Potatoes are in the Solanum family - which means they're related to Tomatoes and Chillies. Tomato growers are usually familiar with the terms 'determinate' and 'indeterminate' However, there's very little information available about which varieties are which, and even commercial growers don't know - and really don't care. It seems these terms aren't very helpful when it comes to potatoes.

Spring is a fabulous time to get in the garden in Perth. Mild weather, increasing daylight hours and a little bit of rain make it ideal for plants. It's the perfect season for refreshing our gardens and setting up new garden beds. Plants respond to the warming weather with a flush of new growth and flowers - spring is in the air! If you’re itching to get outside and connect with nature but don't know where to start - we've got some helpful ideas for your Spring Perth Garden.

With so much talk on the news about inflation and household budget pressures, there's growing interest in how you can stretch the weekly wage further in the home and garden. With prices of fresh produce rising (increased fertiliser, fuel costs and lack of agricultural workers) - it raises the question - can you save money growing your own vegetables, herbs & fruit?

The good news is that over Autumn and Winter; it is MUCH easier to get your garden thriving than it is in our harsh summers; and if you're growing vegies, you’ll benefit from successful harvests throughout Winter and Spring with a lot less work! If you’re keen to build up your inner green thumb but don't know where to start - we've got some helpful ideas for you.

Winter in Perth (and the South West of WA) is mild by world standards - which means it is a fabulous time to grow vegies and reap the rewards well into Spring. If you’re keen to build up your inner green thumb but don't know where to start - we've got some helpful ideas for you.

Summer in Perth can be a difficult time for your lawn; but before expensive and difficult lawn repairs are needed, conduct a simple test (explained here) to see whether it's as simple as insufficient water being delivered by your retic.

Winter is for raking, sweeping, recycling and re-evaluation of lawns.  Below Nick Bell (turf expert) has given us tips to keep your lawn in top shape at this time of year:

This pest (native to the Eastern States of Australia) was first discovered in Perth in 2013, and unfortunately has been spreading since - despite efforts by gardeners and the Ag Department to eradicate it. If you grow any citrus fruit, keep an eye on the stems of your trees for swollen lumps (or galls) - as this is a sign that your tree has been attacked.

If you're looking at building a garden in Perth, Western Australia - or anywhere, soil should be the first thing that you consider. If you're growing vegetables - whether in Autumn/Winter or Spring/Summer - you'll have even more to think about! Crops (vegetables/herbs/fruit) that you intend to eat should get even more attention when it comes to selecting and working with the soil.

Summer in Perth is a tough time to garden. Based on feedback from our Facebook page, Here's a list of the top 7 issues our customers face in summer - and if they're issues you're facing, you might find a solution or two to try.

Beetroots come in all shapes and sizes today but the most common is the round deep red coloured beets. They also come in different colours – yellow, white and candy striped. If you have not grown beetroot before, start with a variety that is easy to grow such as Detroit. You can progress to some of the more exotic varieties later such as Chioggia and Cylindria.

Sweet potatoes originate from tropical central and South America, but they grow very well year round in Perth (unless you happen to live in frost prone areas. In colder regions, they can still be grown throughout the warmer months.)

Things like water cress, Lebanese cress, kang kong (water spinach), water chestnuts, edible taro, water parsley, water mint can be a great addition to your garden, and extend the range of greens you have available over summer. At a pinch, these are also worth growing in self watering pots, if you don’t have room for a pond.

One of the most rewarding plants a new gardener can try is Silverbeet! Reasonably quick to produce and easy to grow, you'll be able to regularly harvest your own healthy greens for months! Learn here a little more about growing this versatile vegie!

Potatoes are a member of the Solanaceae family, and as such are related to tomatoes, capsicum and eggplants – something to take into account if you are following crop rotation principles.

Basil is a native of India, South Asia and the Middle East, and is found growing well in tropical and sub tropical regions.

Garlic likes a humus rich soil which must be well drained. Plant the individual cloves (pointy side up!) at approx. the same depth as the bulb anytime from autumn to spring.

I personally like their nutty flavour, and creamy consistency. In my opinion, they are worth a try! They will be available in fruit & veg shops early winter, and grow very easily from the tubers you buy.

Paul grew up in the UK and his parents grew Kale in their garden. He has not-so-fond memories of being fed kale (with sideserving of caterpillar) breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout his childhood.

Microgreens are simply greens, lettuces, and herbs that are harvested when they are quite young -- generally when they are approximately 5 - 10cms tall.