Recently I had a visitor ask me about how I managed weeds if I didn’t use chemicals. Since we purchased our property 6 years ago, I have been passionate about demonstrating how it is possible to control weeds without chemicals and I figure if we can do it on three acres, it is possible to […]
Weed Control Without Chemicals Read More »
These sap-sucking insects are black and red or black and orange and while a few don’t hurt, they can cause damage when they are in great numbers. They can cause new growth to wilt and die when they suck a plant’s sap. They can also suck the sap of fruit such as tomatoes and cause
Why mulch your garden? The main reasons we mulch are: 1. Keep moisture in the soil. More specifically it can reduce the loss of water by surface evaporation by 70%.2. Smother or at least suppress existing weeds. Not only do weeds look unsightly, they compete with your plants for moisture nutrients, space and light, and
Mulch Why? What Myths & Tips Read More »
Elm leaf beetle Whilst this pest is not a problem at Sophie’s Patch, I see people all over struggling with it and I feel I want to help point out the options available to control or at least manage it. You may not have this problem in your garden, however you may struggle with another
While most gardeners set them up slightly differently to each other, here is my simple step by step guide on how to build one. 1. Choose a site – ideally level and sunny, suitable for growing vegetables. 2. Build a vegetable bed. While most people use wooden sides, you can use an existing bricked or
Building a Wicking Bed Read More »
I admit I am addicted to building wicking beds. I really do love them and if I could start my vegie garden over again, I would probably make the whole thing from wicking beds. I think they are the perfect way to grow vegies in our hot, summer dry climate as the vegies take the
Wicking bed trouble shooting Read More »
There are two main groups when it comes to climbing roses – those that only flower once in spring and those that repeat flower from spring till autumn. Spring flowering roses Spring-flowering roses include old-fashioned favourites such as Dorothy Perkins, Albertine and the banksia rose. These are not pruned now, but rather after they finish
Pruning Climbing Roses Read More »