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Garden Better — All Episodes

Welcome to ‘Garden Better’, the new podcast from Better Homes and Gardens. In each episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon will be dishing the dirt on all things gardening, guiding you through the season and taking a look at what’s hot, what’s not, and how you can keep things thriving in your own little patch of paradise. Plus, Milton Black gives you gardening by the moon.

The late summer garden

In this episode, we’ll be wandering around the late summer garden, putting the spotlight on several of its signature flowers, and offering tips on what to do in the vegie patch. Plus we're joined by Angie Thomas from Yates to discuss solutions to one of the season’s biggest challenges – pests and diseases. And we talk to astrologer Milton Black about gardening by the moon.

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The early autumn garden

In this episode, we’re going to look at one of the most common challenges faced by gardeners – shade – plus we give you the low-down on autumn feeding for your garden. We’ll also chat to horticulturist Matthew Carroll about ways to save water in the garden. And later, we check in with Milton Black, Australia’s favourite astrologer, for his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Autumn flowers and vegies

In this episode, we’re going to check out the best flowers for autumn colour and what you can plant in your vegie patch this season. We'll also talk to Grahame Rowe, garden designer with Better Homes and Gardens TV show, about how to get the tropical look in your garden. And later on, don’t miss our chat with Milton Black, Australia’s favourite astrologer, on gardening by the moon.

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Cool weather gardening

In this episode, we’re going to look at lawns and what you can do to keep them in top shape through the cool months, as well as offering ideas for countering one of the most challenging of garden pests – the possum! And we’ll also talk herbs with Ellie Vernon, food Editor at Better Homes and Gardens magazine. And later on, don’t miss our chat with Milton Black on gardening by the moon.

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Autumn trees and spring bulbs

In this episode, we’re going to take a look at two classic autumn gardening themes – the best trees for seasonal foliage colour, and how to create stunning bulb displays by planting them in pots. Plus, we’ll also talk to horticulturist Matthew Carroll about vertical gardening. And later on, don’t miss our chat with Milton Black, Australia’s favourite astrologer, for his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Flowering natives and indoor plants you can't kill!

In this episode, we’re going to have a chat about which native plants to choose for flower colour through winter. We’ll also set you straight on compost making – it’s not hard to do and you make your own plant food! Plus, we’ll also talk with Angie Thomas about the best – and hardest to kill – indoor plants. And later on, we chat with Milton Black on gardening by the moon.

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Winter vegies and how to plant bare-root roses

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon take a look at the winter vegie patch and what you can harvest and plant right now. Roses are under the spotlight and Rachael Matuschka from Treloar Roses drops by to talk about how to grow them from bare-root plants in winter. Plus, Milton Black shares his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Winter blooms and backyard tidy-ups

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon take a look at their favourite winter bloomers and the jobs you can do around the garden during winter. Nicola Cameron from PEPO Botanic Design joins the show to talk about the latest outdoor trends and how to improve your outdoor area. Plus, Milton Black shares his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Pruning roses and caring for citrus

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon talk about the best way to prune roses, one of the most important winter jobs in the garden. It's also the season to harvest citrus fruit. Winter is the time to transplant trees, so Maroun Maait from Alpine Treemovals joins the show to talk about moving mature specimens. Plus, Milton Black shares his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Winter lawns and garden myth busters

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon talk about how to care for your winter lawn, including fertilising and weed control. On the topic of lawns, Lisa Walton from Victa joins the show to share top mowing tips for the season. Then Jenny and Adam bust common garden myths around succulents, composting and pot plants. Plus, Milton Black shares his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Summer bulbs and water features

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon share their favourite summer bulbs to plant right now. They also talk about water features, from preformed shells to dig-it-yourself ponds and how to care for them, chatting to Jason Geldart from Aquatec Equipment about what you need to do to get a backyard pond you'll love. Plus, Milton Black shares his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Prep for spring and plant fruit trees

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon share their top tips for tidying up the garden before spring and rejuvenating outdoor furniture. They also talk about how now is the time to plant fruit trees, chatting to Jake Fleming from Fleming's Nurseries about what to grow in any garden big or small. Plus, Milton Black shares his tips on gardening by the moon.

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Spring blooms and pollinators

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon share their favourite blooms from bulbs to flowering fruit trees and share their insight on pollination. Then, they're joined by Sarah Hamilton from Bee Yourself, to talk about native –and stingless! – bees, and how you can attract them to your garden. Plus, Milton Black is back to share his gardening by the moon tips.

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The big spring weed and feed plus lawn TLC

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon share their top tips for feeding the spring garden, then it's on to the lawn which also needs a good feed and a good weed at this time of year. If you need to lay new turf, Joe Rogers from Lawn Solutions Australia visits the show to break down the process. Plus, Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Summer vegies to plant now and mulch magic

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon talk about planting vegies for summer harvest and the difference mulch can make to your garden. On the topic of edible gardening, Graeme Sait from Nutri-Tech Solutions shares his tips on how to improve your soil to grow nutrient-rich – and more delicious – food at home. Plus, Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Spring garden jobs and outdoor lighting

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon tackle spring jobs, and how to do the work that will see your garden through to summer. Then they get onto using your garden after dark and Matt Wichmann from Holman Industries joins the show to share his tips on how to make the most of your outdoor areas once the sun goes down. Plus, Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Water saving tips and growing succulents

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon share their top water-saving tips for the garden, then segue into succulents – the ultimate dry-tolerant plants. Michael Dent from Aloe Aloe comes on the show to talk about amazing aloes and how to grow these flowering beauties at home. Plus, Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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How to grow bromeliads and choose garden art

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon break down bromeliads. Not just for planting in dry shade, there are varieties you can grow in full sun! Then it's time for the great garden art debate and to help out with this topic, Natalia Broadhead from Broadcraft Designs joins the show to talk about outdoor artworks. Plus Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Beat the heat and bushfire prep

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon talk about how to prep your garden for summer and beat the heat. With a bit of pruning, mulching and planting you'll be ready. They're joined by Anthony Bradstreet of the NSW Rural Fire Service who talks about how to create your own bushfire plan and what you can do to help protect your property. Plus Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Summer lawns and power tools

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon talk about how to care for your summer lawn, from mulch mowing, to feeding, quick green-ups and weed control. Then they're joined by Wade King from Ryobi to discuss the next gen in garden equipment – battery-powered tools. Plus Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Christmas plants and outdoor entertaining

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon talk about their fave hand tools and how to choose a gift for a gardener. Then they talk Christmas plants from poinsettias to natives and how you can grow them. They're joined by Better Homes and Gardens editor, Dora Papas, who gives her top tips for outdoor entertaining. Plus Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Soil solutions, garden myths and food-growing tips

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon look at improving sandy and clay soils, plus what to plant. Then they bust one of the oldest gardening myths – to pee or not to pee on the lemon tree? Garden writer and radio presenter Phil Dudman comes on the show to share his no-dig tricks and best advice on growing all things edible. Plus Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Summer vegie gardening and raised beds

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon look at the vegie garden and what you can grow at this time of year, plus how to care for your crops. Then they explore the different type of raised beds you can use. Mark Noyce from Biofilta comes on the show to share his expertise with water-saving and sustainable wicking beds and how you can use them at your place. Plus Milton Black is back to talk about gardening by the moon.

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Plant names explained and growing bush tucker

In this episode horticulturists Adam Woodhams and Jenny Dillon look at botanical plant names, including genus, species and cultivars plus common names and what they have to do with Lady Gaga and SpongeBob SquarePants! Then it's time to talk about bush tucker, and what you can grow at home such as lemon myrtle, macadamias and finger limes Bruce Pascoe, author of Dark Emu, comes on the show to discuss Aboriginal agriculture and food production.

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Norfolk Island special part one

In this special bonus episode, host Adam Woodhams takes you to Norfolk Island, home of the famous pine and lots of other amazing flora. He chats with Senior Ranger, Joel Christian and Mark Scott, Native Flora Specialist from Parks Australia about some of the incredibly rare plants of the island and some of the better-known species. Then Rachael Nebauer specialist tour guide, storyteller, history expert and amateur ethnobotanist comes on the show to discuss the plants that have come with each wave of settlement and their significance. To finish, Adam visits with Jane Rutledge, who runs the beautiful and historic Music Valley garden, to talk about the range of bananas on-isle and their significance in both food and culture. Tune in again next week for more on this magical destination.

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Norfolk Island special part two

In this special bonus episode, host Adam Woodhams takes you once again to Norfolk Island, home of the famous pine and lots of other amazing flora. He chats with Matt Bigg from Bigg Fresh about farming on the island, and organic and sustainable agricultural methods. Then Jane Rutledge of Music Valley garden is back to talk about to the mysterious and historically significant food plants found on the island, many of which are still used today, including the banana and taro. To finish, Adam visits with Dean Bosley of Dino’s at Bumboras restaurant which is a food metres rather than food miles experience. It’s all about using local meat and fish, growing pesticide-free produce on site, keeping chooks and using fruit and vegies from the gardens of friends.

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