Christina - Busy Chris Gardening

Head Fruit & Vegetable Gardener at Busy Chris Gardening. Helping people grow their own food. Melbourne. Australia Cool/Temp.

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

The trees are still young and only live in pots for the time being. The Cara Cara was the newest addition and has gifted me with some delicious oranges. #busychrisgardening #orangetree #postrunfuel

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Ever wonder how random plants pop up in your garden? One way is by bird droppings leaving little seed bombs. Wind also does this.
#gardeningtips #backyardgardening #busychrisgardening #southernhemispheregardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

I’m not 100% sure who the culprit is yet, but I have a few top suspects on my radar

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

I haven't done much in this patch but we've had some lovely sunny days this week which has helped but its rhe cold temperatures that trigger the sweeter flavour. #broccoli #busychrisgardening #southernhemispheregardening #wintergardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Today I’m walking through my garden bed and taking a look at my winter broccoli and cabbages (and other brassicas).
If you are new to growing these vegetables, it can feel a bit daunting.

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

How to get bananas to actually plump up!

Once the plant stops producing new fruit, that big purple banana heart (the flower) is just draining vital energy. Snapping it off forces the plant to pour all its energy into filling out the remaining fruit instead!

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

I’ve bought many bare root trees which was towards the end of winter and managed to get them when they were on clearance. Best buy. #busychrisgardening #barerootfruittree #southernhemispheregardening #gardentips

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

-When to prune: late autumn or winter, after last fruit has dropped and dormant.
-45-degree angle: just above a node.
-Remove water sprouts
-Trim low hanging branches
-Open canopy: overlapping, small or damaged inner branches
-Secret to more fruit: they fruit on new seasons grow

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

@srkntnyldz This almost feels staged

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Being a beginner gardener can be frustrating.
This is how I plant out my broccoli and cabbages.
Growing them together means they will grow in the same conditions and require the same nutrients and watering when it comes to care #busychrisgardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Trellises can be expensive. I recommend something metal rather than plastic as the plastic can degrade and end up ripping easily. Find something with wide or big enough holes so that you can weave the berry vines through. #trellis #busychrisgardening #southernhemispheregardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Nature’s ultimate planting cue #busychrisgardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

SNOWPEA update early autumn - end of autumn #busychrisgardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Honestly, this apple season taught me a lot. My apple trees getting a major upgrade before the spring bud break. Here’s the winter plan:
🪴 Upgrading to a bigger pot
🐛 Scraping loose bark and adding a cardboard barrier
🍏 Top-dressing with homemade compost and mulch

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Sowing guide - cool climate end of autumn - May. Southern Hemisphere

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Last call for Autumn sowing! 🍂

​If you're gardening in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, or Perth, you're in a temperate climate (though here in Melbourne, I often lean toward Cool Climate prep!). These are your must-sows for May before the winter chill sets in.

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Feeding garlic and pots for a huge harvest!
It is the 2nd of May and time for a garlic update. If you're growing garlic in containers, consistent feeding is the secret to getting those big bulbs later in the season.

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Let your garden work for you!
here is how I'm prepping my beds for winter and fixing my heavy clay soil at the same time.
Layer 1 - summer garden waste and kitchen scraps (nitrogen).
Layer 2 - Newspaper or dried leaves (carbon).
Layer 3 - 10-15cm of soil/compost/manure and much

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Growing garlic is a game of patience -be ready for harvest around Christmas. #garlic #busychrisgardening #backyardgardening #southernhemispheregardening

[Christina - Busy Chris Gardening @BusyChrisGarden]

Ever bought a plant on clearance and hoped for the best? Here’s exactly what I do to bring them back strong. Save this for your next plant rescue. #backyardgardening #busychrisgardening #gardentips #pottinguppassionfruit