Continuing on from last issue, this article investigates the problems that may occur in the compost heap and the implications for the soil and plants where poor or ‘immature’ compost is produced. This may often resemble mulch rather than a soil-conditioning compost.

Also covered in the article is:

• Organic mulch Vs. good compost?
• What could go wrong?
• How much water?

Whilst Yacon or Apple of the Earth (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is widely
grown by organic gardeners and permaculturists, it deserves to be known by more gardeners. It is a vegetable which produces a delicious root crop, and best of all it is hardy and virtually maintenance free.

Yacon is thought to be native to the Andes region of Eucador, Colombia and Bolivia, however having been cultivated throughout South America for many hundreds of years, its exact origins are now obscure. Growing from a tuberous rootstock, plants reach from 1.2 to 2m high and over time form large clumps. Velvety arrow-shaped leaves, 100 to 200mm in diameter are arranged in pairs along hollow canes.

A broad range of fruiting plants thrive in the warm climate garden and
provide a diverse range of tropical fruit for snacks, desserts and juices. The most popular fruit would have to be bananas, citrus (including oranges,
lemons, lime, grapefruit and mandarins) and pineapples.

Citrus would have to be the most common of all fruiting plants found in gardens across Australia. Lemons and oranges have long dominated the suburban block.

Bananas (Musa x paradisiaca cultivars) have long been a favourite in warm climate gardens. Regulations exist which limit the number of plants allowed to be grown in the home garden in some states – a regulation to protect the banana industry.

Pineapples (Ananas comosus) have historically been grown in gardens throughout coastal subtropical and tropical regions of Australia.

The Midyim or Midgen Berry was previously described by Joan Dillon in STG Issue 15, as one of the most useful native shrubs that she recommends for attracting birds to your garden. Not only does this attractive little shrub encourage the native wildlife, it also produces, in abundance, the most delightfully morish berries of all the native plants.

Midyim naturally occurs along a narrow coastal strip, from Fraser Island, south to Byron Bay, where it occupies the sandy soils of dunal heaths to dry open forests and occasionally, the margins of coastal rainforests.