Love of Dirt Sun, 08 Mar 2026 14:26:32 -0400 http://www.loveofdirt.com.au en-au © 2026 Love of Dirt yes 9aa4eb19-b1b0-5310-ae8c-b9c62f5349bd Nicki Mckay episodic false Growing food is fast becoming a lost art. It's feared, it's unknown, it's challenging, it's rebellious. But it doesn't have to be hard. In the Love of Dirt podcast we explore topics around growing food, fair food and sustainable living. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Garden, Food Growing, Fair Food, Permaculture, Organic Growing, Organic Gardening, Slow Living, Homesteading, Vegetable patch Nicki Mckay https://storage.buzzsprout.com/utdpbuujkj0whblvp9e9om51m1kh?.jpg Love of Dirt http://www.loveofdirt.com.au How to succession plant your veggie patch How to succession plant your veggie patch Our final episode for 2021. 

In this episode I share tips that will help you learn how to have something to harvest from your vegetable garden every day with succession planting.

]]> Our final episode for 2021. 

In this episode I share tips that will help you learn how to have something to harvest from your vegetable garden every day with succession planting.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9474526 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 01:00:00 +1000 725 3 24 full false Why you should grow flowers in your vegetable garden Why you should grow flowers in your vegetable garden Flowers are an integral part of a thriving organic vegetable garden. 

In this post I talk about why should you grow flowers amongst your vegetables and our favourites to grow and why.

]]> Flowers are an integral part of a thriving organic vegetable garden. 

In this post I talk about why should you grow flowers amongst your vegetables and our favourites to grow and why.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9446298 Fri, 29 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +1000 738 3 23 full false Growing Blueberries in Pots Growing Blueberries in Pots One of the first fruits I started to grow whilst renting was a blueberry. Many years ago blueberries used to be so cost prohibitive to buy here - around $8 for a 125g a punnet. I always thought they were a cool weather fruit after seeing them sell dirt cheap in huge punnets when we were travelling in Canada, but failing to realise that blueberry farms surrounded me in my home town growing up.

In this episode I share some blueberry growing tips. 

]]> One of the first fruits I started to grow whilst renting was a blueberry. Many years ago blueberries used to be so cost prohibitive to buy here - around $8 for a 125g a punnet. I always thought they were a cool weather fruit after seeing them sell dirt cheap in huge punnets when we were travelling in Canada, but failing to realise that blueberry farms surrounded me in my home town growing up.

In this episode I share some blueberry growing tips. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9392806 Fri, 22 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +1000 701 3 22 full false How to store seeds for your veggie patch How to store seeds for your veggie patch If you're a seed hoarder like myself, there is nothing worse than trying to propagate seeds and they are no longer viable even if the date says they should be good. Seeds do have a shelf life, but environmental influences (aka the way you store them) have a massive affect their viability.

In this episode I talk about methods for storing your seeds. 

]]> If you're a seed hoarder like myself, there is nothing worse than trying to propagate seeds and they are no longer viable even if the date says they should be good. Seeds do have a shelf life, but environmental influences (aka the way you store them) have a massive affect their viability.

In this episode I talk about methods for storing your seeds. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9351593 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +1000 630 3 21 full false Seed raising for beginners Seed raising for beginners I have so many people say to me that they are terrible at raising things from seeds. I get it, it can be pretty easy to kill seeds if the conditions aren’t right. Too much water, too little water. Too much sun, not enough sun. 

In this weeks podcast I wanted to share some tips for seed raising. 

]]> I have so many people say to me that they are terrible at raising things from seeds. I get it, it can be pretty easy to kill seeds if the conditions aren’t right. Too much water, too little water. Too much sun, not enough sun. 

In this weeks podcast I wanted to share some tips for seed raising. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9283551 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 01:00:00 +1000 1138 3 20 full false Managing Powdery Mildew Managing Powdery Mildew Powdery mildew can be devastating to many crops and it is highly infectious so can spread quickly in your garden if you don’t get control of it. 

In this episode I chat about what it is, how to avoid it and how to manage it when you've got it.

]]> Powdery mildew can be devastating to many crops and it is highly infectious so can spread quickly in your garden if you don’t get control of it. 

In this episode I chat about what it is, how to avoid it and how to manage it when you've got it.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9230642 Fri, 24 Sep 2021 01:00:00 +1000 426 3 19 full false Square foot gardening in Australia Square foot gardening in Australia Square foot gardening is an intensive gardening technique very popular in the US/UK. 

In this podcast we talk about what it is, the pros and cons and how we do it in Australia.

]]> Square foot gardening is an intensive gardening technique very popular in the US/UK. 

In this podcast we talk about what it is, the pros and cons and how we do it in Australia.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9203452 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:00:00 +1000 627 3 18 full false How to deal with tree roots invading your vegetable garden How to deal with tree roots invading your vegetable garden Tree roots invading your vegetable garden is a huge problem taking water and nutrients. 

In this episode I chat about some strategies we've used here to fix the problem. 

]]> Tree roots invading your vegetable garden is a huge problem taking water and nutrients. 

In this episode I chat about some strategies we've used here to fix the problem. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9150168 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 01:00:00 +1000 449 3 17 full false No dig garden beds No dig garden beds When recently interviewed by Gardening Australia Magazine, I was asked what is my favourite gardening method - and the answer was a no dig method because I am lazy and don't like digging. But laziness isn't the only reason. 

In this podcast I chat about why we do no dig gardening here at Love of Dirt and how we do it. 

]]> When recently interviewed by Gardening Australia Magazine, I was asked what is my favourite gardening method - and the answer was a no dig method because I am lazy and don't like digging. But laziness isn't the only reason. 

In this podcast I chat about why we do no dig gardening here at Love of Dirt and how we do it. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9112656 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 01:00:00 +1000 489 3 16 full false The best manure for your vegetable garden The best manure for your vegetable garden Need to buy manure for your garden but confused about what type is the best? 

In this podcast I share my tips for choosing the right manure to give your veggie patch a boost and what ones we choose and why.

]]> Need to buy manure for your garden but confused about what type is the best? 

In this podcast I share my tips for choosing the right manure to give your veggie patch a boost and what ones we choose and why.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9076261 Fri, 27 Aug 2021 01:00:00 +1000 457 3 15 full false How much sunlight does your veggie patch need? How much sunlight does your veggie patch need? All plants need sunlight to produce energy for growth. But some plants need more of it than others to thrive. So how much sunlight does your veggie patch need?

In this episode I chat about what your veggie patch needs, common definitions and working out the best way to position your patch.

]]> All plants need sunlight to produce energy for growth. But some plants need more of it than others to thrive. So how much sunlight does your veggie patch need?

In this episode I chat about what your veggie patch needs, common definitions and working out the best way to position your patch.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-9041025 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 01:00:00 +1000 499 3 14 full false The difference between hydroponics and aquaponics? The difference between hydroponics and aquaponics? Hydroponics and aquaponics are based on the same principals, they both grow food in an inert media using water.

But what is the difference and which is better? 

]]> Hydroponics and aquaponics are based on the same principals, they both grow food in an inert media using water.

But what is the difference and which is better? 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8453309 Fri, 07 May 2021 01:00:00 +1000 262 3 13 full false How to get rid of those annoying flying bugs in indoor plants How to get rid of those annoying flying bugs in indoor plants Do you have a problem with little flies hovering around your indoor plants or even your kitchen compost caddy?

Often people refer to these little monsters as fruit flies, but they are actually fungus gnats or vinegar flies. They don’t bite or spread disease they are just incredibly annoying. 

In this episode I talk about strategies to get rid of those annoying flying bugs inside.



]]> Do you have a problem with little flies hovering around your indoor plants or even your kitchen compost caddy?

Often people refer to these little monsters as fruit flies, but they are actually fungus gnats or vinegar flies. They don’t bite or spread disease they are just incredibly annoying. 

In this episode I talk about strategies to get rid of those annoying flying bugs inside.



]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8366145 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 01:00:00 +1000 370 3 12 full false Can you compost Dog & Cat Poo Can you compost Dog & Cat Poo I often get asked whether cat or dog poo can be placed in the compost bin. 

The short answer is yes. With a big fat caveat. You don’t want it mixed with your regular compost that goes in your veggies.

In this episode I chat about why you don't want to mix your pet poo in with your regular garden compost, and what you can do to compost it instead.



]]> I often get asked whether cat or dog poo can be placed in the compost bin. 

The short answer is yes. With a big fat caveat. You don’t want it mixed with your regular compost that goes in your veggies.

In this episode I chat about why you don't want to mix your pet poo in with your regular garden compost, and what you can do to compost it instead.



]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8323469 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 01:00:00 +1000 322 3 11 full false Tips for creating an organic vegan garden Tips for creating an organic vegan garden Are you vegan but struggle to find solutions that aren’t animal based for your vegan garden? 

For a very long time I was super confused as to how you could be vegan and also eat organically. Organic fertilisers are generally manure based, and manure for the horticulture industry generally comes from the animals within the meat industry. Then there’s worm farming and attracting beneficial insects to murder the bad insects.

In this episode I talk about ways to boost your organic vegan garden soil and keep your garden pest free. 

]]> Are you vegan but struggle to find solutions that aren’t animal based for your vegan garden? 

For a very long time I was super confused as to how you could be vegan and also eat organically. Organic fertilisers are generally manure based, and manure for the horticulture industry generally comes from the animals within the meat industry. Then there’s worm farming and attracting beneficial insects to murder the bad insects.

In this episode I talk about ways to boost your organic vegan garden soil and keep your garden pest free. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8277817 Fri, 09 Apr 2021 01:00:00 +1000 429 3 10 full false Tips for growing perfect carrots Tips for growing perfect carrots Carrots can be one of those tricky crops to grow, which can be frustrating considering they are dirt cheap in the supermarket. However, nothing beats a home grown carrot, especially enjoyed straight from the garden.

In this episode I share my carrot tips, along with troubleshooting some common issues. 

]]> Carrots can be one of those tricky crops to grow, which can be frustrating considering they are dirt cheap in the supermarket. However, nothing beats a home grown carrot, especially enjoyed straight from the garden.

In this episode I share my carrot tips, along with troubleshooting some common issues. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8235603 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 01:00:00 +1000 557 3 9 full true How we practice companion planting How we practice companion planting The idea of companion planting is a broad term used to describe a method of grouping plants together for mutual benefits, whether it is for pest preventing or growth.

In this episode I talk about the 3 companion planting techniques we use in our garden.

]]> The idea of companion planting is a broad term used to describe a method of grouping plants together for mutual benefits, whether it is for pest preventing or growth.

In this episode I talk about the 3 companion planting techniques we use in our garden.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8191222 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +1000 768 3 8 full false Choosing the right composting worm farm setup Choosing the right composting worm farm setup Whenever anyone asks me where they should start when it comes to composting I always say get a composting worm farm.

In this episode I chat about the different types of worm farm setups we've had, we currently use and other options you may want to check out. 

]]> Whenever anyone asks me where they should start when it comes to composting I always say get a composting worm farm.

In this episode I chat about the different types of worm farm setups we've had, we currently use and other options you may want to check out. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8147184 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +1000 812 3 7 full false How to make compost at home How to make compost at home Compost is one of the key ingredients to the success of growing food and there is nothing like home grown compost. If you grow your own food, knowing how to make your own compost is key.

In this episode I talk about the basic process and types of home composting.

]]> Compost is one of the key ingredients to the success of growing food and there is nothing like home grown compost. If you grow your own food, knowing how to make your own compost is key.

In this episode I talk about the basic process and types of home composting.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8103006 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +1000 1096 3 6 full false Do you need to thin beetroot seedlings? Do you need to thin beetroot seedlings? I’ve always been one to thin my vegetable seedlings, beetroot included. I have found over the years that plants do better if they’re not competing with resources (sun, water, nutrients). Thinned plants are usually a little more resilient from bug attacks. 

In this episode I chat about my latest experiment with not thinning beetroots, along with some tips for growing them.

]]> I’ve always been one to thin my vegetable seedlings, beetroot included. I have found over the years that plants do better if they’re not competing with resources (sun, water, nutrients). Thinned plants are usually a little more resilient from bug attacks. 

In this episode I chat about my latest experiment with not thinning beetroots, along with some tips for growing them.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-8025490 Fri, 05 Mar 2021 01:00:00 +1000 527 3 5 full false Too hot for lettuce? Try Microgreens instead Too hot for lettuce? Try Microgreens instead If you want an endless supply of greens the simplest thing to do is grow micro greens. From planting to harvest you’re looking at anywhere between 2-4 weeks.

In this episode I chat about types of things you can grow as a micro green and all the tools you'll need to get started.  

]]> If you want an endless supply of greens the simplest thing to do is grow micro greens. From planting to harvest you’re looking at anywhere between 2-4 weeks.

In this episode I chat about types of things you can grow as a micro green and all the tools you'll need to get started.  

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-7754707 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +1000 425 3 4 full false The best soil to fill a veggie patch The best soil to fill a veggie patch Need to buy soil for your veggie patch? 

In this episode I talk about how to avoid disaster with my tips on choosing commercial veggie mix soil and how to make it amazing.

]]> Need to buy soil for your veggie patch? 

In this episode I talk about how to avoid disaster with my tips on choosing commercial veggie mix soil and how to make it amazing.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-7753264 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +1000 416 3 3 full false Using a wicking bed for your vegetable garden Using a wicking bed for your vegetable garden One of the first posts I wrote on our blog was our setup of a mini wicking bed pot. It worked well for a while but the styrofoam eventually failed and I never got around to implementing that type again as I moved to different ways of doing them. 

We’ve had some fails and wins with our various experiments along the way so in this Episode I thought I'd share with you our Wicking bed learnings.

]]> One of the first posts I wrote on our blog was our setup of a mini wicking bed pot. It worked well for a while but the styrofoam eventually failed and I never got around to implementing that type again as I moved to different ways of doing them. 

We’ve had some fails and wins with our various experiments along the way so in this Episode I thought I'd share with you our Wicking bed learnings.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-7364425 Fri, 12 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +1000 722 3 2 full false Best raised bed for your Veggie Garden in Australia Best raised bed for your Veggie Garden in Australia Often we are asked what type of raised bed we prefer to use in our suburban patch. There are a range of options and in this episode I have put together a break down of options to suit the Australian conditions.

]]> Often we are asked what type of raised bed we prefer to use in our suburban patch. There are a range of options and in this episode I have put together a break down of options to suit the Australian conditions.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-7364293 Fri, 05 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +1000 507 3 1 full false Managing Root Knot Nematodes in the Organic Garden Managing Root Knot Nematodes in the Organic Garden Root knot nematodes or eel worms are those hidden annoyances that you don’t really know that you’ve got them until it’s too late. Root knot nematodes are a microscopic parasite that sucks the life out of your plants. 

In this episode we talk about strategies we use when we discover an infestation of root knot nematodes.

]]> Root knot nematodes or eel worms are those hidden annoyances that you don’t really know that you’ve got them until it’s too late. Root knot nematodes are a microscopic parasite that sucks the life out of your plants. 

In this episode we talk about strategies we use when we discover an infestation of root knot nematodes.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-6744025 Fri, 11 Dec 2020 01:00:00 +1000 695 2 6 full false Spring Garden Jobs Spring Garden Jobs Spring is a lovely time of year for us, but it does get hot very quickly! I would liken our Spring to more like a Mediterranean summer, it’s hot and dry. In this Podcast I thought I’d share some of the things we’re doing this Spring to make sure we get through summer reasonably unscathed.

]]> Spring is a lovely time of year for us, but it does get hot very quickly! I would liken our Spring to more like a Mediterranean summer, it’s hot and dry. In this Podcast I thought I’d share some of the things we’re doing this Spring to make sure we get through summer reasonably unscathed.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-5793844 Thu, 08 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +1000 476 2 5 full false How to control aphids in the garden organically How to control aphids in the garden organically The aphids were pretty insane this year. I know a lot of people had similar issues, and I know the reason I had them was lack of planning and overall management. 

In this podcast I talk about strategies we use to keep them in check. 

]]> The aphids were pretty insane this year. I know a lot of people had similar issues, and I know the reason I had them was lack of planning and overall management. 

In this podcast I talk about strategies we use to keep them in check. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-5165983 Fri, 28 Aug 2020 01:00:00 +1000 746 2 4 full false How we deal with clay soil How we deal with clay soil In this episode I talk about 3 strategies we're using to beat clay soil and grow great veggies. 

]]> In this episode I talk about 3 strategies we're using to beat clay soil and grow great veggies. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-4310792 Fri, 26 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +1000 613 2 3 full false Sarah Heath - Basilea Living Herbs Sarah Heath - Basilea Living Herbs In this episode I chat with Second generation herb grower Sarah Heath. 

We chat about her journey into the herb world along with some of her favourite herbs to grow and eat and essentials for any kitchen gardener. 

We also talk a little about getting kids to eat the herbs and what's the best soil for your garden. 

]]> In this episode I chat with Second generation herb grower Sarah Heath. 

We chat about her journey into the herb world along with some of her favourite herbs to grow and eat and essentials for any kitchen gardener. 

We also talk a little about getting kids to eat the herbs and what's the best soil for your garden. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-3563092 Fri, 08 May 2020 02:00:00 +1000 2343 2 2 full false Heidi Merika - Boosting your Immunity with Plants Heidi Merika - Boosting your Immunity with Plants We're back for a new season of the Podcast in 2020.

This episode I chat with Heidi Merika who is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist. We talk about Heidi's journey into the plant world and deep dive into ways you can boost your immunity from plants you can grow or find. 

]]> We're back for a new season of the Podcast in 2020.

This episode I chat with Heidi Merika who is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist. We talk about Heidi's journey into the plant world and deep dive into ways you can boost your immunity from plants you can grow or find. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-3239071 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +1000 2660 2 1 full false What to grow in those hot months of Summer What to grow in those hot months of Summer If you’re anything like me and live in a warm climate, by the time summer hits you’ll just want to give your veggie patch all away. The summer garden means the bugs move in, keeping up with the watering is a full time job and things get suffer from severe sun stress.

In this episode I share some of the veggies that I continue to grow through those summer months. 

This is the last episode of 2019 whilst I take a break and will be back in 2020.

]]> If you’re anything like me and live in a warm climate, by the time summer hits you’ll just want to give your veggie patch all away. The summer garden means the bugs move in, keeping up with the watering is a full time job and things get suffer from severe sun stress.

In this episode I share some of the veggies that I continue to grow through those summer months. 

This is the last episode of 2019 whilst I take a break and will be back in 2020.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1964488 Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 +1000 627 1 24 full false Surviving Summer in the Veggie Patch Surviving Summer in the Veggie Patch Summer growing in QLD really is a tough gig, it's too hot and the bugs move in.  Sometimes it's just easier to give up and hit the beach.

In this weeks episode I chat about some of the things I do to combat some issues that we face and still get a harves

]]> Summer growing in QLD really is a tough gig, it's too hot and the bugs move in.  Sometimes it's just easier to give up and hit the beach.

In this weeks episode I chat about some of the things I do to combat some issues that we face and still get a harves

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1923953 Fri, 25 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +1000 248 1 23 full false Lessons from growing garlic in a hot climate Lessons from growing garlic in a hot climate If you watch certain garden shows, they will tell you that you shouldn't even try growing garlic in our climate. 'Stick to garlic chives they say', but seriously it's not the same thing at all. Well I am the kind of person that if you tell me I can't do something, I will be determined to prove you wrong.

After many years of failure, this year I had a successful crop and in this weeks episode I am sharing my learnings. 

]]> If you watch certain garden shows, they will tell you that you shouldn't even try growing garlic in our climate. 'Stick to garlic chives they say', but seriously it's not the same thing at all. Well I am the kind of person that if you tell me I can't do something, I will be determined to prove you wrong.

After many years of failure, this year I had a successful crop and in this weeks episode I am sharing my learnings. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1881386 Fri, 18 Oct 2019 03:00:00 +1000 523 Garlic, Subtropics, Hot Climate, Permaculture, Grow Food Not Lawn 1 22 full false Zucchini Fruiting Issues Zucchini Fruiting Issues Do you have a problem with your zucchinis (or squash or pumpkin or cucumbers) being stunted and not progressing past the size of your thumb? Perhaps they are getting to a certain size and then they just start rotting.

In this episode I chat about how to avoid this issue to make sure you get a good harvest of zucchini.

]]> Do you have a problem with your zucchinis (or squash or pumpkin or cucumbers) being stunted and not progressing past the size of your thumb? Perhaps they are getting to a certain size and then they just start rotting.

In this episode I chat about how to avoid this issue to make sure you get a good harvest of zucchini.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1816732 Fri, 11 Oct 2019 05:00:00 +1000 310 1 21 full false The Fruit flies have arrived! The Fruit flies have arrived! So this week, the last week of spring I made a shocking discovery. The fruit fly have arrived here in the subtropics.

In this episode I chat about the strategies I use to stop fruit fly destroying my gardening dreams. 

]]> So this week, the last week of spring I made a shocking discovery. The fruit fly have arrived here in the subtropics.

In this episode I chat about the strategies I use to stop fruit fly destroying my gardening dreams. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1780237 Fri, 04 Oct 2019 05:00:00 +1000 328 Australian Garden, Veggie Patch, Permaculture, Gardening 1 20 full false Why you need to start growing flowers in your veggie Patch Why you need to start growing flowers in your veggie Patch I confess. I never used to plant flowers. I didn’t have the luxury of a lot of space so I always felt like it was a waste of room if I planted flowers.

Now since upping my flower game, I consider it an integral part of my veggie planting. In this episode I talk about why you should start growing flowers in your patch and my top picks. 

]]> I confess. I never used to plant flowers. I didn’t have the luxury of a lot of space so I always felt like it was a waste of room if I planted flowers.

Now since upping my flower game, I consider it an integral part of my veggie planting. In this episode I talk about why you should start growing flowers in your patch and my top picks. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1743424 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 05:00:00 +1000 410 1 19 full false Choosing Mulch for your Veggie Patch Choosing Mulch for your Veggie Patch As the weather heats up for us, there is nothing more important than keeping up moisture to your vegetable patch and the best way to do that is to mulch your garden.

In this episode I chat about the best mulches to use in your veggie patch and ones to av

]]> As the weather heats up for us, there is nothing more important than keeping up moisture to your vegetable patch and the best way to do that is to mulch your garden.

In this episode I chat about the best mulches to use in your veggie patch and ones to av

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1704787 Fri, 20 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +1000 324 1 18 full false Common pests and how to deal with them Common pests and how to deal with them In this episode I talk about some of the common pests we get in our garden and how we manage them organically. 

]]> In this episode I talk about some of the common pests we get in our garden and how we manage them organically. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1683751 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 05:00:00 +1000 605 Garden Pests, Garden, Veggie Gardening, Vegetable Gardening, Permaculture, Sustainable Living 1 17 full false Reasons your veggie patch is failing to thrive Reasons your veggie patch is failing to thrive Are you a self confessed black thumb? Or perhaps you had some great results when you first setup your veggie patch and now you're failing to see it thrive.

Maybe you’re just making some simple mistakes. Here are 3 things you can do to turn things around. 

]]> Are you a self confessed black thumb? Or perhaps you had some great results when you first setup your veggie patch and now you're failing to see it thrive.

Maybe you’re just making some simple mistakes. Here are 3 things you can do to turn things around. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1630501 Fri, 06 Sep 2019 05:00:00 +1000 292 1 16 full false What to plant in Spring What to plant in Spring Here in the subtropical climate we have to be super organised to make sure we get things in before summer hits and kills our gardening dreams. 

In this episode I chat about some of my favourite things to get growing in spring time. 

]]> Here in the subtropical climate we have to be super organised to make sure we get things in before summer hits and kills our gardening dreams. 

In this episode I chat about some of my favourite things to get growing in spring time. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1593748 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 05:00:00 +1000 442 1 15 full false Problem Solving in the Veggie Patch Problem Solving in the Veggie Patch I think the reason I love growing food so much is because I am a natural problem solver. If something fails I will keep trying until I figure it out. 

In this weeks episode I talk about developing problem solving skills to help you become a better grower

]]> I think the reason I love growing food so much is because I am a natural problem solver. If something fails I will keep trying until I figure it out. 

In this weeks episode I talk about developing problem solving skills to help you become a better grower

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1580515 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 05:00:00 +1000 329 Vegetable Garden, Backyard Farming, Veggie Patch, Permaculture 1 14 full false Perennial Edible Plants for your Veggie Patch Perennial Edible Plants for your Veggie Patch A perennial plant is a plant that will live beyond the single growing season giving you ongoing harvests. 

In this episode I talk about the benefits and downsides to growing perennial plants in your veggie patch and some options you may want to try. ]]> A perennial plant is a plant that will live beyond the single growing season giving you ongoing harvests. 

In this episode I talk about the benefits and downsides to growing perennial plants in your veggie patch and some options you may want to try. ]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1530019 Fri, 16 Aug 2019 05:00:00 +1000 297 Vegetable Garden, Gardening, Growing Food, Sustainability 1 13 full false Preparing your garden for Spring Preparing your garden for Spring Are you ready for the warm growing season? Here in the Southern Hemisphere, Spring is almost upon us so it's time to start prepping our garden beds for new crops and abundant harvests.

In this episode I'll be talking about 3 key things you may want to do to prepare for the next growing season.

I'll also be hosting a free spring preparation challenge, head on over to our website loveofdirt.com.au to register.

]]> Are you ready for the warm growing season? Here in the Southern Hemisphere, Spring is almost upon us so it's time to start prepping our garden beds for new crops and abundant harvests.

In this episode I'll be talking about 3 key things you may want to do to prepare for the next growing season.

I'll also be hosting a free spring preparation challenge, head on over to our website loveofdirt.com.au to register.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1433704 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 04:00:00 +1000 394 Spring, Garden, Garden Podcast, Grow your own food, Sustainability 1 12 full false Closing the loop in the Backyard Veggie Patch Closing the loop in the Backyard Veggie Patch Closing the loop on your veggie patch is basically being able to self sustain without having to bring in extra resources to keep it going. In this episode I chat about 10 strategies that we implement (or are going to start implementing) in our garden to close the loop.

]]> Closing the loop on your veggie patch is basically being able to self sustain without having to bring in extra resources to keep it going. In this episode I chat about 10 strategies that we implement (or are going to start implementing) in our garden to close the loop.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1372006 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 05:00:00 +1000 529 Veggie Patch, Closed Loop, Vegetable Garden, Grow your own food, 1 11 full false Lessons from an Entomologist Lessons from an Entomologist This month in the Dirt Lovers Membership we've been chatting all things bugs. We were lucky enough to chat to an entomologist all about bugs in the garden.

In this episode I chat about the key take aways from our conversation from the good bugs you want in your garden to whether or not a bug hotel is a good idea. Dirt Lover Members can access the full interview in the Dirt Lovers Portal. 

]]> This month in the Dirt Lovers Membership we've been chatting all things bugs. We were lucky enough to chat to an entomologist all about bugs in the garden.

In this episode I chat about the key take aways from our conversation from the good bugs you want in your garden to whether or not a bug hotel is a good idea. Dirt Lover Members can access the full interview in the Dirt Lovers Portal. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1342906 Fri, 26 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +1000 356 Entomologist, Garden Pests, Gardening, Growing Food, Grow Food Not Lawns, Garden Bugs, Bugs, Organic Gardening 1 10 full false How to fill a raised garden bed for under $10 How to fill a raised garden bed for under $10 Setting up new garden beds can be a costly exercise, but it doesn't have to be. 

I've made a few rookie mistakes along the way when it comes to filling raised beds. I now have my technique down pat and can fill a 2x1 metre garden bed for under $10.

]]> Setting up new garden beds can be a costly exercise, but it doesn't have to be. 

I've made a few rookie mistakes along the way when it comes to filling raised beds. I now have my technique down pat and can fill a 2x1 metre garden bed for under $10.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1342882 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +1000 583 Garden, Veggie Patch, Gardening, Raised Garden Beds, Garden Hacks, Growing Food 1 9 full false Things I wish I knew before starting my Veggie Patch Things I wish I knew before starting my Veggie Patch It can be incredibly easy to setup a vegetable garden and wonder what the hell is the point. You may find that nothing grows well, your harvests are too small to warrant the effort or your crops are decimated by possums or full of grubs.

I experienced ALL of these things but persevered. Had I have known a little bit more about growing my own food, it would have prevented a lot of frustration. 

In this episode I share the things I wish I knew before I started my veggie patch.

]]> It can be incredibly easy to setup a vegetable garden and wonder what the hell is the point. You may find that nothing grows well, your harvests are too small to warrant the effort or your crops are decimated by possums or full of grubs.

I experienced ALL of these things but persevered. Had I have known a little bit more about growing my own food, it would have prevented a lot of frustration. 

In this episode I share the things I wish I knew before I started my veggie patch.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1283206 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 06:00:00 +1000 382 veggie patch, vegetable garden, grow your own food, sustainability 1 8 full false Beginner veggies to grow in hot climates Beginner veggies to grow in hot climates In this episode we look at some easy veggies to grow in the warmer climates. Whether you're starting your first veggie patch, upgrading from a container garden or looking for some veggies that will tolerate hot climates, these are a good base of plants to start off with. 


]]> In this episode we look at some easy veggies to grow in the warmer climates. Whether you're starting your first veggie patch, upgrading from a container garden or looking for some veggies that will tolerate hot climates, these are a good base of plants to start off with. 


]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1276813 Fri, 05 Jul 2019 05:00:00 +1000 344 Vegetable garden, hot climate, food growing, veggie patch 1 7 full false Our journey into Aquaponics Our journey into Aquaponics Did you know you can grow food and fish in your own backyard? We've been doing it now for over 5 years with our own Aquaponics system.

In this episode I talk about how we got started with our Aquaponics system.

]]> Did you know you can grow food and fish in your own backyard? We've been doing it now for over 5 years with our own Aquaponics system.

In this episode I talk about how we got started with our Aquaponics system.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1272352 Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +1000 379 Aquaponics, Sustainable living, Self Sufficient, Vegetable Garden, Veggie Patch 1 6 full false Caterpillars in the Organic Garden Caterpillars in the Organic Garden It's that time of year when the caterpillars have been sent on a mission to destroy all our Kale. 

In this episode I talk about the 3 methods that work for me when it comes to keeping caterpillars at bay in my organic garden. 

]]> It's that time of year when the caterpillars have been sent on a mission to destroy all our Kale. 

In this episode I talk about the 3 methods that work for me when it comes to keeping caterpillars at bay in my organic garden. 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1268338 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 06:00:00 +1000 283 1 5 full false Edibles you can plant for the Bees Edibles you can plant for the Bees If you're having problems with bringing the bees to your veggie patch it's time to look at planting some plants just for them.

In this episode I talk about what edibles you can plant that the bees also love.

]]> If you're having problems with bringing the bees to your veggie patch it's time to look at planting some plants just for them.

In this episode I talk about what edibles you can plant that the bees also love.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1268209 Fri, 14 Jun 2019 06:00:00 +1000 404 Bees, Veggie Patch, Vegetable Garden, Pollinators, Grow your own food 1 4 full false Dealing with Possums in the Veggie Patch Dealing with Possums in the Veggie Patch If you live in suburbia in Australia and grow your own food, it's likely you've had the displeasure of feeding the local possum population. 

In this episode I talk about all the methods I've tried and tested and the one thing that will help you get that 

]]> If you live in suburbia in Australia and grow your own food, it's likely you've had the displeasure of feeding the local possum population. 

In this episode I talk about all the methods I've tried and tested and the one thing that will help you get that 

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1268098 Sun, 09 Jun 2019 06:00:00 +1000 273 Possums, Australian Wildlife, Gardening, Vegetable Garden, Veggie Patch, Growing Food 1 3 full false Growing food when you rent Growing food when you rent Before we bought our place (less than 12 months ago) we rented for many decades. During that time we still managed to grow a lot of food. In this podcast I talk about ways you can grow your own food in a rental.

]]> Before we bought our place (less than 12 months ago) we rented for many decades. During that time we still managed to grow a lot of food. In this podcast I talk about ways you can grow your own food in a rental.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1262978 Sat, 08 Jun 2019 06:00:00 +1000 334 Garden, Gardening, Veggie Patch, Growing Food and Renting, Grow your own food, vegetable garden 1 2 full false Welcome to the Love of Dirt Podcast Welcome to the Love of Dirt Podcast Growing food is fast becoming a lost art. It's feared, it's unknown, it's challenging, it's rebellious. But it doesn't have to be hard.

In this episode I give a quick introduction about what the Love of Dirt podcast is all about - growing food, fair food and sustainable living.

]]> Growing food is fast becoming a lost art. It's feared, it's unknown, it's challenging, it's rebellious. But it doesn't have to be hard.

In this episode I give a quick introduction about what the Love of Dirt podcast is all about - growing food, fair food and sustainable living.

]]> Nicki Mckay Buzzsprout-1262963 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 06:00:00 +1000 282 Garden, Permaculture, Vegetable Garden, Grow Food Not Lawns, Kitchen Garden, Grow your own food, Gardening 1 1 full false