July Seedy Sunday - Winter Garden Activities

The next 'Seedy Sunday' will be on 6 July from 10.30am - 12.00pm. 

With cooler weather finally here, there are so many delicious crops we can be growing.

We'll be discussing:

• a variety of crops that enjoy winter temperatures. 
• ways to protect your vegetable garden from frost.
• growing fruit trees from seed.
• activities you can plan for over the next couple of months before spring. 

This is a time of year many of us prune deciduous trees while they are dormant. We'll talk about some of the ways to reuse prunings, fallen leaves, bark and other free organic matter to build a healthy soil. We'd love to hear your recycling ideas and tips too!

If you have some spare cuttings, seeds, surplus produce, questions or ideas to share please bring these along. We had an enjoyable meeting last month with everyone going home with freebies to plant or eat from other member's gardens.   

We love new faces so bring a friend or neighbour - perhaps someone who'd like some company or needs a little support in their garden. Our group welcomes beginners, visitors and people new to our community area. We also sow seeds of friendship when we are together.

Activities for July

According to the moon calendar, we are now starting a cycle of prolific growth for above ground plants continuing through until 10 July - the ideal time to get stuck into Winter planting. Beans, peas, brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard and kale), leafy greens (like spinach, chard, rocket and lettuce) + many other vegies grow well at this time of year.

Watch out for white cabbage butterflies (both large & small) that love the brassica family. They lay eggs on the underside of leaves so do a regular check before they hatch and do too much damage.

Read this article if you need help with identifying caterpillars attacking your plants - there are some helpful resources to help you work out the pests from the beneficial insects.

Do you need some ideas for organic solutions to get these naughty ladies under control in your garden? Cabbage white butterflies are awesome mothers and love big families - which means it can be the battle of Caterpillars vs Your Vegetables. Find out 13 ways to work with nature for more produce on your plate and sneaky integrated pest management strategies to try.

Large White Cabbage Butterfly caterpillars
Photo: www.loosha.nl - ginny@loosha.nl

QLD Garden Expo

The annual Queensland Garden Expo is on again this month from Friday 11 - Sunday 13 July at the Nambour Showgrounds. As always, it's a great place to learn with many free lectures and demonstrations on growing and cooking food crops, gardening, pruning, fruit trees and much more. You can find the programs for the 3 days on their website.

Our favourite place of course is the Giant Kitchen Garden - there's always an interesting display with many speakers sharing their passion on topics to help you learn and grow a productive food garden. This year I'll be speaking on the Sunday at 1.15pm on Micro Gardening: How to Intensively 'Farm' in Containers - Techniques for highly productive crops in pots. I'm looking forward to sharing many tips from my experiences in our climate.

What to Plant in July

Check out these guides for tips and planting guides:

Gardenate - Subtropical zone.

ABC Vegie Gardening Guide.

Aussie Organic Gardening.

This month's Seed Savers Meeting

We meet at Sweethearts Cafe who offer us a large space to get together for free (saving us a hall hire fee so no cost to you) but as a business are in effect hiring out that area to us for a couple of hours.

So as a courtesy please remember to at the very least order a tea/coffee or a yummy meal, to support the cafe. They have a delicious local and organic menu. Visit their website for more info @ http://www.sweetheartscafe.com.au/aboutus.html.

Venue: 2 Anzac Street (cnr Rosebed Street), Eudlo.

FREE to attend so bring a friend and carpool! Hope to see you soon.

By Anne Gibson

June Seedy Sunday - Winter Planting

The next 'Seedy Sunday' will be on 1 June from 10.30am - 12.00pm. 

We'll be talking about Safe Seeds given the outcome in the landmark court case in Western Australia this week and how to protect our seed bank from GM contamination. We will also chat about winter crops to grow now. 

Bring a friend or neighbour, seeds/plant material to share or just come along to meet like-minded locals.

Activities for June

According to the moon calendar, there is an 11 day cycle of prolific growth for above ground plants starting 29 May - a good time to get stuck into Winter planting. Beans, peas, brassicas (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard and kale), leafy greens (like spinach, chard, rocket and lettuce) + many other vegies grow well at this time of year.

Rainbow chard

If you have cuttings to spare, please wrap the stems in some wet newspaper or paper towel to keep them fresh for longer.

What to Plant in June

Check out these guides for other ideas/tips:

Gardenate - Subtropical zone.

ABC Vegie Gardening Guide.

Aussie Organic Gardening.

This month's Seed Savers Meeting

We meet at Sweethearts Cafe who offer us a large space to get together for free (saving us a hall hire fee so no cost to you) but as a business are in effect hiring out that area to us for a couple of hours.

So as a courtesy please remember to at the very least order a tea/coffee or a yummy meal, to support the cafe. They have a delicious local and organic menu. Visit their website for more info @ http://www.sweetheartscafe.com.au/aboutus.html.

Venue: 2 Anzac Street (cnr Rosebed Street), Eudlo.

FREE to attend so bring a friend and carpool! Hope to see you soon.

By Anne Gibson

Outcome of GM Case to Affect Food Safety

As a seed saver and food grower, you are likely worried about the effects of genetically modified crops on your health and the environment. GM is a major threat to food safety world wide and should be of major concern to everyone interested in eating and growing safe food.

The long awaited outcome of the landmark GM Case with Steve Marsh in Western Australia was announced on Wednesday 28 May, 2014. The Guardian summarises the outcome in their article.

This is a brief video with the background on this case:

There is also an interesting article on the history of how the contamination occurred and some of the issues from both sides via Steve Marsh and the Bad Seeds.

True Food Network reports on the impact we will all feel in the safety of our future food system:

GM Farmer's Win is a Loss for all Organic and Non GM Farmers

"Today we are deeply disappointed to inform you that Steve Marsh lost his case to stop GM canola coming on to his farm. The future of organic and non GM food in Australia is uncertain after a WA farmer today lost his legal battle with a neighbouring farmer.

Steve Marsh lost organic certification on his Kojonup farm - and most of his livelihood - when his farm was contaminated by GM canola. He sued his neighbour in the WA Supreme Court for his losses, and to protect his farm into the future.

The court in its summary and judgment stated the decision by NASAA (National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia) to decertify Steve was erroneous. Given the extent of the contamination of Steve's farm we fail to see how NASAA could have taken any other decision. Certainly 100% of organic consumers would support the NASAA decision.

Because the court did not recognise the NASAA decertification, the court did not recognise the economic loss Steve suffered, and dismissed the case that Steve had brought for negligence and nuisance.

Scott Kinnear, director of the Safe Food Foundation, says he is very disappointed and gravely concerned for Steve Marsh and his family and their farm and for the future of organic and non GM food in Australia remaining GM free.

"This is a huge setback for organic and Non GM farmers and their choice to remain GM Free."

"This has been an important test case, of interest to many parties, locally and globally.

"If Steve on legal advice chooses to take this case further, the Safe Food Foundation will continue to work to legally protect the rights of Australian consumers to buy organic produce free of GM."

"We also call on our legislators to work on finding a solution to this vexed issue. State and Federal governments have continuously stated that the solution to any GM contamination events is common law. This has clearly failed today and demonstrates that the law has not kept up with new technologies such as GM."

"We thank Steve Marsh who has risked his farm to make a stand for all of us, a move that demonstrated his courage, tenacity and integrity."

Mr Kinnear also thanked Slater & Gordon and the many people and businesses in more than 30 countries who contributed amounts large and small to this landmark case, but warned them that the battle may not be over.

You can follow the story and support Steve via Safe Food Foundation.

While law firm Slater & Gordon donated its legal services, other costs were provided through a unique crowd-sourced funding campaign organised by the Safe Food Foundation.

Prospects of an Appeal: Steve's lawyers will study the judgment and advise Steve of his legal options. We will get back to you if Steve decides to appeal.

Your support to assist us to repay the last of our loans is gratefully appreciated so that we can leap into action to further support Steve if the need arises."

The Safe Food Foundation has a lot of information online about GM and you may find it worth spending time to learn more. Here are some of their resources:

• Research articles and papers on GM
• Links to other anti-GM organisations
• Other Cases of GM Contamination in Australia
• Open Earth Source 'GMO Myths & Truths' - an evidence-based examination of the claims made for the safety and efficacy of genetically modified crops

What can you do?

• Saving and sourcing GM free seed has never been more important than now. Continue to share this information and be diligent about the exact source of the seed you buy and grow in your garden.

• Ensure you ask questions from suppliers and that especially includes buying seedlings from nurseries and retailers who may be selling GM seed raised crops. Even if you raise seedlings organically, you could still be inadvertently contaminating your garden with GM crops.

• There are many local certified organic seed sources - make sure you support these businesses and suppliers so you grow safe food and protect the integrity of our seed bank. This is a constantly updated list of seed suppliers you can refer to and share to buy safe seed.

• Visit True Food Network's list of resources and update yourself on the latest information and ways you can become more informed in your daily decisions.

May Seedy Sunday

The next 'Seedy Sunday' will be on 4 May from 10.30am - 12.00pm. 

It's also International Permaculture Day so no doubt plenty of discussion around this topic too. This year’s theme is: Reclaiming Food Freedom!

Everywhere new laws are being passed, supposedly for our benefit, which limit our right to healthy, nutritious food; from raw milk bans, to hidden GMOs, to the criminalising of seed saving. 

Bring a friend or neighbour, seeds/plant material to share or just come along to meet like-minded locals.

Activities for May

According to the moon calendar, there is an 11 day cycle of prolific growth for above ground plants from 3rd - 13th May - a good time to get stuck into Autumn planting.

Check which herbs or other plants in your garden may be ready for a prune back into shape. Take cuttings during this period for greater success.

Hardy herbs like Mother of Herbs (Five Spice Herb); peppermint, rose and citronella geraniums (all handy pest repellent herbs); rosemary, thyme and oregano all strike easily from cuttings.

Mother of Herbs - has a hairy stem & strikes easily in water or soil.

If you have cuttings to spare, please wrap the stems in some wet newspaper or paper towel to keep them fresh for longer.

Lettuces, leafy greens like chard, rocket, sorrel and spinach; brassicas (like cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage); leeks; beans and garlic can all be planted now.

Don't forget about sowing your pea seeds. Here's a tutorial to help you get started growing peas.

Beginners, people new to the area and long distance visitors are all welcome.

What to Plant in May

Check out these guides for other ideas/tips:

Gardenate - Subtropical zone.

ABC Vegie Gardening Guide.

Aussie Organic Gardening.

This month's Seed Savers Meeting

We meet at Sweethearts Cafe who offer us a large space to get together for free (saving us a hall hire fee so no cost to you) but as a business are in effect hiring out that area to us for a couple of hours.

So as a courtesy please remember to at the very least order a tea/coffee or a yummy meal, to support the cafe. They have a delicious local and organic menu. Visit their website for more info @ http://www.sweetheartscafe.com.au/aboutus.html.

Venue: 2 Anzac Street (cnr Rosebed Street), Eudlo.

FREE to attend so bring a friend and carpool! Hope to see you soon.

By Anne Gibson

April Seedy Sunday

The next 'Seedy Sunday' will be on 6 April from 10.30am - 12.00pm.

Bring a friend or neighbour, seeds/plant material to share or just come along to meet like-minded locals.

After the recent rain, check your garden for any edible or kitchen garden plants that need a prune back into shape. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano and many others all benefit from regular 'haircuts' to keep them growing more leaves.

If you have cuttings to spare, please bring them along to swap. Please wrap the stems in some wet newspaper or paper towel to keep them fresh for longer.

Chives can be divided or their seed heads snipped and saved.

Watch out for citrus leaf miner on your fruit trees. Remove any affected leaves and fertilise your trees now with seaweed to boost the trace elements. A foliar spray under the leaves in the morning is ideal.

As usual, at our meeting we'll be discussing what to grow in your garden right now - the challenges and successes plus sharing seeds from our seed bank.

Beginners, people new to the area and long distance visitors are all welcome.

What to Plant in April

Greenharvest have some recommendations for what to plant at this time of year:

In frost-free areas: 

Beans, capsicum, cape gooseberries, cucumbers, eggplant, melon, pumpkin, okra,zucchini and tomatoes can be planted until the end of April. Brussels sprouts take at least 4 months to mature so have to be planted now.

After mid-March plant seed or seedlings of:

Broccoli, kale and collards, mustard,cabbage, cauliflower, parsley, rocket, spinach, silverbeet, beetroot, Florence fennel, the onion family (early and mid-season onions, shallots, spring onions, leek, garlic), celery, coriander, mizuna, tatsoi. Plant carrots,radish, parsnips, kohl rabi and turnips from seed only, root vegetables should not be transplanted.

Potatoes can be planted into well-mulched beds, only use certified seed potatoes to avoid introducing damaging virus diseases to your garden. Strawberries can be planted from March to the end of April. Late March to mid-April is the best time in warmer areas to plant spring flower seedlings of lobelia, dianthus, stock, viola, cornflower, alyssum, pansy, clarkia, nemesia, phlox, lupin, primula, statice, verbena, poppy, nigella, snapdragon and calendula. Sweet peas are a delightful, easy to grow, fragrant flower that can be planted until the end of April. Soak the seeds in hot water and leave them overnight to improve germination. Check the soil pH and lime if necessary, as they dislike acid soil.

Check out these guides for other ideas/tips:

Gardenate - Subtropical zone.

ABC Vegie Gardening Guide.

Aussie Organic Gardening.

This month's Seed Savers Meeting

We meet at Sweethearts Cafe who offer us a large space to get together for free (saving us a hall hire fee so no cost to you) but as a business are in effect hiring out that area to us for a couple of hours.

So as a courtesy please remember to at the very least order a tea/coffee or a yummy meal, to support the cafe. They have a delicious local and organic menu. Visit their website for more info @ http://www.sweetheartscafe.com.au/aboutus.html.

Venue: 2 Anzac Street (cnr Rosebed Street), Eudlo.

FREE to attend so bring a friend and carpool! Hope to see you soon.

By Anne Gibson

Hot Dry Weather = More Seeds to Save

Our first Seedy Sunday meeting for 2014 is Sunday 2 February from 8.30am to 10.30am - bring a friend, seeds/plant material to share or just come along to meet like-minded locals.

Basil seeds can be harvested now - wait till brown and dry

2014 has started with hot summer temperatures and not as much rain as we would all like here in SE QLD. Many gardeners put down the tools, mulch well and turn to container gardens for essential herbs and vegies during these conditions ... waiting for rain and more moderate temps to return before starting autumn planting.

Still, summer affords us a bounty of many edible species putting on growth and going to seed. A great time for seed savers to collect, process and save for future planting.

So if vegies and herbs are bolting to flower and seed, grab your scissors, pen and a paper bag and become a treasure hunter in your garden to collect a bounty while available!

This month's Seed Savers Meeting

We meet at Sweethearts Cafe who offer us a large space to get together for free (saving us a hall hire fee so no cost to you) but as a business are in effect hiring out that area to us for a couple of hours.

So as a courtesy please remember to at the very least order a tea/coffee or a yummy breakfast, to support the cafe. They have a delicious local and organic menu. Visit their website for more info @ http://www.sweetheartscafe.com.au/aboutus.html.

Venue: 2 Anzac Street (cnr Rosebed Street), Eudlo.

FREE to attend so bring a friend and carpool! Hope to see you soon.

By Anne Gibson

December Seedy Sunday - Seed, Plant & Crop Swap

The last 'Seedy Sunday' for 2013 will be on 1 December from 8.30am - 10.30am. We take a break in January and meet again on Sunday 2 February - same time, same place.

In the spirit of giving at this time of year, the idea this month is to celebrate the friendships we've made and share or swap something from our gardens with each other.  We'll also chat about surviving summer in the sub-tropics. What can we grow easily despite the heat, wet, storms, hail and greedy grasshoppers? Have a think about your summer garden and share your experiences - this is sure to prove enlightening, entertaining and helpful!

Come along for a fun social morning and bring something to share – here are some ideas:

• a bunch of herbs or surplus produce 
• a friend or neighbour!
• a tip, design idea, technique, plant, recipe, book, website, course, business or resource you’ve found helpful (jot it down on a piece of paper)
• some seeds or a few cuttings that are growing well in your garden (there must be a herb or plant that needs a haircut right?!)

• photos of your garden to inspire us 
• your garden journal, Permaculture design or site map for your property
• a bulb or seedling
• a quick demo or plant profile on something you love growing
• a local supplier where you source your garden needs 
• something that has inspired you (e.g. you may have joined a community garden or been involved in a project that helped you learn)
• Or think up something else you'd like to share! 

NOTE: If bringing something fresh like herbs or cuttings, please wrap the stems in some wet newspaper or paper towel.

If you’re new, just come and tell us about your garden – we enjoy listening to what others are doing or plan to do. It’s a great way for everyone to learn, grow their garden for free, meet your neighbours or network and connect with like-minded members in the community – we’ve formed some wonderful friendships this way. If the weather is kind and not wet or humid, we’ll process more seeds to share/swap.

As usual, at our meeting we'll be discussing what to grow in your garden right now - the challenges and successes plus sharing seeds from our seed bank.

Beginners, people new to the area and long distance visitors are all welcome.

What to Plant in December

While we all have different microclimates in our gardens, there are always some general guidelines on what we can plant during this time of year. Basil, climbing and dwarf beans,  beetroot, capsicum, chives, chillis, cucumber, ginger, lettuce, mustard greens, pumpkin, radish, melons, silverbeet, zucchini, tomato and corn are just some of the edibles good to plant now.

Check out these guides for other ideas/tips:

Gardenate - Subtropical zone.

ABC Vegie Gardening Guide.

Aussie Organic Gardening.

This month's Seed Savers Meeting

We meet at Sweethearts Cafe who offer us a large space to get together for free (saving us a hall hire fee so no cost to you) but as a business are in effect hiring out that area to us for a couple of hours.

So as a courtesy please remember to at the very least order a tea/coffee or a yummy breakfast, to support the cafe. They have a delicious local and organic menu. Visit their website for more info @ http://www.sweetheartscafe.com.au/aboutus.html.

Venue: 2 Anzac Street (cnr Rosebed Street), Eudlo.

FREE to attend so bring a friend and carpool! Hope to see you soon.

By Anne Gibson

November Permaculture Noosa Seed Savers Meeting

If you'd like to visit and support our sister seed saving group at their next meeting, here are the details.

DATE:           Thursday, 14th November 2013 from 9:30am to 11:30am

PLACE:         "A touch of the Past" Coffee Shop 18 Reserve St, Pomona

TOPIC:          Water and Rainfall Variability 

We all know that water is essential to the growth of plants. Many vegies need a lot of it. Yet at this time of year we may have to struggle through weeks of no rain. Then when summer comes we may instead have to deal with waterlogged garden beds. The discussion will address these challenges.

Permaculture Noosa’s Seed Savers Group is meeting as usual on the morning of the second Thursday of the month to process and package seeds for their seed bank. The seeds in the seed bank are not retained long term, but instead sold cheaply to members of the Sunshine Coast community to ensure the circulation of crops suitable for our region.

They welcome anyone who has an interest in seed saving.

The processing and packaging tasks are so simple that even those with no experience can participate. While the group works, they chat about their gardens and have a discussion about a specific, relevant topic. This month they are taking up a topic that has proved only too relevant in recent years – how to deal with highly variable rainfall.

Want more info? Email Maria at seedsavers@permaculturenoosa.com.au or visit 

www.permaculturenoosa.com.au.