.png)
Maroubra
Community Garden
The Maroubra Community Garden recently welcomed Steve Batley from Sydney Organic Gardens for a Food Growing Workshop organised by Randwick City Council.
The session provided gardeners with valuable insights into sustainable food production and healthy garden practices.
Workshop topics included soil health and the soil microbiome, composting techniques, seed preparation, pest management, and effective weed control methods.
Our gardeners gained practical knowledge and expert advice to help improve garden productivity while supporting environmentally sustainable growing practices.
The workshop was a great opportunity for our gardeners to share ideas, expand gardening skills, and strengthen the understanding of organic food growing.
Soil Health & Microbiome
Our Philosophy
A healthy soil microbiome will feed the plant, strengthen its natural immune system, and help protect it from pests and disease.Where intervention is needed, we prefer physical controls such as nets or protective films, and biological solutions such as compost tea, worm juice, or Go Go Juice.We avoid the use of poisons wherever possible.
The Healthy Soil Cycle
Healthy soil → Healthy roots → Healthy plants → Fewer pests and diseases.
By focusing on soil health first, we create a more resilient, productive, and sustainable garden for everyone.
Feed the Soil, Not the Plant
Healthy plants start with healthy soil.
When plants lack essential nutrients, signs such as leaf discoloration, poor growth, or reduced fruit production can appear. Deficiencies in trace elements such as copper and boron can weaken a plant's natural defense systems, making it more susceptible to pests and disease.
The good news is that nature already has a solution.
The soil microbes we cultivate through composting act as tiny miners, breaking down rock particles and organic matter to release trace elements and nutrients that plants can absorb. High-quality compost is one of the best sources of these essential minerals and beneficial microorganisms.
Regularly topping up garden beds with compost and mulch helps:
-
Replenish organic matter
-
Retain moisture
-
Support beneficial soil biology
-
Improve nutrient availability
-
Build long-term soil fertility
If nutrient deficiencies are suspected, a soil test can help identify exactly what is missing and guide any necessary amendments.
1
Seeds
-
Mix compost with weed tea or compost tea until colour is like orange juice.
-
Soak seeds in this mix before planting.
-
Coats seeds with protective microbes – prevents seedling diseases and boosts early growth.
2
Hot Compost Bay
-
Layer compost with weed tea content (soaked weeds in water) and brown materials.
-
Add water to keep moist. Speeds up composting.
-
Heat kills weed seeds and pathogens.
3
Commercial Boosters
-
Go Go Juice – liquid beneficial bacteria + humates (soil probiotic).
-
Charlie Carp – fermented fish fertilizer. Feeds microbes, which feed plants.
4
Living Roots
-
Where possible, keep beds planted year-round.
-
Living plants feed soil microbes, protect the soil surface, and improve overall garden health.
5
Embrace Diversity
-
Grow a wide variety of plants together, aiming for at least four different plant families in each bed.
-
Diversity helps reduce pests and diseases while creating a more productive garden.
6
Three Dimensions
-
Make the most of available space by combining groundcovers, medium-height plants, and taller crops.
-
This layered approach increases productivity and creates healthier growing conditions.
Pest Management
Letting the ecosystem work
Encourage beneficial bugs (wasps, ladybugs, lacewings)
-
Increasing the number of flowering plants throughout the garden will attract pollinators and beneficial insects. A "Good Bug Mix" sown around the perimeter and within garden beds could provide habitat, colour, and edible flowers for members to enjoy.
-
Do NOT pick off or spray all pests. Leave some.
-
Pests attract the good bugs. Without prey, beneficial bugs leave.
-
Healthy soil + some pests = garden creates its own natural pest control.
Large predators (e.g. Ibis birds)
-
Use nets as physical barrier.
-
Chase them out of the garden
-
Consider cats.
Kurnell's Curse
-
Best control: black plastic film laid over the weed.
-
Blocks light + traps heat (solarization). Kills weed without chemicals.
-
Do NOT use sprays – sprays harm soil microbiome.