Green Life Soil Co Newsletters!

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2023-07 July

Hello, and welcome to July! We're definitely in Winter now - but in Perth, that's an ideal time to be in the garden! I trust you're enjoying things you've got growing already; and remember now's the time to consider succession planting crops to keep you harvesting into Spring. (Yes - Spring!) We've passed the Winter solstice so days will gradually get longer again as the seasons roll around. Check out our article on the benefits and tips for succession planting below.

What to plant NOW
July jobs in the garden (and school holiday suggestions)
Succession Planting - what is it, and how can it benefit you?
Winter Lawn care, and more!

2023-06 June Newsletter

Hello - welcome to JUNE! It's officially WINTER and we're transitioning to Makuru in the Noongyar calendar - the wettest and coldest time of the year when the Indigenous Australians would move away from the coast to inland rivers and waterways; changing their diet to animals and seasonal plants. Many native birds are beginning to prepare for breeding, and in the bushland, you'll see wildflowers like Hovea and other blues/purples like the Dianella berries and Purple Flags (Patersonia) appear. Don't the seasons roll around quickly?

What to Plant NOW! (Jerusalem Artichokes now in stock)
Jobs for the June garden
Foodcubes - wicking wonderful, Retailer update, Photo Comp Winner & more!
Pet friendly gardens & Plants

2023-05 May Newsletter

At last it seems we're experiencing some "proper" Autumn weather - lovely sunny days; but with chilly mornings! It's nice to have received some rain - but for a while there I was thinking we were going from Summer straight to Winter. While we definitely need more rain - let's hope fine weather will grace us for the Perth Garden Festival - coming up 11 - 14th May at Langley Park in the city. That's Mother's Day weekend - so why not take your Mum for a day out and spend some time with her? Tickets are available online, but we've got tickets to WIN - see below for all the details. Paul & I are giving a talk on Friday 12th @ 2.30pm on the main stage - so if you're around, come along and say hi!!

What to plant NOW & Jobs for the May garden
Potatoes - determinate and indeterminate - what's the difference?
Cabbage - King of Cruciferous vegetables
WIN tickets to the Perth Garden Festival, Photo Competition Winner, Retailer update & MORE!

2023-04 April Newsletter

Welcome to April! Prime gardening season is upon us as the weather begins to cool down. We've passed the equinox so days will be getting noticeably shorter as the weeks progress. In our garden we're still harvesting summer vegies like eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, capsicum, chilli and tomatoes. But it's time to be thinking about all the winter crops to get started (if you haven't already) and saving seeds from your best producing summer crops. If you're planning some major garden projects in the coming weeks, please make note of our trading days for the public holidays...

Jobs in the April Garden & What to Plant NOW
Green Manure - why, what, when!
Biosecurity update - Qld Fruit Fly - be alert!
VIP Special Offer, Retailer Update, Photo Competition & MORE!

2023-03 March newsletter

Well, it's officially here... while there's more hot days to come, we know day length is shortening, and the signs are there for the plants that a changing season isn't far away... And it's a fabulous time (the best time?) to garden in Perth. (As I write this - it's even RAINING! And there's lots to do in the Autumn garden - we hope we can inspire you with this newsletter to get started; or at least - to get planning! Don't miss the window of opportunity that is opening in order to reap the rewards for months to come with delicious home grown winter vegies!

What to grow in March
Jobs to do in the Autumn garden
Growing Garlic - it's time!
Designing a new garden, Photo comp winner, VIP special offer, and MORE!

2023-02 February newsletter

We've enjoyed a milder summer to date - but historically February tends to bring some VERY hot weather (seems to always be the week when school goes back - am I right?) But as summer is technically 2/3rds through - we gardeners start to get excited about the change of season in the next month or so. For gardeners, February's a time of 'hanging in there!' - keeping gardens alive, and planning for Autumn, which officially is only a month away. We know weather can be hot right up into April, but day length is shortening, nights are generally cooler, and there'll be a change in the air before much longer.

Jobs for the garden in February & How to keep your garden healthy
What to plant NOW; and getting seeds started for Autumn
VIP Special offer, Photo Competition, Retailer Update & more!
Passionfruit - tips & tricks for growing

2023-01 January newsletter

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I trust you had a lovely Christmas and some time to yourself to enjoy some quiet time outdoors! Now that the new year is here; it's a time of celebration and reflection - in our gardens, too! Hopefully you're celebrating with harvests of homegrown goodness; and reflection on what's worked well, what you'd like to remember for next spring, and what your intentions are for the autumn season - when it eventually rolls around. Luckily, the weather over Christmas was a little kinder to our gardens (and us!) this year.

Jobs to do in the January Garden & What to Plant NOW
Powdery Mildew - how to prevent it (and how to deal with it)
Top Tomato Tips!
Photo Competition Winner, VIP Special Offer, Retailer Update & More!

2022-12 December newsletter

Welcome to Summer - it has definitely arrived this week, after a loooong and mild Spring. The first heat always comes as a shock to our plants - and to us! But we know we're in for a warmer few months so it's time to acclimatise to the best of our ability - and to get our gardens set up for success too. More on that below! It's about now we enter Birak - the Noongyar first summer season; with warmer days and cooling afternoon sea breezes. This regular weather pattern made it the time to do cool burns through the landscape; enabling rejuvenation of the vegetation, and making areas easier to traverse. This time of year sees many fledglings and younger animals abound.

What to plant NOW & Jobs for the December garden
Drought proof your garden
Xmas gift ideas & things to make (and how to eat Roses!)
Photo competition winner, VIP special offer, Retailer update & more!

2022-11 November newsletter

Hello and welcome to NOVEMBER - It's been a mild Spring so far - while cold mornings aren't great, I've loved the fact that it's bought me some time to get the Spring/Summer garden whipped into shape. It's always a busy time for us and our own garden gets neglected; so it was great to have a day off yesterday and get outside. We ripped out a lot of crops that had finished and gone to seed, and I mulched up a heap of them along with shrub prunings. It was a bit of work but a great way to recycle the nutrients and return them to the garden. We planted out a couple of tomatoes and planned out where some other crops will go. Oh and weeding. There's always weeding.

Jobs for the November garden & What to plant NOW
Winners are Grinners! Thank you for your vote in the OCCA Awards
Square Foot Gardening & Square Foot Mix - what's it all about?
Growing Radish, VIP Freebie, Retailer Update, Photo Comp & more!

2022-10 October newsletter

Here we are in October - Spring has well and truly sprung; and hasn't it been lovely to enjoy the sunshine? I'm not sure where the years go to - but this October marks TWENTY ONE YEARS that Paul & I have been in business. Quite a milestone, I'm sure you'd agree! But THANK YOU for being part of the journey - without our loyal customers and our fabulous team members, we never would have made it this far. Around this time of year the Nyoongar season transitions to Kambarang - the season of birth. The wildflowers are abundant, many native animals are rearing their young (it's magpie swooping season!), and we're starting to experience some warmer weather.

Jobs to do in the garden & What to plant NOW
The (Almost) A-Z of Soil Nutrients
Comfrey - the superhero of herbs!
Retailer update, VIP special offer, Photo comp winner & more!!

2022-09 September newsletter

Hello and welcome to Spring! For most gardeners it's their favourite time of the year, as Winter gardens awake from their dormancy, and things begin to put on their flush of growth. There's a perfect opportunity before weather gets too hot to get out and enjoy the mild sunshine and get things done that you've been planning over the sleepy winter season. I hate to say it - but there's only a few months left until the silly season (almost can't bring myself to say the "C" word!) So if you're planning to catch up with family and friends over the holidays, now's the time to get those jobs tackled and the area/s planted out to make your entertaining area look lovely and well loved!

Jobs to do in the September Garden
What to plant NOW it's Spring!
Humus Beings - why it's important to build your soil
Importance of Mulch, VIP Special Offer, Photo Comp, Retailer update & more

2022-08 August newsletter

Hello and welcome to AUGUST! We're now transitioning to the Noongar season of Djilba - the 'first spring' - a season of transition between what we recognise as Winter and Spring; wildflowers are starting to appear, and many native animals are breeding or have bred and are raising their young. Hopefully we can expect more rain, but we can also have some clear and sunny days with cold temperatures. (As I write this, it's been a VERY rainy day!) There's still plenty to do in the garden right now and we hope we've got inspiration & tips to get you motivated and active in your garden.

Jobs to do in the August garden & What to Plant NOW!
Small Space Gardening!
Spinach - Popeye knew his stuff!
VIP Special Offer, Photo Competition Winner, Retailer Update & MORE!

2022-07 July Newsletter

Welcome to July! We've passed the Winter Solstice so days will start to get a little longer; this is a signal to plants, and in another month or two we'll be seeing signs of Spring... But for now, we're still in the Noongyar season of Makuru. So let's get outside and garden! There's loads to do - in fact it's the perfect time to do many chores; as well as the fun stuff like planting! So we trust we've got inspiration and information in this newsletter to get you outside, and get active (and warm!) width

What to plant NOW & July jobs reminder
Frost - how to save your garden
Worms, wonderful worms!
VIP special offer, Retailer update & more!

2022-06 June Newsletter

.Welcome to Winter! This is the season of Makuru, the 'fertility season' in the Nyoongar calendar. With some rain and cooler temperatures (and some chilly mornings!!) we've definitely waved goodbye to warm weather for a few months. When it comes to gardening in Perth, it's a whole new ball game - and the good news is that it's A LOT easier to have a lush garden and get vegies producing over the next six months. Nature's on your side with a little rain keeping soil moist and (provided you're planting in season crops) - things generally perform well with little interference.

What to plant NOW & Jobs for the June garden
Top Turnips - how to grow this great winter vegie
Grow your own food & stretch your budget
Photo competition winner, VIP delivery offer, retailer update and more!

2022-05 May Newsletter

Welcome to May! We're well into Autumn at last - with some welcome rains finally arriving as a taster; let's hope there's more to come. These mild and sunny days are just wonderful though - it's such a great time to be in the garden - so we aim to inspire you this month to get busy. It still seems that gardening - and in particular - growing some of your own food is still a high priority for many families, given the rising prices of so many commodities that have flowed through to the supermarket shelves. If you'd like advice on how to get started, or on how to improve your vegie garden - please feel free to talk to us and bring in a small sample of your soil for us to pH test and have a look at.

Jobs for the May garden & what to plant NOW
Coriander - Love it or Hate it?
Top tips to revamp your garden for Autumn/Winter planting
VIP Special offer, Retailer update and more!

2022-04 April Newsletter

Welcome to April! Finally, we're having some cooler weather; the season's are definitely changing. We've passed the Autumn equinox which means that the nights are now longer than the days - so plants will be responding. Deciduous trees will be storing up their nutrients before shedding leaves and going into dormancy. Bulbs will be waking up and ready to begin their growth cycle. There's always lots to observe and enjoy in the changing seasons.

What to Plant now
Pest & Diseases to look out for in Autumn
Jobs for the April garden - time to get busy
VIP freebie, Photo competition winner, Retailer update & more!

2022-03 March Newsletter

Hello & welcome to AUTUMN! It's an interesting time to garden - with lots of guesswork as to WHEN to plant things. We know interest is intensifying in winter veg seeds & seedlings - but seedlings will still be some weeks away. Wild Gaia Plants (who grow our lovely organic seedlings) grow to season and nothing's artificially forced in greenhouses. Buying many commercial seedlings that have been raised this way often leads to disappointment; when planted out 'real life' gardens - often they simply can't cope. So patience is a virtue when it comes to gardening; but I'm sure you already know that. It's time to start off many winter seeds though, and we've got lots of tips & inspiration to get you out in the garden this month.

Jobs to do in the March garden
What to plant NOW
Sassy Frass & the importance of soil fungi
VIP special offer, Retailer update, Photo comp winner - and more!

2022-02 February newsletter

Well, summer is definitely here - in fact, we're more than half way through. While we know February will have some hot days ahead - the milder weather these last few days has left us with that feeling of change of seasons - there was even morning dew at our place today. With "supply chain issues" hitting some of our grocery stores (I note much local produce is still available in many others!) it's a reminder not to take our food security for granted. Growing even a bit of our own food to eat and share with others is handy - and coming into our Autumn/Winter season - it can be a hugely productive time for growing.

What to plant now (and planning for Autumn planting)
Jobs to do in the garden in February
Blossom End Rot - what causes it (and how to stop it)
VIP special offer, Retailer update, Photo comp winner & more!

2022-01 January newsletter

It's hard to believe, but this January marks TWO YEARS that we have been at our 'new' premises. What an interesting two years it's been for everyone - who could have anticipated the changes that we've faced in that time. 2022 is looking to be a rollercoaster too - at times like this, our gardens are our sanctuary. If we can grow a little bit of our own food, it helps too! At GLSC we really believe gardens are vital for our physical and mental health. We trust everyone had a little chance to relax over Christmas. The weather made it less conducive to get garden projects done - many plants have fried in the heatwave conditions we've had and I know how disheartening it is. Unfortunately the next month or so won't be a lot better - the height of summer means survival mode for most gardens. If you've managed to keep things thriving, you're doing well. Hopefully we've got some useful tips to help you & your garden cope.

Jobs to do in the January garden
What to plant NOW
Cucumbers - be cool! (and grow cukes at home)
VIP special offer, Retailer update, Photo comp & more!

2021-12 December newsletter

Welcome to December - it's officially SUMMER! It's also about now we enter Birak - the Noongyar first summer season; with warmer days and cooling afternoon sea breezes. This regular weather pattern made it the time to do cool burns through the landscape; enabling rejuvenation of the vegetation, and making areas easier to traverse. This time of year sees many fledglings and younger animals abound. The WA Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda, is flowering - the striking orange flowers are sacred to the Noongyar people - and look amazing in areas of bush right now. In our suburbs, the Jacarandas are awash with purple. The native Blue Banded Bee is active & being spotted all over town - have you managed to find one yet? (You need some patience and perseverance - they're quick!) We've got lots of great summer ideas for you - and our CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS; so read on!

Jobs for the December garden & what to plant NOW
Summer time blues (in the garden?) - We've got the cure!
Simple make at home pest repellent recipes
Christmas gift ideas, Retailer update, VIP special offer (NEW mulch) - and more!

2021-11 November newsletter

Hullo and welcome to NOVEMBER - weather is gorgeous and it's the perfect time to be in your garden, preparing it for the summer months to come. It's a super busy time, but spending a bit of effort in your garden now will certainly help your plants cope with the coming summer (and it also means you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour come entertaining season!). We've had a lot of rain throughout October, good for the garden, but the wildly variable temperature conditions have made it very tricky for seedlings. Now's the perfect time to be getting mulch on your garden - while the soil is still a little damp (hopefully!) and before the temperature climbs into the 30's regularly. We stock a wide range of mulches suitable for vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens and natives - ask us for advice! For those of you who love the Moon Planting Calendars, these are on their way - we should have stock within a couple of weeks. They make great gifts for gardening friends & family; so why not grab one for you and one for a friend?

What to plant NOW & Jobs for the November garden
Mineral Magic - NEW product (and special pricing for our VIP members)
Strawberries - the sweet taste of summer
Photo competition, Retailer update, and more!

2021-10 October newsletter

Hello & welcome to October - Spring is definitely here; this month sees us transition into Kambarang - the Nyoongar season of birth. Days are getting warmer and dryer - many more native plants start to flower, reptiles are on the move, and you're more likely to encounter a swooping Koolbardie (Magpie) as they get protective of their nests & young. In our gardens, it's a real season of transition. Winter crops may be starting to bolt to seed, broad beans are coming on strong to harvest, garlic is getting closer. It's time to get planting all the summer crops - but more on that in the 'What to Plant Now' section below. Weeds are all flowering (and setting seed) so do make sure you get on top of them as much as you can! October marks a special anniversary for GLSC. 2021 marks 20 YEARS that Paul & I have owned the business. A few customers lately have commented on the 15th birthday celebration day we had (our Spring garden fair) - so maybe we need to plan a big celebration next year for our 21st!!! Who's in??