Organic Garden Dream Board

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Kale, Lettuce, Salad, Organic, Food
Kale was one of my preoccupations in 2009

This feed on organic gardening should keep me in sweet dreams all winter until it's time to put in the seedlings here on Vancouver Island in the Spring...

And so I wrote (above) in November, 2009.  Apparently the Aussie Organic Gardening site is no more (in 2026).   Update:

Aussie organic gardening—also deeply rooted in the nation's world-famous permaculture movement—is all about working with the unique local climate. Key practices include building rich soil, conserving water, and choosing drought-tolerant native plants or adapted heirloom veggies to naturally support biodiversity. 
Key Organic & Permaculture Principles
  • Earth Care: Focuses on regenerating the soil, avoiding synthetic pesticides, and growing your own food to minimize your carbon footprint.
  • Zone Planning: A classic Australian permaculture approach. Group high-maintenance, frequently picked veggies (like herbs and leafy greens) near the house, while placing fruit trees and native "bush tucker" in outer zones.
  • Water Conservation: Due to Australia's harsh summers, soil moisture is critical. Incorporate ollas (porous terracotta vessels) or drip systems, and always protect the soil with thick, organic mulch. 
Top Tips for the Australian Climate
  • Composting & "Chop and Drop": Ameliorate the soil using compost and animal manures instead of synthetic fertilizers. Instead of removing spent crops or weeds, chop them at the base and leave them on the soil to break down naturally.
  • No-Till Gardening: Avoid digging up your beds. Simply layer new compost and organic mulches on top to encourage worm activity and preserve the soil's natural fungal networks.
  • Companion Planting & Pest Management: Ditch the chemical sprays. Plant companion species—such as marigolds, sweet alyssum, or local Australian daisies—to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and pollinators. 
Dig deeper if you want: here are the resource links to the above article about Aussie organic gardening/permaculture:

1. https://permacultureprinciples.com/
2. youtube.com/watch?v=0Vabc7IxpV0&t=7
3, https://www.abc.net.au/gardening
4, https://nasaaorganic.org.au/organic-gardening/

*Update thanks to Germini a.i. research and editing.
🥤 Article and photos © 2026 Cynthia Zirkwitz | Organic Granny
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Nourishing life with integrity, simplicity, and compassion at Organic Granny.

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