Muddy Boots

Brought to you by The Plant Runner , Keith and Elizabeth answer listener questions on phosphorus levels in wool-industry by-products, fast-growing screening plants, alkaline compost readings, camellias struggling in pots, vegetable garden design, moving Hardenbergia, sooty mould and cat-contaminated garden beds. The episode focuses on practical ways to choose plants, improve soil, manage pests and diseases, and design a productive, low-maintenance garden. Plants recommended in episode Grevillea spp - Take extra care with phosphorus levels, as grevilleas can be more phosphorus-sensitive than many other Australian natives. Banksia spp - Another group to monitor when using products containing phosphorus. -Syzygium australe ‘Straight and Narrow’ Recommended for dense screening; plant approximately 1.2 metres apart -Escallonia ‘Iveyi’ - A non-native screening option with dark green foliage; plant approximately 1.2 metres apart. - Viburnum odoratissimum - Suggested where a taller, wider screening plant is required; plant approximately 1.5 metres apart - Cupressus ‘Arctic Green’ - Recommended for a tall, dense screen; plant approximately 2.2 metres apart. - Camellia japonica- Planting in the ground is preferred to growing in pots in hot conditions. - Espaliered fruit trees - Suggested for lining a redesigned vegetable garden. - Pumpkins, cucumbers, zucchinis and melons - Recommended for growing over tunnels or archways between raised beds. - Hardenbergia - Can be moved with care; prune it back by approximately one-third, retain as large a root ball as possible and replant promptly. Products and gardening materials MycoGold Weed Gunnel Clyde's Compost Munash Rock Dust ECO Neem Eco Oil Neutrog Popul8 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

This episode is a practical guide to growing herbs at home, whether you have a backyard, balcony, or sunny windowsill. Elizabeth and Keith discuss the easiest herbs to start with, where different herbs grow best and how to keep plants productive through regular harvesting. They also cover perennial and less familiar herbs, herbs that attract bees and beneficial insects, growing basil and coriander indoors, preserving herbs by drying, and using fresh herbs in cooking. Herbs can be rewarding, useful, and adaptable—provided each plant is matched with the right light, drainage, moisture, and space. Expert Recommendations — Plants • Rosemary • Oregano • Sage • Mint — grow in pots because it can spread aggressively in the ground • Thyme • Marjoram • Common mint • Chives — divide established plants when necessary and remove old bulbs • Lemongrass • Chinese chives • Vietnamese mint • Spearmint • Peppermint • Basil • Coriander • Slow-bolt coriander • Chervil • Saltbush • Lemon myrtle • Tasmanian pepperberry • Aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum) • Borage • Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis) • Heartsease • Goldenrod • Elderberry • Nettles • Mullein • Slippery elm • Red rose petals • Burdock root • Gotu kola Also mentioned in this episode: Diggers Club Morningside Landscapes Mudbrick Herb Cottage Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

September marks the garden’s transition into Spring across much of Australia. Elizabeth and Keith discuss how to prepare gardens for the growing season, including planting, soil preparation, pruning, feeding, lawn care, dividing plants, and attracting beneficial insects. The episode focuses on practical jobs gardeners can tackle now to encourage healthy growth and prepare for productive Summer crops and colourful spring displays. Plants mentioned in episode: • Evergreen trees and shrubs, including camellias • Peas • Beans • Berry canes • Potatoes • Dahlias • Horseradish • Artichokes • Lily bulbs • Ginger • Galangal • Turmeric • Violas • Marigolds • Alyssum • Nasturtiums • Borage • Comfrey • Summer-flowering bulbs • Ornamental alliums • Crocosmia • Monarda • Bottlebrush • Grevilleas • Hakeas • Banksias • Camellias • Apple trees • Pear trees Product and Tool Recommendations MycoGold Clyde's Compost Neutrog Gogo Juice Neutrog “Who Flung Dung” Munash Rock Dust Green Harvest F.D Ryan's Broadfork Neutrog Sudden Impact for Lawns Rooster Booster EE Sea Liquid Fertliser Charlie Carp Power Feed Moon calendar Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

Cheryl’s chat with the Muddy Boots crew is really a story about shock, survival, and slowly finding your feet again. She talks through the chaos of the Ruffy bushfires — the scrambled updates, the awful wait to hear what had happened, and the surreal moment of returning to a completely blackened landscape with only her little house still standing. It’s emotional, but she tells it with such honesty that you can almost feel what those days were like. From there, the episode becomes a gentle, hopeful look at how gardening helps people heal. Cheryl explains how she started clearing ash, watering anything that looked vaguely alive, and reconnecting with neighbours who were all trying to rebuild in their own way. When Keith organised donations of compost and soil products, it wasn’t just practical help — it gave the whole community a lift. By the end, you really get the sense that growing even a few veggies or seeing a tree reshoot can be the first step back toward feeling normal 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

Another Q&A packed with practical gardening advice, from curl grubs and sick olive trees to thrips, blueberries, wicking beds, Boston Ivy and growing your own passionfruit. 🌿 Plants Mentioned Vegetables & fruit Tomato — Solanum lycopersicum Cauliflower — Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Blueberry — Vaccinium spp. Lime — Citrus × aurantiifolia Lemon — Citrus × limon Black Passionfruit — Passiflora edulis Ornamentals & natives Olive — Olea europaea Lavender — Lavandula spp. Rosemary — Salvia rosmarinus Ornamental Pear — Pyrus calleryana Snow Maiden Grevillea — Grevillea 'Snow Maiden' Crepe Myrtle — Lagerstroemia spp. Banksia — Banksia spp. Boston Ivy — Parthenocissus tricuspidata Climbing Fig — Ficus pumila Plants mentioned as companion/mulch options Pea Straw — Pisum sativum Lucerne/Alfalfa — Medicago sativa Pine — Pinus spp. 🐛 This Episode's Questions Curl grubs: How to tell beneficial yellow/orange-headed grubs from root-eating black-headed cockchafers. Olive trees: Supporting mature olive trees showing possible signs of Verticillium wilt, including irrigation, soil health and root support. Cauliflowers: Identifying whether slugs, snails or earwigs are responsible for damaged leaves. Rice hull mulch: Why Keith doesn't recommend it as a mulch and alternatives including pea straw and lucerne. Thrips: Why Success isn't effective against thrips and how Eco-Oil and Eco-Neem can be used. Blueberries: How often to repot, pruning advice and maintaining acidic soil. Limes: Why ripe limes can turn yellow — and what happens to their flavour when left on the tree. Grevilleas & Crepe Myrtle: Can they grow together? Plus designing a garden to provide succession of flowering and attract birds. Wicking beds: Advice for hot climates, reducing watering requirements and automated irrigation. Boston Ivy: Why it can take a year to establish and whether it can damage a metal fence. Passionfruit: Growing black passionfruit from seed, protecting plants from frost and why grafted passionfruit can become invasive. 🧰 Products & Resources Mentioned Original LOWY No.1 Anvil Pruner – www.backyardbotanist.com.au Neutrog Populate – https://neutrog.com.au Neutrog Go-Go Juice – https://neutrog.com.au Munash Mineral Rock Dust – https://www.munashorganics.com.au MycoGold – https://www.biostim.com.au Eco-Oil – https://www.ecoorganicgarden.com.au Eco-Neem – https://www.ecoorganicgarden.com.au Clyde Compost – https://clydecompost.com.au Digger's Club – https://www.diggers.com.au The Plant Runner – https://theplantrunner.com 🏆 Plant Runner Giveaway: Congratulations to Gerry, this month's winner, for her question about her 18-year-old olive trees. Happy gardening! 🌱 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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. Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

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 Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

Recommended Plants Hibiscus 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 Products Lowe Anvil Pruners Backyard Botanist EE – Sea Fertliser Neutrog Bush Tucker Neutrog Gyganic Neutrog Kahoona Eco Neem Eco Oil Weed Gunnel Firehawk Organic Herbicide Modbox Raised Beds – The Plant Runner Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook

Potatoes. The fourth most important staple food in the world. Growing your own is simple and rewarding and incredibly healthy for you. 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

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

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

Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook