Green Life Soil Co Newsletters!

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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??

What to plant NOW and jobs for the October garden
Living Soil - what it is (and why we make it!)
Growing your vegies from seed
VIP special offer, Photo comp winner, Retailer update & more!

2021-09 September newsletter

Hello & welcome to SPRING! We're enjoying some gorgeous weather, and all the rain has certainly made things GROW! If you have chance to check out wildflowers this year - I believe it's a spectacular season out there. Spring is the perfect time to get planting. We've got loads of heritage seeds for your summer crops, still some rhubarb & asparagus crowns (be quick!), and there's more seedlings starting to trickle through. They take a while to get going in early spring because the weather (especially nights) are cool - so please be a little patient.

What to Plant NOW & Jobs to do in the September garden
Elderflower - useful herb/shrub/tree (and so pretty!)
Legionnaires disease - what is it (and how to reduce your risk)
VIP special offer, Photo competition winner, Retailer update & more!

2021-08 - August 2021 Newsletter

Howdy, Green Lifers! Welcome to August. In the Nyoongar calendar, we're heading into Djilba - which is when the seasons begin to change (towards what we'd call 'Spring'). It is the time of conception; many native animals are breeding now so their young are born into a season of plentiful food. I've noticed some wildflowers like Hovea making an appearance; but others seem a little slower; no doubt the cold & wet we've experienced is a sign somethings are a little later this year. That said, some of the fruit trees are in blossom, and the daffodils are out - so Spring can't be far away! It's a fabulous time to get busy in the garden right NOW to get ready for an abundant harvest in the Summer months. Work you do now to prepare your soil will make all the difference once the hot weather kicks in.

What to plant NOW & a handy reminder for August jobs to do in the garden
Biochar - the benefits for YOUR garden
Stinging Nettle - how to grow (and how to make Nettle Chips - yum!)
Photo competition, VIP delivery special, Retailer update & more!

2021-07 July 2021 Newsletter

Hello and welcome to July - wow, what a start... We’ve passed the Winter Solstice so days are getting longer. We've had another lock down, freezing cold temperatures and... RAIN!! So. much. rain. I know we need it, but it tends to scare the customers away!!! And we've had a number of frosts up our way already - with a few ornamental plants suffering as a result, but they're hanging in with new growth coming through. a

Customer survey - we need your help - tell us your thoughts.
What to plant NOW & handy tips for the July garden
VIP special delivery offer & items on special
Companion planting - gardening myth or mastery?

2021-06 - June 2021 Newsletter

Welcome to Winter! Chilly nights and mornings have arrived ~ and some good rainfall; with the May monthly average reached just in the nick of time! How is your garden going? Ours is thriving; but we definitely need to keep on top of weeds; as the rain has also given them a boost and they seem to grow overnight!

What to grow NOW and a handy reminder of June jobs
Feijoa - useful shrub & tasty fruit
Poo - also useful, but less tasty.
VIP special offer, Retailer update, Photo comp winner & more!

2021-05 May Newsletter

Hello & welcome to May! Autumn is well & truly here - with Winter just around the corner; officially at least! There are always some gorgeous days in May - sunny but not hot; the perfect combination to get outside and enjoy your outdoor space. It doesn't matter how big your area is - you can make it a pleasing sanctuary - your own happy place! Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival was on 6-9th May at Langley Park in the City. It was pushed out a week due to Covid restrictions - but luckily the event went ahead & the weather was great! Although GLSC didn't exhibit this year (taking a year off after attending for at least the last 13 years), I did a talk on Sunday on "Overcoming the challenges of Perth's sandy soils to create a healthy garden" - a subject that many of our GLSC customers are very familiar with, I'm sure!

Jobs to do in the May Garden & What to plant NOW
Broccoli - use yer head and get growing!
Grasshoppers - garden pest
VIP special offer, Retailer update, Photo comp winner & more!

2021-04 April Newsletter

Welcome to April and welcome to Djeran (Noongyar season). Djeran season at last sees a break in the really hot weather. A key indicator of the change of season is the cool nights that bring overnight dew. Breezes come from the south, and it's the time of ants - on the wing to begin new colonies. As the season progresses, the nights will become cooler and damper, and there's rainy days to come - which means that traditionally mia mias (houses or shelters) were now repaired and updated and made waterproof in readiness for winter. Banksias start to flower, producing nectar for many small mammals and birds. Traditionally, foods at this time of year included stored seeds, along with the root bulbs of the Yanget (Bullrushes), fresh water fish, frogs and turtles. We trust you had a great Easter long weekend. So far the weather has been warm and very humid; so although it's officially Autumn, it still doesn't quite feel like it. The good news is that you haven't missed your chance yet for Autumn/Winter crops - there's still plenty of time to get your seeds planted and/or buy seedlings ready to grow.