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Available Episodes

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Ep 7 - Compost Myth Busting with Kate Flood AKA Compostable Kate
In this episode, Paul chats with Kate Flood, aka The Compost Coach, about breaking down the biggest composting myths and making composting feel simple, achievable, and rewarding. Kate is passionate about helping households and communities turn waste into living soil. She explains how composting is both art and science, and why it doesn’t need to feel complicated. From busting myths about citrus, onions, and paper to exploring hot composting, cold composting, and Bokashi, this conversation will equip you with practical tools to build confidence in your own composting journey. 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why compost isn’t complicated (and how to keep it simple) The four universal ingredients of compost: carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water Why cold, slow composting can be just as valuable as hot composting The role of compost activators like manure, comfrey, coffee grounds and Bokashi How Bokashi works, and why it’s a great way to process “compost no-nos” like meat and citrus Aeration hacks (compost lungs, wood chips, and garden stakes) that save you from heavy turning The truth about paper, inks, and PFAS in food packaging Common compost myths—and why they shouldn’t stop you from getting started 🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned Compost activators (coffee grounds, comfrey, manure, Bokashi) DIY Bokashi bucket setups Compost thermometers and the squeeze test Aeration hacks: compost lungs, aged wood chips, and garden stakes 🔥 Quotes from Kate “Composting is a living system – billions of microbes are waiting to be fed.” “Forget the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio – just remember the four essentials: carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water.” “If you’ve heard a compost myth that says ‘you can’t add X’, remember: it all breaks down in nature.” 📚 About Kate Flood Kate Flood is The Compost Coach – an educator, author, and sustainability advocate. Through her workshops, writing, and hands-on community projects, she empowers people to turn food scraps and garden waste into living soil. Her book The Compost Coach is a practical guide to busting compost myths and building confidence at any scale. You can grab yourself a copy HERE Follow Kate: 📸 Instagram – @compostable.kate ✅ Subscribe & Support Love the podcast? Don’t forget to: Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review – it helps more growers find the show Join our gardening community for seasonal support, seeds and workshops 👉www.growilocal.com 🙏 Thanks to our Sponsors This podcast is made possible thanks to our Local Government partners from across Australia and our friends at: Backyard Farmer Cyclone Tools Pope
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Ep 6 - Down The Worm Hole with Hannah Churton AKA The Worm Monger
In this episode, Paul chats with the inspiring Hannah Churton, a passionate composter and educator who believes worm farming is one of the simplest and most powerful steps we can all take towards living more sustainably. Hannah takes us inside the world of worm farms – how they work, why they matter, and how you can get started (or improve your setup) today. From troubleshooting common issues to harvesting rich castings for your garden, this conversation will leave you ready to put worms to work at your place. 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why composting with worms helps reduce food waste and greenhouse gases The science behind vermicomposting (and why worm poo is garden gold) What you can – and can’t – feed your worms The four essentials of every worm farm: food, water, air and temperature How to harvest and use worm castings in your garden Troubleshooting common worm farming problems (overfeeding, excess moisture, acidity, pests) Why wormfarming is perfect for small spaces and urban living 🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned Worm farms (urban and backyard setups) Carbon sources: newspaper, egg cartons, leaf litter, coco coir Sifters and simple DIY harvest methods Tips for managing fruit flies and balancing acidity 🔥 Quotes from Hannah “Worm castings are the gold – they’re what makes your garden thrive.” “Don’t overthink it. Keep it simple, and the worms will do the work for you.” “Food, water, air, and temperature – get those right, and your worm farm will always come back to life.” 📚 About Hannah Churton Hannah is a composting educator, wormfarming advocate and workshop facilitator who helps people reduce their waste while building healthier soils. She has inspired countless households to start their own worm farms and experience the joy of closing the loop from food scraps back into the garden. Follow Hannah on Insta 👉@the_worm_monger ✅ Subscribe & Support Love the podcast? Don’t forget to: Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review – it helps more growers find the show Join our gardening community for seasonal support, seeds and workshops 👉 www.growitlocal.com 🙏 Thanks to our Sponsors This podcast is made possible thanks to our Local Government partners from across Australia and our friends at: Backyard Farmer Cyclone Tools Pope
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Ep 5 - Sweet Soil with Fabian Capomolla
Episode 5: Sweet Soil – with Fabian Capomolla In this episode, Paul chats with the passionate and knowledgeable Fabian Capomolla – a name many gardeners will know from The Little Veggie Patch Co and his bestselling books. Fabian takes us on a deep dive into what truly makes a successful vegetable garden: the soil beneath our feet. This isn’t just a chat about dirt – it's a hands-on, practical guide to understanding your soil and building it into a thriving, nutrient-rich base for homegrown food. Whether you're starting your first veggie patch or troubleshooting lacklustre crops, this episode will leave you better equipped to grow your own. 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why healthy soil is more important than healthy plants How to test your soil type using the ribbon method The difference between sandy, clay and loamy soil Practical steps to improve any soil using compost and worm castings How to test and adjust your soil pH for vegetable growing Why pH affects nutrient uptake and plant health The difference between soil conditioners and fertilisers Common signs of soil problems and how to fix them 🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned Ribbon test for identifying soil structure pH test kits (why they're better than probes) Compost and worm castings as soil amendments Gypsum for breaking up clay Chicken manure and lime for correcting acidic soil Seaweed extract and worm tea as microbial boosters 🔥 Quotes from Fabian “You’re growing soil first, and plants second.” “The soil is like the foundation of a house – if it’s not right, the whole thing falls down.” “Compost is just like baking bread – you need the right balance of carbon and nitrogen.” 📚 About Fabian Capomolla Fabian is a horticulturist, author, and the founder of The Veggie Patch School. Best known for co-founding The Little Veggie Patch Co, he has helped thousands of Australians grow food in their backyards, courtyards, and balconies. His latest book, Growing Through the Italian Way, blends food, culture, and gardening wisdom from his time in Italy. Follow Fabian: 📸 Instagram – @fabian_capomolla ✅ Subscribe & Support Love the podcast? Don’t forget to: Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review – it helps more growers find the show Join our gardening community for seasonal support, seeds and workshops 👉 Learn more here Thanks to our Sponsors: This podcast was made with the incredible support of our Local Government partners from around Australia as well as our friends at Backyard Farmer, Pope and Cyclone Tools
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Ep 4 - The Wonderful World of Wicking beds with Sophie Thomson
💧 Episode 4: Wicking Beds 101 with Sophie Thomson Want to grow more food with less water, less effort, and fewer failures? Enter the magical world of wicking beds — the ultimate low-maintenance gardening system, especially for hot, dry, or tricky growing conditions. In this episode, your host Paul West is joined by gardening legend Sophie Thomson (from Gardening Australia) as she walks us through everything she’s learned from 12+ years of building and experimenting with wicking beds — from cheap DIY setups to portable IBC builds and community garden mega-projects. If you’ve ever been curious about wicking beds, this is the episode for you 🧭 In This Episode What exactly is a wicking bed, and how does it work? How wicking beds save time, water, and effort — especially in harsh climates Why they’re ideal for renters, small spaces, and concrete courtyards DIY options: IBCs, fridges, styrofoam boxes, washing machine drums, and pallets How to avoid common pitfalls (e.g. overheating, poor wicking, bad soil) Wicking bed anatomy: inlet pipes, overflows, reservoirs, geotextile, and soil Why soil quality is absolutely critical How to grow in wicking beds year-round — even during 45°C summers The great wicking bed addiction (you’ve been warned!) 💡 Top Tips from Sophie “Wicking beds make gardening easier — and addictive.” “Get the soil right, or the system won’t work.” “Think of your veggies like premmie babies — they need gentle, even care.” “Every part of the bed has a purpose — respect the layers.” “Clad your IBCs to block light, cool the soil, and extend the life of your bed.” 🛠️ Anatomy of a Wicking Bed Component Purpose Reservoir Holds water at the base of the bed, allowing plants to wick moisture from below. Geotextile Fabric Separates soil from reservoir and prevents fines from clogging the system. Inlet Pipe Delivers water directly to the reservoir without wetting foliage. Overflow Pipe Prevents waterlogging by draining excess water at the soil line. Optional Drain Valve Allows complete drainage — great for flushing salts in arid zones. Soil Layer Needs to be rich in organic matter to ensure proper wicking. 🔨 DIY Options Covered IBC tanks (cut in half) — strong, durable, and portable Washing machine drums — compact, upcycled, and water-efficient Old fridges — stylish with a custom collar (community garden favourite) Styrofoam boxes — great short-term option, but not UV stable Commercial inserts like WaterUps — increase water-holding capacity DIY inserts made from plastic pallets and nursery pots Self-watering pots — mini wicking beds perfect for tomatoes and herbs 🌿 What Grows Best in Wicking Beds? Best suited for: Lettuce and salad greens Bok choy and leafy Asian greens Kale, chard, and silverbeet Herbs that don’t like drying out Tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant Compact cucurbits like mini pumpkins or gem squash Crops you want fresh and tender (not bitter or bolted!) More care required for: Carrots and seeds (need top watering to germinate) Tiny root veg or shallow-rooted crops Extra-large, sprawling plants like tromboncino (they'll take over!) 🗣️ Listener Q&A Highlights How deep should my soil layer be? → 30cm is the sweet spot. Big crops can handle 50cm. Do I need to change the soil over time? → Not if you consistently add compost and organic matter. Can I fertilise through the reservoir? → Yes — seaweed, worm tea, or diluted organic feeds work well. What about fruit trees in wicking beds? → Possible with full IBCs, but picking height and nutrient draw are issues. Can I build these on concrete? → Absolutely. Wicking beds work on any flat surface. 📚 Resources & Mentions Sophie Thomson on Gardening Australia Sustainable Gardening Australia’s worm wicking bed how-to DIY insert options: WaterUps, plastic pallets, nursery pots Cladding tips: timber slats, insulation, weed mat (if cool climate) How to upcycle: sourcing second-hand IBCs, salvaged materials, dump shop treasures Ready to build your own wicking bed? 💧 Start small with a self-watering pot or repurposed drum 🧰 Hit the tip shop or FB Marketplace for IBCs and materials 📬 Subscribe to the podcast for more how-to growing episodes 🌱 Join our newsletter for wicking bed plans, videos, and seasonal planting guides 📸 Share your setup with us on Facebook or Instagram @growitlocal Thanks to our Sponsors: This podcast was made with the incredible support of our Local Government partners from around Australia as well as our friends at Backyard Farmer, Pope and Cyclone Tools
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Ep 3 - Rewild your patch with Mel Logozzo
🐛 Episode 3: How to Rewild Your Patch with Mel Logozzo What happens when you stop trying to control your garden and instead invite nature to take the lead? In this episode, your host Paul West is joined by rewilding champion and bug-loving gardener Mel Logozzo about how to transform any space — from a tiny yard to a sprawling verge — into a thriving habitat. Mel shares her journey from paved-over suburbia to a lush, biodiverse sanctuary filled with buzzing bees, flowering natives, predatory insects, frogs, and yes… even aphids (on purpose!). Whether you're keen to grow food spray-free, attract more pollinators, or just be a lazier gardener, this episode is packed with insights into rewilding your garden for both productivity and biodiversity. 🧭 In This Episode What rewilding your patch really means How to create a balanced backyard ecosystem (even in small spaces) Why more pests = more predators (and why that’s a good thing) Practical ways to bring in more native insects, birds, and frogs Layering your garden like a food forest — natives and edibles together The role of invertebrates as ecosystem indicators How Mel grows food without using a single spray Why dead plants and weedy corners are ecological goldmines Creating habitat: logs, ponds, bug hotels, and bare soil Why you don’t need to freak out when aphids arrive 💡 Top Tips from Mel “You can’t have predators if you don’t have pests.” “Rewilding is lazy gardening — the less you do, the better.” “Not all sprays are created equal — even organic ones disrupt balance.” “Diversity = resilience. The more life you invite, the less work you’ll have to do.” “Don’t rip everything out! Even dead plants are habitat.” 🛠️ Practical Rewilding Ideas Element Rewilding Tip Trees Plant large natives like eucalypts to feed and shelter wildlife. Flowers Grow a mix of flat, tall, humble, and daisy-shaped blooms for year-round pollination. Habitat Add logs, ponds, bug hotels, or just leave a weedy patch alone. Soil Avoid mulching every inch — ground-nesting bees and insects need bare soil too. Ponds Even a repurposed bath or pot can attract frogs, dragonflies, and mosquito eaters. Veggie Patch Let some things flower and go to seed. It's free food for insects. 🐞 Mel’s Rewilding Essentials Don’t spray – not even organic solutions like neem or soapy water. They harm beneficial bugs too. Plant densely – fill every space with something. More layers = more habitat. Observe first – don’t assume a bug is bad. Learn what it is and how it fits into your ecosystem. Build balance over time – your predators may not show up this week, but they will. Work with your soil – raise veggie beds if needed, but leave other areas wild and untouched. 🐝 Mel’s Favourite Insects Mel is a self-confessed invertebrate nerd. She champions: Aphids (yes, really — they feed the good guys) Blue banded bees and their cheeky parasite, the cuckoo bee Dragonflies, solitary wasps, and parasitoid flies Ground-nesting native bees (70–80% of native bees nest in the soil!) Spiders (passive predators that keep everything in check) "There’s no such thing as friend or foe — it’s all about balance." 🗣️ Listener Q&A Highlights How do I get rid of cooch grass? → Persistence and deep digging What’s the best path material for rewilded gardens? → Lawn, mulch, logs — whatever fits your climate and feet Where can I learn more about bugs? → Try iNaturalist, Facebook insect groups, or Dennis Crawford’s books What about spider mites? → Let ladybirds and tiny native predators do their thing Can you buy beneficial insects? → Yes, but Mel prefers to let nature handle it How densely should I plant? → Dense! Think nine plants per square metre — or more 📚 Resources & Mentions RewildingSuburbia.com – Mel’s website iNaturalist.org – for plant and insect identification Your local council’s flora/fauna surveys and native plant lists Dennis Crawford’s books and resources on Australian garden insects If this episode fired you up to garden a little wilder: 🐝 Follow Mel on Instagram @rewildingsuburbia 🌿 Leave some aphids on your plants and watch what shows up 🧑‍🌾 Subscribe to the podcast for more grow-at-home inspiration 📬 Join our newsletter for seasonal tips, community workshops, and more Thanks to our Sponsors: This podcast was made with the incredible support of our Local Government partners from around Australia as well as our friends at Backyard Farmer, Pope and Cyclone Tools
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