The Grow It Local Podcast

Episode 10: How to Save Your Own Seeds with Kat Lavers In this episode, Paul chats with Kat Lavers, urban farmer, educator, and passionate advocate for seed saving. From her small suburban block in Melbourne—affectionately called The Plummery—Kat grows around 450kg of food each year and has made seed saving a central part of her gardening practice. Kat explains why saving seeds is one of the most powerful skills a gardener can learn. She demystifies common seed terms (heirloom, hybrid, GMO, open-pollinated), shares practical tips for saving seeds from beans, tomatoes, cucurbits, brassicas, and more, and reveals why preserving biodiversity is vital for resilient future food systems. 🧠 What You'll Learn Why seed saving matters for food security and biodiversity The difference between hybrid, open-pollinated, GMO, heirloom and organic seeds Practical tips for saving seeds from beans, tomatoes, cucurbits, and brassicas How to avoid cross-pollination and maintain strong genetics Techniques for drying, storing, and protecting seeds from pests How every gardener can help preserve agricultural heritage 🧰 Resources & Tools Mentioned Seed Savers' Handbook – by Michel and Jude Fanton Seed to Seed – by Suzanne Ashworth Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties – by Carol Deppe Local seed libraries and community seed exchanges 🔥 Quotes from Kat "A seed is a baby plant asleep with its lunch." "Every gardener is also a plant breeder – because choosing what to save shapes the next generation." "Saving seeds isn't just thrifty, it's about protecting biodiversity for the future." 📚 About Kat Lavers Kat Lavers is a gardener, educator, and permaculture designer based in Melbourne. At her award-winning urban permaculture property The Plummery, she produces most of her household's fresh produce year-round. Kat runs workshops on sustainable gardening and seed saving, inspiring others to build resilience and reconnect with the cycles of nature. Follow Kat: 📸 Instagram – @kat.lavers 🌐 Website – katlavers.com.au ✅ 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 tips, seeds and workshops 👉 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

In this inspiring and info-packed episode, Paul is joined by permaculture educator and perennial plant advocate Morag Gamble shares her wisdom on how to grow more food with less effort by designing your garden around perennials. Morag walks us through the beauty and benefits of perennial gardens—from soil regeneration to biodiversity, resilience, and ease of care. She unpacks how shifting from annual-based gardening to perennial-based systems can make gardening more peaceful, abundant, and sustainable. You'll also hear how her eco-village life at Crystal Waters influences her approach and how perennial gardens are the ultimate act of cooperation with nature. This episode is brimming with practical tips, plant ideas, and philosophical reflections that will leave you itching to get outside and plant something that lasts a lifetime. 🌿 What We Cover: What perennials are and why they matter in the garden How perennial systems build soil and biodiversity Designing gardens that feed people, animals, pollinators—and the soil Morag's top perennial picks and planting strategies Integrating chickens and wildlife into perennial systems How perennial thinking reduces pests, supports resilience, and saves time Using layers, mosaic planting, and composting in-place Edible shrubs, teas, root crops, and self-seeding wonders Designing edible "shrubberies," hedges, and food forests Pot gardening and tips for those with limited space Real talk on mistakes, soil love, and keeping things simple 🌱 Top Takeaways: Perennials = Less Work, More Yield. Once established, they just keep giving. Start with the soil. Healthy soil means healthier, easier gardening. Design for diversity. Multiple layers and mixed planting help with pest control, moisture retention, and abundance. Work with nature. From chickens to wallabies, wildlife can be part of the garden ecosystem. Grow to share. Take cuttings, gift perennials, and spread the garden love. 🔗 More from Morag: Instagram: @moraggamble YouTube: Our Permaculture Life Education & Courses: Permaculture Education Institute 🙏 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

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

💧 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

🪴 Episode 2: Growing in Containers and Small Spaces with Costa Georgiadis Small space gardening is booming — and in this epsiode, your host Paul West is joined by none other than Costa Georgiadis, Grow It Local's national patron and Australia's favourite gardening guru. In this episode, Costa shares practical, inspiring ways to grow lush, productive gardens in balconies, courtyards, rooftops, and tiny backyards using containers, clever design, and a whole lot of creativity. From choosing the right pots and soil to working with microclimates and seasonal light shifts, this episode is a must-listen for renters, small-space dwellers, and anyone looking to make the most of limited growing space. 🧭 In This Episode What defines a "small space garden" — it's more than balconies! Why containers are a small-space gardener's best friend How to assess your site using "nature goggles" and microclimates Container ideas: teapots, buckets, crates, drums, and more Using containers to create and adapt microclimates How to garden vertically when you can't dig or drill Matching plants to your aspect (hot, shady, windy, dry) Soil health in pots: wicking beds, worm farms, and composting hacks Growing food without ground: lettuce trees, silverbeet beasts, and balcony salad bars How to maximise productivity without compromising on beauty 💡 Top Tips from Costa "Every pot is a microclimate — and every microclimate is an opportunity." "If you can't dig, grow up. Think in 3D." "Observe before you plant. Your garden talks — you just have to listen." "Small spaces aren't a limitation — they're an invitation to innovate." "Don't underestimate a humble plastic pail. It could feed a household." 🛠️ Small-Space Gardening Essentials Element Costa's Advice Containers Use anything: teapots, polystyrene boxes, barrels, plastic pots, even wheelbarrows. Just ensure drainage and depth. Vertical Space Stack, trellis, hang, or raise your containers to build layers and expand growing space. Mobility Move your containers seasonally to chase light or protect from heat. Think of it as plant Pilates! Soil Health Use high-quality potting mix, feed with compost, worm castings, and top up regularly. Avoid garden soil in pots. Watering Use saucers to retain water. Consider wicking pots or water-storing media for wind-exposed balconies. Plant Choice Favour dwarf, compact, heat-tolerant, or trailing varieties. Match plant to microclimate. 🌿 Favourite Small-Space Plants Silverbeet – tough, leafy, and shade-tolerant Lettuce trees – lettuces that naturalise and keep going Sunflower shoots – microgreens that grow fast in low light Dwarf tomatoes, bush beans, herbs, chillies Trailing plants for privacy, light diffusion, or visual softness 🧑‍🌾 Small-Space Composting Tips Use 20L food-grade pails to build layered worm towers Drill holes to allow drainage and airflow Stack them in tucked-away corners or sunny spots Compost scraps right where you grow — no big bins required "You don't need space — you need systems. And a few good pails." 🗣️ Listener Q&A Highlights What can I grow with no direct sun? → Try leafy greens, silverbeet, and microgreens like sunflower shoots. Is air pollution a problem in urban gardens? → Not usually in Australia, but check local data for hotspots. How do I stop mozzies breeding in my saucers? → Empty and refill regularly. Keep water moving and tidy. Any edible plant tips for school kids in cities like Delhi? → Leafy greens and container growing are a great start — and safer than growing in poor ground soil. 📚 Resources & Mentions 20L buckets from restaurants (hello, upcycled ghee pails!) Veggie Pods – self-watering container systems Reflective surfaces & shade cloths for climate control Landcare groups and local nurseries – great sources for plant selection and community advice Observation and nature goggles – the best tool you already have Inspired to grow in your own space? 🪴 Start with just one pot — even a plastic bucket will do! 🌱 Subscribe to the podcast for more grow-anywhere inspiration 📬 Join our newsletter for seasonal growing tips and DIY ideas 📸 Share your small space garden with us @growitlocal Thanks to our Sponsors This episode was made possible by our Local Government Partners from around Australia, as well as our friends at Cyclone Tools, Pope and Backyard Farmer

Welcome to the Grow It Local podcast, connecting you with Australia's most inspiring growers. That's what it's all about here at Grow It Local. We're on a mission to get more people growing sharing and eating locally grown food and this podcast is about helping you to become a better grower In the coming weeks, we'll be releasing episodes featuring an all star cast of inspiring growers and gardeners. Each episode will focus on a particular topic, so you can expand you mind, grow your green thumb and become a better grower. You won't want to miss an episode so please hit the follow button, that way you'll know every time that we share a new episode. I'm so excited to share this with you and can't wait to launch our first two episodes on Friday August 22. In the meantime, you can head on over to our website growitlocal.com to check at all the incredible information that we have there that is all about helping you to become a better grower. LAUNCHING >>> August 22