tree after this time. Occasionally a rootstock may send up a shoot. This should be removed to ensure it doesn’t dominate the fruiting part of the tree.
Citrus care - regular (weekly) deep watering, feed regularly with Neutrog Gyganics or Harry's Citrus Food and regularly spray with a mix of ECO Neem and Eco Oil
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
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Whether you have a large rural garden or a small city balcony, creating “zones” will help you make the most out of the space and optimise its functionality.
- Hedging is a great way of creating different zones
- Plants like Syzygium australe (Straight and Narrow) are perfect for a tall narrow screen
- Grasses like the giant form of Miscanthus sinesis can be used to divide areas
- Areas can be divided by using different materials and structures such as concrete reinforcing mesh to grow a creeper on or vertical timber screening that can be softened with plants like Festuca glauca
- Varying heights can also enhance a feeling of different rooms or zones. Sunken seating areas, raised garden beds or even raised pools for example (check out Plungie Pools)
- Garden lighting helps create areas at night
- Covered seating/pergola areas - consider a deciduous climber to give shade in summer and light and sun in winter
- Water features such as birdbaths, fountains, showers add interest and a calming element
- Paths link the rooms. Paths can be created using bluestone pavers, concrete pavers, grass, sleepers
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Herbs - an essential in every kitchen and a favourite in every garden. This week we talk to Elle from Australian Medicinal Herbs. Hear the story of Elle’s transition from the police force to medicinal herbs.
**The certified organic Australian Medicinal Herbs grow, process and sell from their farm - “paddock to packet”.
A fascinating episode where Elle talks about the workings of their business as well as sharing some tips for the home gardener on using herbs for remedial purposes.**
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Q&A time again! Who will be this month’s lucky winner of the fabulous prize donated by The Plant Runner?
- Granitic sand and Decomposed Gravel - what’s the difference? Granitic sand is crushed rock under 4mm. Keith thinks “Deco Gravel” as the listener refers to, is essentially the same.
- Carrot seeds where tomatoes have previously been, good or bad? Good! “Carrots love tomatoes”
- NPK - Potassium helps with flowering and fruiting. Apply organic potassium alongside Munash Rock Dust to improve productivity
- pH - very Alkaline results. Hear what Keith thinks is going on!
- Strawberry with a lot of runners and not so much fruit. What’s going on? Use only the first runner (best genetics). Cambridge Rival and Chandler varieties are what Keith would recommend. (refer to our Berry episode on 23.4.24)
- Repot lemons or put them in the ground? Do either. Remove by tipping on its size and use hose to loosen soil. Either put into the ground (hole twice the size of the root ball or into a pot larger than the last)
- Roses? Where to buy and what to look for? Look for reputable growers. David Austin roses come with Keith’s recommendation
- Black volcanic soil is highly reactive and can crack. Can be improved with addition of Clyde’s lignite and Clyde's Compost. Gypsum and Rooster Booster may help for the lawn in these conditions
- WA listener looking for screening plants as a wind break - Keith recommends checking out Domus, Hortbiz and Frenchams. Take a look at their range.
Thank you for your great questions again!
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
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Episode Notes
Elisabeth and Keith share the benefits of Native plants and share their top 10 (or so) Australian Natives for the Garden.
Recommended Native Ground Covers:Casuarina glauca – common name, Cousin It.Chrysocephalum apiculatum - common name Everlasting or Yellow Buttons.Xerochrysum ‘Sundaze White’ commonly known as the Everlasting Daisy.
Recommended Native Grasses:Poa labillardierei - Common Tussock GrassPennisetum alopecuroides **– not recommended by Keith!
Recommended Native Climber*Hardenbergia violacea* – common name Happy Wanderer or Native Sarsparilla.**
Recommended Native Shrub:Philotheca ‘Flower Girl’ commonly known as waxflower (Geraldtown Wax).Westringia fruticose (Aussie Box) PBR License by Ozbreed.Callistemon ‘Hot Pink’ commonly known as BottlebrushStenocarpus sinuatus**, common name Firewheel tree.
Recently released Grevillea ‘Peaches and Cream’*.Telopea speciosissima, commonly known as the WaratahCeratopetalum gummiferum , commonly known as The NSW Christmas Bush.*
Recommended Native Trees:Macadamia integrifolia – common name, the Queensland Nut.Corymbia Ficifolia – commonly known as Flowering Gum.Eucalyptus caesia, known as Silver Princess.
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
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Special guest Chris England from Merrywood joins Elisabeth and Keith to talk about Espalier plants.
Will Elisabeth finally learn how to pronounce the word ESPALIER? uh·spae·lee·uh
Chris demystifies the ancient technique of the espaliering trees and uncovers the benefits for the home gardener.
Did you know citrus, fruit and ornamental plants are all suited to espaliering?
Hear the benefits of this technique and some tips for the home gardener who might like to try espaliering themselves. What needs to be considered and how long might it take? Candelabra, palmette, horizontal cordon and fan-shaped - learn why different shapes suit different plants!
Learn more about pest management including treating gall wasps, citrus leafminer, codling moth
Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!
Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/
Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook
Only 2 days of Winter left. What are Keith & Elisabeth’s recommendations for early Spring gardening?
Clean up tools with Lanox & oil handles
Add compost. If you don’t have your own, try Clyde's Compost
Weed, feed and mulch
Prune your perennials & ornamental grasses
Use a soil thermometer to check for optimum planting time
Divide and replant perennials
Treat fruit trees as required eg. Leaf curl on peaches/nectarines with Kocide and Shot leaf on apricots with a lime sulphur product
Trim back citrus trees without cutting off flowers
Use the moon calendar to time the cutting back of your hedges
Don’t remove spent leaves of bulbs. These are important for next year’s flowers
Check the soil temperatures for optimum planting times
Look to buy and planting bare-rooted trees. Prepare your soil with Rooster Booster, Charlie Carp, Power Feed. Avoid granular fertilisers! Neutrog Gyganics is a good choice for citrus.
Fertilise Kikuyu, Couch or Buffalo lawn with Rooster Booster, aerate with broad fork (we recommend F.D Ryan's), leave for 2 weeks, then mow on lowest setting
Treat for pests such as Citrus Leaf Miner, Citrus Scale, earwigs, white flies, aphids, Red Spider Mite with ECO Neem and treat Black Spot on roses with Lime Sulphur
Plant strawberry runners
Q&A August 22, 2023
Check out this week’s Q&A and learn who will win the prize, donated by The Plant Runner at https://theplantrunner.com/
In this week’s Q&A we learn that:
- The Jacaranda is actually an evergreen tree
- There's no need to add worms to a wicking bed
- Plant Feijoa “Duffy” with another pollinating variety such as Apollo, Mammoth or Nazematze
- Kocide or lime sulphur are an easier choice than old fashioned Bordeaux spray for fruit trees
- Possums and rats can feast on daffodils – who knew?
- Seaside Daisy – try, test and learn for suitability in areas with kangaroos and rabbits
- Planning to scale is the key to a well designed garden
- Pampas Grass – definitely NOT a favourite for Keith! Choose a hybridised grass instead!
Keith recommends:
Whoflungdung mulch - https://neutrog.com.au/2019/08/20/whoflungdung/
Daley’s Fruit Tree Nursery - https://www.daleysfruit.com.au/
Shepherd’s Nursery Balnarring
Miscanthus sinensis hybridised forms such as “Flamingo” or “Kleine Fontaine”
Check out https://www.thehighline.org/gardens/ designed by Piet Oudolf
Join us as Keith unloads his gardening pet peeves, venting about dodgy products, design flaws, and the little things that drive him crazy in the world of gardening.
In this episode, we explore the exciting 2023 trends in garden design, discussing their emergence and practicality for incorporating them into our own gardens.
In this episode, join the Muddy Boots team as Keith as he shares his 2023 gardening highlights, reflections, and designs, offering inspiration and insights from his green-filled year so far
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Special Guests. Meeting the team from F.D Ryan Tools. Elisabeth and Keith speak with Matt King to understand how theymake tools of strength, function and beauty, using the materials and techniques of a bygone era.
After listening, be sure to visit their website - https://www.fdryan.com/
Today we discuss how to transform your garden into a winter wonderland full of colour, interest and form.
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
What's a wicking bed? Today we explore all there is to know about wicking beds. They are becoming more common but do you know enough about them to maximise the benefits of having one?
We invite home gardeners from our Neighbourhood into the studio to seek some gardening and design advice.
With winter on our doorsteps, there is plenty of work to be done in garden. Join us as we talk through what needs to done, when, where why and how!
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Special Guests. Meeting the team from Tuerong Farm. Elisabeth and Keith speak with Jason Cotter to understand what is involved in growing, milling and baking ancient and modern grains.
This episode, Elisabeth and Keith provide invaluable insights into all things lavender. From understanding the importance of well-drained soil and ample sunlight to identifying the best locations for successful cultivation, we'll unveil the secrets to nurturing thriving lavender plants.
We invite home gardeners from our Neighbourhood into the studio to seek some gardening and design advice.
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
We invite home gardeners from our Neighbourhood into the studio to seek some gardening and design advice.
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
This week we learn about all the different types of plans that survive and thrive on neglect. These bullet proof species will be a terrific edition to anyone looking for some low maintenance planting and gardening ideas.
Special Guests. Meeting the team from Morningside Landscape. Elisabeth and Keith speak with Matt Phillips to about what is involved in the business of landscaping.
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Special Guests. Meeting the team from The Plant Runner. This week we sit down with Dom Hooghuis to talk plant health and learn more about one of our biggest supporters here at Muddy Boots - The Plant Runner.
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
How you can save the planet in your backyard, bringing CO2 down to earth, where it should be .
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Shepherd's guest - Phil….This week we meet Phil from Shepherd's Nursery, a fifth generation fruit tree specialist.
Our monthly Question and Answer segment. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one.
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Gardening Hazards and Safety in the Garden. Taking appropriate measures when working in the garden.
Munash guest - Rebecca….This week we meet Rebecca from Munash Organics and hear some words of wisdom on this Mineral fertiliser.
For more information about Munash - https://www.munashorganics.com.au
Spring/Summer jobs in the edible garden.Plenty to do this time of year in our edible gardens!
Our monthly Q&A. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one!
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Our monthly Q&A. Answering our listeners questions and awarding a prize from The Plant Runner for the person who we thought asked the best one!
Many thanks to our segment sponsor 'The Plant Runner', we love these products and are thrilled to have them on board! Check them out: www.theplantrunner.com
Plants reproduce in a very similar fashion to most other inhabitants on our planet, so how does this work?
Nature Strip planting. Lets explore how rewarding your verge can be, removing the grass and planting lots of different things.
Potatoes. The fourth most important staple food in the world. Growing your own is simple and rewarding and incredibly healthy for you.
Camelias are that wonderful groups of plants that flower during the Autumn, Winter and Spring, at a time when most plants are dormant. Add colour to your garden.
There are a lot of gardening jobs to do during Autumn that will have a significant impact on the health and productivity of your garden for the growing months ahead.
Everything you need to know about growing your own garlic and why its important to do so.
Hydrangeas. There’s a lot more to hydrangeas, the different varieties and how to look after them.
Summer Heat. How can you get the best out of your garden with these long, hot and dry days.
Permaculture is, Permanent Gardening.
It is a way of working with the natural sources of wind, water and the sun.
Companion Planting.
Plants can attract beneficial insects, pollinators, deter pests, and, be insect repellents.
Myths, here we will debunk the most asked/believed in the garden today, you just might be surprised at some of the answers.
Tomatoes, why are they the most grown by the general public, of all our fruit and vegetables, and how can you grow the tastiest, healthiest version in your own backyard?
This is the ancient practice of controlling a plant's growth for the production of fruit. By pruning and tying branches to a frame or wires up against a structure such as a wall or a fence.
Every gardener needs good quality tools to make their time in the garden productive, effective, and enjoyable. Here are some of our favorites, by style and brand.
An effective way to water all your plants and lawns. Here we discuss the various types and methods to deliver water into your garden.
Pet-friendly plants for indoors and outdoors. Creating spaces that your pets can enjoy all year round.
A must for all gardens, as it does so many jobs, from keeping the soil moist, smothering weeds, protecting soil fauna and flora, and stopping erosion. And there are probably some mulch types you didn’t know you could use.
They give a garden ‘Structure’, a most important design component, but they can also be a living fence, and, home to a variety of lifeforms. They can be left in a natural way, or shaped and formed to add interest to a garden all year round.
There are some plants that you just don’t want to have in your garden, as they can take over, smother and dominate your valued specimens. We will discuss a range of these unsuited plants.
No matter where you live, the likelihood is, you can have a vegetable patch. Here are some ideas and some tips to get yourself growing.
Most people have them, but not all of you know how to look after them. Lawns are great for playing on, lying on, chasing the dog on, and, they are great for the environment.
Pruning puts us in control of a plant’s growth habits. This applies to all forms of trees and shrubs, allowing them to fit into their landscape, in our gardens.
The gravitational pull of the moon influences water on the Earth, evidenced by the tides we experience every day being the most obvious example of this. Gardening becomes easier, and more rewarding, by following these phases during the moon’s monthly cycles.
Testing out Keith's garden consulting skills in a podcast, for a testing spot in Elisabeth Garden Girl's own garden.
Drought tolerant gardens. There are plants that, once established, are drought tolerant, however, there are ways of creating conditions for making your plants and garden less reliant on water.
A must for your plants. Successful growing of vegetables, fruit or just having a pest free healthy garden, fertiliser comes in so many different forms.
Capable of adding further dimensions to the way your food tastes. Easily grown in the garden, but also grow well in pots or planters.
I liken a seed to a USB. It’s full of information that requires the right conditions for it to perform. It needs to be plugged into a port and linked with software to open up the encrypted information it contains. A seed, packed full of genetic information, requires the right conditions to turn it on. Contact with soil, moisture and, once opened, access to sunlight. Some of the stored information is centuries old, collated to grow the seed true to type.