Teaching old dogs new tricks

We have recently moved into a rented house after living in the same home for over 10 years. I had forgotten how hard it is to not just do what you want, when you want. In our previous house (back in Queensland) we started our last garden on a sparse house block and managed to turn it into an oasis that had fruit trees, veggie patches, bird loving flowers and trees.It had little nooks and crannies and was really coming along.

We now find ourselves (for the next couple of years) having to live in the opposite side of Australia in a climate so foreign to us, we may as well be in another  country. We are accustomed to huge rainfall and the issues that arise from this. We know how to avoid tropical pests and know how to take precautionary measures when a cyclone crops up.

Now we are re-learning the gardening tricks of our parents as we live in a climate now that has 4 seasons (not just wet or dry), and having to learn about a soil that has no guts to it at all, and seems to require tonnes of manure and composting matter.

This was only 1/4 of weeds

Now as this house is not ours we don't really have a choice as to where we can plant things, and raised beds are out of the question, so this will be the first crop of veggies I will be giving a go. I've managed to pull the grass out of one designated area and sectioned off a few squares that I can plant in. We've pulled up a few pavers that was designed for the rubbish bins and found dirt  underneath ; this today became another veggie patch. A bit more plant and weed thinning in the garden and we will be able to pop in a few more tomatoes amongst the azaleas :o)

Finished reclaimed garden beds

Discovering dirt under pavers

2 new garden beds on either sides of pavers

Discovering soil under weeds

It doesn't really matter where you live. The opportunity to grow a few veggies or herbs can present itself in so many ways. If you really cant plant in the garden you have, then try pots. These come in all shapes and designs, if you don't want to go to that expense then just plain broccoli boxes will do the job. All you really need is one or two tomatoes and your favorite herb to whet your appetite and soon there will be no stopping you.