Greenery Guidebook for Little Hands & Beyond

Safe, hardy, native plants

This Guidebook is designed for sound greenery practices whenever children are around and can be used in early childhood centres, schools and households around Australia.

Indoor Plants page 2

Outdoor Plants & Trees page 6

Gardening Guide page 14

Seasonal Planting page 22

Seasonal Planting Guide pages 24 – 25

Plants to Avoid/Keep Out of Reach page 26

Resources Bottle Labels - page 29 Wormfarming Factsheet - pages 30–31 Wormfarming Poster - page 32 Composting Poster - page 33

Contents 1 Indoor Plants

The below indoor plants are non-poisonous, shade loving, and air-purifying (some). Most are drought tolerant. Check the plant care requirements. Water only as required. Do not allow plants in pots to sit in water for extended periods. Check the ‘Plants to Avoid / Keep out of reach’ on p. 26 – 28 before acquiring indoor greenery.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians and recommend planting natives as much as possible. We also recognize that planting natives does not automatically create meaningful connections with the 1st Nation’s cultures.

Larger Indoor Plants

Janet Craig Happy Plant Kentia Palm Rhapis palm Dracaena deremensis Dracaena fragrans Howea forsteriana Rhapis excelsa ‘Massangeana’

Drought semi-tolerant Drought tolerant Drought semi-tolerant Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Slow Growth Rate: Slow Air-purifying Air-purifying

Water Water Water Water Water thoroughly, allowing the Ensure the soil is completely Ensure the soil is completely Don’t mind being continually top inch of the soil to dry out dry before watering (can take dry before watering (can take wet. Water every 3 weeks but between waterings. Use a pot up to 6 weeks). Approx. 1/2L up to 6 weeks). Approx. 1/2L check there is no residue water with a drainage hole to prevent per plant. Too much water will per plant. Too much water will on the bottom of the pot/trough. wet soil. Too much water will cause the plant to rot. cause the plant to rot. This water needs to dry out/ cause the plant to die. be emptied, otherwise will get Light Light stagnant and drown the roots. Light Plants grow best in low to Shaded position indoors or Plants grow best in low to indirect light. Too much direct outdoors. Light indirect light. Too much direct sun will cause leaf scorch. Will happily grow indoors sun will cause leaf scorch. Care under florescent lighting or Care Remove new shoots when pot other light sources. Care Keep leaves clean with a gets overcrowded. Remove old, dead leaves. gentle wipe-over. Care Feeding They grow slow so don’t remove Feeding Feeding Only feed two to three times the whole leaf. Black tips are Only feed two to three times Only feed two to three times a year with a weak solution not common and is usually a year with a weak solution a year with a weak solution of worm juice / general all- associated with some type of of worm juice / general all- of worm juice / general all- purpose liquid fertilizer. excess, such as fertilizer. purpose liquid fertilizer. purpose liquid fertilizer. Feeding Only feed two to three times a year with a weak solution of worm juice / general all- purpose liquid fertilizer.

Ribbon/Spider Plant Birds Nest Fern Cast Iron Plant Mother-In-Law’s Tongue Chlorophytum comosum Asplenium sp. Aspidistra elatior Sansevieria

Drought semi-tolerant Drought tolerant Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Medium Air-purifying Air-purifying

Water Water Water Water Prefers a moist, but not wet, Prefers a moist, but not wet, Prefers moist (but not wet) well- Ensure the soil is completely soil. soil. Will tolerate if soil dries out drained soil. dry before watering (can take from time to time. up to 6 weeks). Approx. 1/2L Light Light per plant. Too much water will Can survive in shade both Light Shaded position indoors or cause the plants to rot. indoors and outdoors. Will Plants grow best in low to outdoors. grow more in dense shade. indirect light. Too much direct Light sun will cause leaf scorch. Care Will happily grow indoors Care Remove new shoots when pot under florescent lighting or Can remove offshoots and Care gets overcrowded. other light sources. plant directly into soil if they Remove old, dead leaves. have started to grow roots. If Feeding Care they haven’t got roots, put them Feeding Feed with a weak solution of Transplant once the plants get directly into water and the roots Only feed two to three times worm juice / general all- too big for its pot. (you may will grow over a few weeks’ a year with a weak solution purpose liquid fertilizer every notice roots pushing through time. Good in a hanging of worm juice / general all- 3-4 months. the base). basket. purpose liquid fertilizer. Feeding Feeding Fertilise once in spring with a Don’t feed new offshoots. Feed weak solution of worm juice with a weak solution of worm / general all-purpose liquid juice / general all-purpose fertilizer. liquid fertilizer bi-monthly. Tip Move out of reach as the leaves - if snapped off - don’t grow back from the top (unsightly).

Coleus Swedish Ivy Boston / Sword Fern Chinese Money Plant Plectranthus amboinicus Plectranthus verticillatus Nephrolepis exalta Pilea peperomioides

Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Fast Air-purifying

Water Water Water Water Water regularly, prefers a moist, Prefers a moist, but not wet, Prefers a moist well-drained soil. Prefers a moist, but not wet, but not wet, soil. soil. Will tolerate if soil dries soil. Will tolerate if soil dries out from time to time. Light out from time to time. Light Shaded position indoors or Plenty of sun in winter, but Light outdoors. Winter sun is fine. Light indirect or morning only sun Plenty of sun in winter, but Plenty of sun in winter, but in summer. indirect or morning only sun Care indirect light in summer. in summer. Spray leaves with water once a Care week, in addition to watering. Care Take cuttings during the Care Good in a hanging basket. Take cuttings during growing growing season, will grow Take cuttings after flowering season. Good in a hanging roots in water. season, will grow roots in Feeding basket. water. Good in a hanging Only feed once per year with Feeding basket. a weak solution of worm juice Feeding Only feed two to three times / general all-purpose liquid Only feed two to three times a year with a weak solution Feeding fertilizer. a year with a weak solution of worm juice / general all- Only feed two to three times of worm juice / general all- purpose liquid fertilizer. a year with a weak solution purpose liquid fertilizer. of worm juice / general all- purpose liquid fertilizer.

Other useful safe indoor plants – small / large

Chamaedorea species Dracaena sanderiana braunii Either large, or small “Lucky Bamboo” (grows in water)

D. sanderiana Ch. cataractarum Ch. elegans Ch. seifrizii D. sanderiana braunii Lucky Bamboo’

Rhipsalis capilliformis Phalaenopsis amabilis See also: Good for hanging baskets, Hardy orchid for desktops indoor cascading effect • Pest management / Plant disease – p.17 – 19 • Plants to Avoid / Keep Out of Reach – p.26 – 28

4 Greenery Guidebook Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Indoor Plants 5 Outdoor Plants Shrubs & Trees These outdoor plants are a mix of Australian natives (NAT) and introduced plants (INT). Many natives don’t need too much care, water and fertilizing when established, but always check their specific needs before selecting, to ensure they are suitable to your conditions. Check your geographical location and the ‘Plants to Avoid / Keep Out of Reach’ section before acquiring outdoor greenery. For easier establishment, when planting seedlings, plant smaller specimens (tube stock or small containers), water regularly and protect from being walked on until established.

Other outdoor greenery tips: • Frost, drought tolerant: usually when established • Natives: use native fertilizer low in phosphorus • It is useful to know the timing and frequency of your irrigation, if you have one • Rainwater is preferred (e.g. from a rainwater tank)

Larger Outdoor Plants / Shrubs

Melaleuca ‘Little Red’ Creek Lilly Pilly Crimson Bottlebrush Orange Jessamine Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Little Syzygium australe Callistemon citrinus Murraya paniculata Red’ NAT NAT NAT INT

Drought tolerant Drought semi-tolerant Drought tolerant Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Medium

Water Water Water Water Tolerates poor drainage (all Needs to be moderately well- Most species can tolerate (or Needs to be moderately Melaleuca spp), but drought watered. thrive in) damp conditions incl. well-watered. tolerant. poor drainage, yet most are Light hardy and will tolerate drought. Light Light Semi-shade to full sun, protected Full sun to semi-shade. Full sun to semi-shade position. Light Plants grown in full sun produce Care Care Care the best flowers. Easy to maintain. Remove old, Easy to maintain. Remove old, Easy to maintain. Remove old, dead branches and leaves dead branches when necessary. dead branches and leaves Care when necessary. Tolerates when necessary. Easy to maintain. Remove old, a hard prune. Feeding dead branches when necessary. Feeding Feeding A low-phosphorous fertiliser Feeding should be applied in spring A low-phosphorous fertiliser General all-purpose fertiliser A low-phosphorous fertiliser and summer. should be applied in spring. in summer. should be applied in spring • Frost tolerant • Attracts birdlife and autumn. • Attracts birdlife • Attracts birdlife • Great hedge • Attracts birdlife • Great hedge • Great hedge • To encourage bushy growth, prune just after the flowering season (remove faded flowers).

Lily Turf Blue Flax Lily Mat Rush Coastal Rosemary Liriope muscari INT Dianella caerulea NAT Lomandra longifolia NAT Westringia fruticosa NAT Drought semi-tolerant Drought semi-tolerant Drought tolerant Drought tolerant Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Fast Water Water Water Water Low requirement once Low requirement once Low requirement once Low requirement once established. established. established. Tolerates established. poor drainage. Light Light Light Semi-shaded to shaded wind Full sun to semi-shade. Light Full sun to semi-shade. Full sun to semi-shade. protected position, but tolerates Care Care full sun. Care Easy to maintain. Remove old, Needs good conditions early Easy to maintain. Remove old, dead leaves when necessary. Care on, then no maintenance. Not required, remove old dead leaves when necessary. Tolerates sandy soils. Tolerates a hard prune. flower heads. Feeding Feeding Not required. Feeding A low-phosphorous fertiliser Feeding A low-phosphorous fertiliser should be applied in spring. General all-purpose fertiliser in Propagation should be applied in spring. late winter. Seed / Divide established Propagation Propagation Take soft tip cuttings from clumps during spring. Propagation Divide established clumps spring to summer. Divide established clumps in during the warmer months. • Frost, pollution, salt spray late winter. • Frost, pollution, salt spray resistant tolerant

Other Outdoor Plants & Shrubs (large and small)

Native Fuchsia Old Man Saltbush Pigface Coastal Woollybush Correa reflexa NAT Atriplex nummularia NAT Carpobrotus glaucescens NAT Adenanthos sericeus NAT Drought tolerant Drought tolerant Drought tolerant Drought tolerant Growth Rate: Medium Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Fast Growth Rate: Medium Water Water Water Water Low requirement once established. Low requirement once Low requirement once Low requirement once established. established. established. Light Full sun to semi shade, Light Light Light protected position. Full sun to semi-shade. Full sun to semi-shade. Full sun. Care Care Care Care Benefits from an annual gentle Not required. Tolerates a Not required. Will grow in Tolerates a light prune to prune after flowering to expand. hard prune. well-drained sandy soils/sand. expand, avoid cutting into Tolerates a hard prune. old wood. Feeding Feeding Feeding Feeding A low-phosphorous fertiliser Not required. Not required. Not required. should be applied in spring. Propagation Propagation Propagation Propagation Seed. From cuttings during summer, N/A Soft tip cuttings during • Frost & salt tolerant when put directly in a well-drained warmer months. established media. • Woolly textured – good for • Salt & frost tolerant when • Suitable hedge, screen, • Salt & frost tolerant sensory gardens established gap filler • Edible • Attractive flowers • Edible

Hedging / Screening

Syzygium smithii & Long Leaved Westringia Bottlebrush Tea Tree S. floribundum Westringia longifolia Callistemon salignus Leptospermum polygalifolium NAT NAT ‘Great balls of fire’ NAT ‘Copper Glow’ NAT

Bushy, dense growth, good for Also, a nice background plant Purple hedge or individual Hardy, purple-coloured foliage. a high hedge. (back in the garden). plants, flushes repeatedly, prune in early spring through until Same requirements as Syzygium Same requirements as about Easter, then don’t prune australe (p.6) Westringia fruticosa (p.7) over the winter, that inhibits flower growth but promotes foliage growth.

Loropetalum Germander Boxed Leafed Springfire Bamboo Palm Loropetalum chinense Teucrium fruticans Honeysuckle Metrosideros collina Chamaedorea seifrizii INT INT Lonicera nitida INT INT INT

Needs full sun, Popular for low hedge Fast growing bushy Popular by the seaside A good screening doesn’t like frost, low (vigorous growth in shrub, ideal for hedge. – tolerant of salt laden alternative to clumping maintenance once warmer climates, needs Tolerates a hard prune winds, long lived, bamboo (note: don’t established. constant pruning), to shape. Drought and flowers repeatedly many plant running bamboo). tolerates a variety of frost-cold tolerant. times of the year. soils but needs good drainage.

Note: Climbers climb to get to the sun. If you plant them on a south-facing structure, you won’t get lush foliage because they will grow to the top of the structure and then will start producing leaves. The exception is Trachelospermum jasminoides (below) which tolerates shade, however most safe climbers need sun. Climbers benefit from an annual prune (at the end of the flowering season).

Snake Vine Bower of Beauty Vine Old Man’s Beard Star Jasmine Wire Vine Hibbertia scandens Pandorea jasminoides Clematis aristata Trachelospermum Muehlenbeckia NAT NAT NAT jasminoides INT complexa INT

Needs well drained Fast growing, doesn’t Tolerates a variety of Semi-shade to full sun, Fast growing, good for soil, also useful ground like cold, good for soils, longer flowering protected to hot dry covering structures, or in cover/spillover, fast covering fences or on period that Wisteria position, grown for its hanging baskets, needs growing (pruning req’d), pergolas for shade (which is poisonous). fragrant flowers, and a protected sunny to handles exposed and screening. dense spreading habit. semi-shaded position. coastal conditions. Deciduous Evergreen Also, useful ground Evergreen Evergreen cover/spillover. Evergreen

Ground covers

Warrigal greens Headland Zieria Rock Thryptomene Mondo Grass Tetragonia tetragonioides Zieria prostrata Thryptomene saxicola Ophiopogon japonicus NAT NAT NAT INT

Edible leaves, full sun & well- Needs sun & good drainage, Grows on wide range of soils, Prefers semi shade, frost drained soil, drought and doesn’t like frost. also great spillower/fill-in, resistant, also good for edging/ salt tolerant. mass planting. border, needs wind protection.

Swamp sheoak Lomandra Tanika Tussock grass White Correa Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’ Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ Poa labillardieri ‘Eskdale’ Correa alba NAT NAT NAT NAT

Great for spillover/ground Hardy & reliable, often mass Robust & reliable tussock Good in exposed salty cover. Otherwise C. glauca is planted, prune once per year/ grass, prune once per year/ conditions (but doesn’t have to one of the toughest Aus. trees, biannually: cut the clump down biannually: cut the clump down grow by the sea), tends to self- grows anywhere and tolerates up to ground level, will re-shoot. up to ground level, will re-shoot. shape - no pruning reqd, also harsh conditions. (apply this pruning technique to a good hedge, needs most nat. clumping grasses). good drainage.

Yellow Buttons Wedding Iris Long-leaf Wax Flower Tassel-rush Chrysocephalum apiculatum Dietes robinsoniana Philotheca myoporoides Baloskion tetraphyllum NAT NAT NAT NAT

Good spillover, ground cover, Good on coast, doesn’t Hardy, tolerates range of soils Tolerates inundation, looks like mass planted, fill-in, container/ like frost, needs reasonable but prefers well drained, not small bamboo. hanging basket, needs regular conditions. exposed locations, prune just pruning to look good, suckers Note: Other Dietes spp are after flowering season, fast from roots so if you prune it introduced and can be useful. growing, good for a new will reshoot, easy to propagate This one is native. garden or fill in holes. from cutting, flowers all year round.

Tall Sedge Box-leaf Hebe Bright Eyes Firecracker Plant Carex appressa Hebe diosmifolia Euryops pectinatus Russelia equisetiformis NAT INT INT INT

Tolerates inundation, used for Variety of uses, from hedge to Hardy, long lived, recovers Tolerates a variety of soils, filtering water urban runoff foliage contrast plants, mass after heavy pruning, easy to needs full sun, flowers up to 8 (e.g. in stormwater catchment planting. propagate from cutting, good months, almost leafless, doesn’t gardens). for a mix shrubby border, like cool climate, ideal spillover. tolerates frost & hot weather.

• Bush Mint Mentha satureioides/ Prostanthera NAT • Bush Basil Plectranthus graveolens NAT • Midgen Berry Austromyrtus dulcis NAT • Native Violet Viola hederacea NAT • Society Garlic Tulbaghia violacea INT

Sage Shasta Daisy Salvia spp Leucanthemum maximum INT INT

Fast growing, edible, frost & Dwarf forms are good edging drought tolerant, grown for its plants/pot plants, also good fill- flowers, foliage and upright in, needs sun and decent soil, habit. A good border, or for easy to maintain, propagate by pots and containers. Butterfly division. attractor.

Tree Waratah Lemon Myrtle Oyster Bay Pine Blackwood, Black Wattle Alloxylon flammeum Backhousia citriodora Callitris rhomboidei Acacia melanoxylon NAT NAT NAT NAT

Grows from nth. Qld to Grows in coastal NSW & QLD. Widely distributed (from S.E. Grows from nth. Qld to Tas. Melbourne (gets smaller Qld to Tas). towards south). Needs good drainage, Hardy, tolerates a variety and frost protection while Can also be used as a hedge/ of soils. Hardy and adaptable, young. Tolerates a variety of screen. tolerates a range of soils, reasonable fertile soils (sandy Good for shade or for and moderate frost. to loamy). Tolerates a range of conditions screening along borders. incl a variety of soils, drought Evergreen Bushtucker & fragrant flowers. tolerant. Evergreen Can be pruned to form a Can be pruned to shape. hedge/shrub. Evergreen Evergreen

Tuckeroo Mugga Ironbark NSW Christmas Bush Turpentine Cupaniopsis anacardioides Eucalyptus sideroxylon Ceratopetalum gummiferum Syncarpia glomulifera NAT NAT NAT NAT

Grows from Sydney to nth. Qld. Grows from west. Sydney to Popular ornamental tree. Grows mainly in coastal NSW. central NSW & VIC, good in Performs best on sandy soils but Hardy, tolerant of exposed arid areas, hardy & adaptable, will grow in clay soils provided Good alternative to Eucs as coastal salty locations and tolerates a variety of soils they are not too salty and have it is more tolerant to poor soil variety of soils, doesn’t need (except for poorly drained). reasonable drainage. Needs conditions e.g. compaction, to be pruned unless req’d a bit of wind protection, also casts better shade than many (self-shapes), forms dense even Evergreen a good understory/screening Eucs (denser foliage), more canopy, tolerates root pruning. tree. Attractive & dense flowers. pest and disease resistant but slower growing. Evergreen Can be pruned to shape. Evergreen Good windbreak/screen. Note: each Australian state has Good for schools. its own ‘Christmas Bush’. Evergreen

Snow in Summer Lightwood, Hickory Wattle Claret Ash Green Spartan Juniper Melaleuca linariifolia Acacia implexa Fraxinus angustifolia Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’ NAT NAT ‘Raywood’ INT INT

Grows from sth. Qld to Grows from nth. QLD to sth. Grows in temperate regions Grows in cooler climates (up Melbourne (very popular VIC. (ACT, S.E. SA, VIC, S.-E. NSW). to Sydney). Prefers moist well Melbourne street tree). drained but not too sandy soils, Hardy, tolerates a variety of To get the reddish coloured adaptable. Fast growing. soils, and tough conditions autumn leaves, you need (e.g. car parks). Cone shaped, also popular Tolerates a variety of soils sunny days and cold nights (temperature variability). as a formal hedge (e.g. in and poor drainage (like all Evergreen schools), or as a topiary Melaleucas), drought tolerant. Clean air, protection from specimen – tolerates a variety Flowers profusely. hot dry winds, reliable water of pruning styles. supply, good soil conditions, Evergreen good genetics help too. Evergreen Tolerates a variety of soils (except for poorly drained). Deciduous

Some trees are prone to dropping branches

This anomaly, known as “summer branch drop” is known in Australia. It usually occurs on calm, clear, warm days and often on mature trees. The most common species known to drop limbs in this way are: • Several species of eucalypts, notably the ‘Gums’ – with smooth bark, the best-known being the Citrus cultivars Callery pear (ornamental) Crepe Myrtle River Red Gum (Eucalyptus Citrus Pyrus calleryana Lagerstroemia indica camaldulensis). INT INT INT • Elms • Pines Grows in a variety of climates, Prefers cold-cool temperate Grows well in most parts of some cultivars tolerate frost. regions (up to Sydney). Australia. The ‘Indian Summer’ • Plane trees Prefers moist, well-drained, cultivars have good cold & • Olives Handles tough conditions (e.g. moderately fertile neutral- pest tolerance. • Figs acidic soil. compacted soil) and a variety of soils, if well-drained. Uniform Can also be grown as a shrub. Evergreen plants - ideal for avenues / There is no decisive where uniformity is desirable Great flowering tree, needs explanation for this anomaly, e.g. schools. A popular well drained moderately but it appears to be related espalier. Fastigiate (narrow fertile soil. to internal and external water upright) cultivars available. Deciduous movements and their effects Deciduous on wood cells.

Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Outdoor Plants 13 Gardening Guide Before you start gardening, consider • Sunlight. In general, plants grown for their fruit (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers) require full sun – min. 5 hours per day, but plants grown for their leaves (e.g. spinach), their stems (e.g. celery) or their roots (e.g. radish) will grow in part shade. • Water. Rainwater is preferred, is it directly available to your garden bed/do you have a rainwater tank nearby? Do you have a tap/irrigation? • Soil / Potting mix. What type of soil/potting mix are you using? In general, soils are suitable for landscaped areas and large garden beds, potting mixes are for pots and smaller garden beds. Do not mix natives and veggies/herbs in the same soil/ potting mix, as most natives – in general prefer low nutrient (especially phosphorus) soil/potting mix unlike veggies/herbs and other non-natives. Same logic applies for fertilizers. • Care & Upkeep. Is your team on board? Are you involving children, families, educators, and cooks? Is your process reflected in the QIP?

Soil – for use in large • Be aerated, letting vital microorganisms outdoor areas and in without drying the roots larger garden beds • Absorb and distribute nutrients - if present - to the roots Soil consists of minerals, organics, water To identify a loamy soil, do a ‘sausage test’: & air. You will only be able to grow vegetables and herbs if your soil is healthy. 1. Take a sample of soil sufficient to fit Note: Potting mix is not soil. comfortably in the palm of the hand. Remove any gravel or organic matter. There are 3 key characteristics of soil: Clay • Soil texture – Feel it 2. Moisten the sample with water, a little • Organic matter – Add it at a time, and knead it until there is no • pH – Test it apparent change in the way it feels. Ensure all the sample is moist and that Soil texture – Feel it any lumps can no longer be felt. The Most of us are familiar with clay and sand. moisture content should be such that These are 2 opposites when it comes to the soil just fails to stick to the fingers. suitable soil for vegetable gardens, and 3. Squeeze the sample into a “sausage”, they are not suitable for growing edibles. noting whether the “sausage” will Clay can be nutrient rich, but doesn’t let remain together or falls apart readily. water, and air in. Sand allows air, water Sandy and nutrients in, but doesn’t hold water and If you get a “near sausage” – you are nutrients. Soils have different textures due close to loam. Great! to the size of these mineral particles in the It is vital to feel the texture of your soil soil and their relative proportion. Ideally - because the particle sizes and their relative you would have an optimal ratio of large proportion influence the suitability of your particles (sand), small particles (clay) and soil for different purposes. This matters organic matter. This soil type is loam – a before selecting plants and trees, not only preferred soil type for growing vegetables edibles, as some plants require well- & herbs. drained soils, while others tolerate poorly Your soil is then likely to: drained soils (e.g. Melaleucas). Hold water long enough to provide Do not use soil in small pots! It’s too heavy • Loamy near sausage – YOU GOT IT! nutrients without drowning the roots and compacted for root penetration.

14 Greenery Guidebook Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Organic Matter – Add it pH – Test it Soil organic matter consists of plant pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity and animal residue at various stages and is measured on a scale of pH 1 – A of composition, cells and tissues of soil 14. A soil pH in the range 6.0–7.0 is organisms and substances formed by soil desirable, as many plants (incl. edibles) fauna and microbes found in or the surface like a slightly acid soil (around 6.5). This of a soil. It encourages the activities of soil is because most nutrients in the soil are microorganisms which bind soil particles available in this range. together into lumps and encourages larger Most potting mixes have pH of 5.7. If organisms which form burrows and pore the soil pH is either too high (alkaline) or spaces. That’s why ideally you would dig too low (acid) the availability of certain as little as possible in order not to disturb nutrients to plants is affected, giving rise to this natural ecosystem. nutrient deficiencies (too little) or toxicities Adding organic matter (too much). You can test your soil pH by using a Soil pH test kit (under $20 from Organic matter is the original, and for hardware stores). pH probes are centuries has been the only, soil stimulant. not accurate. Its role in improving soil structure and modifying water holding capacity is well pH testing kit B known. The most common types are: • Compost • Manure • Worm juice and castings • Sawdust • Coir-Peat These allow the soil to “open up’ while preventing it from compacting, making it more friable. But remember – it is naturally in or on the surface of a soil (e.g. top 100mm) so avoid putting it to the bottom of planting Wormfarming holes or in large, deep planter boxes. These Wormfarming is composting with worms. practices often lead to the decomposition Composting When worm compost is added to soil – of organic matter and the consequent either liquid in the form of worm juice, Composting is a biological process in production of gases, which may be toxic or solid in the form of worm castings, it which organic materials are ‘broken to roots or may displace soil oxygen. The boosts the nutrients available to the plants down’ into a product called compost — a organisms in the soil would be competing for and improves the soil structure. dark, nutrient rich form of organic matter. oxygen with the roots of the plants. By composting organic waste, we return Worm farming can help with reducing nutrients back into the soil for the cycle of your centre’s food waste. Once you life to continue. have a sheltered spot, it’s easy to do and creates nutritious & free plant food The two types of compost bins above are for your garden. Feed approximately 1 common in many centres. The type A has handful per fortnight, don’t overdo it. no base and stands on a soft organic surface to allow natural breakdown of nutrients. The type B works in areas where no soft natural surface is available, and the breakdown is accelerated by rotation. Place your compost bin in a sunny spot (unlike your wormfarm). Regardless of your type of compost bin, the most important principle is to get the ratio of NITROGEN (wet natural part) and CARBON (dry natural part) component right: 1 part Nitrogen to 2-3 parts Carbon. See ‘Composting Poster’ on p.33

Soil profile: Dark brown colours near the surface indicates high levels of Wormfarm organic matter. The darker the soil generally the more organic matter. See ‘Wormfarming Factsheet & Poster’ on p.30/31 & 32

Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Gardening Guide 15 Potting mixes Use for pots and smaller garden beds. Potting mix is specially blended mix of composted bark, trace elements, coir fibre, wetting agent and controlled release fertilizer (premium mixes only). It is not soil. The main feature of potting mix is its ability to retain moisture within a container that contains a plant or several plants, and that it provides a stable Potting mix safety growing medium for plants. Use only Mulches premium potting mix – with a red tick. Potting mix is classified as hazardous This ensures that it’s been tested and is when dry. It is because it contains a Mulch is a protective cover placed over not just full of composted sawdust. These variety of living organisms, including the top of soil/potting mix, and it: cost approx. $8 per one 25L bag. bacteria and fungi. People should handle • reduces water loss, erosion and it with care and read the labels on the temperature fluctuations in the soil packaging. • suppresses weed growth and seed To handle potting mix safely: germination by reducing light levels • It is recommended that children & reaching the surface of the soil adults use gloves when handling • provides nutrients as the mulch potting mix materials decompose • Take the bag of potting mix outside For most garden beds and outdoor pots, • Make a large opening in the top of the the best mulch is the soft type, such as bag, along the width of the bag sugar cane mulch. It is tender around • Leave the open bag outside for 10 fragile seedlings. In the landscape, mins to allow the fine particles to the coarse type is often used, such as dissipate in the air. woodchips. It is heavier, and suitable If planting indoor plants, It is recommended around larger plants, shrubs and trees. that you plant outside and bring the pots It also withstands being walked on. inside once planted. Note: Do not place mulch directly Storing potting mix: against plant stems, as it may retain excess moisture around the base of the Close the bag to prevent dust dispersing • plant, which can cause a disease like • Always wash hands after use Stem Base Rot (p.19). Keep it between Notice the red tick • Do not get potting mix into open cuts. 50-75 mm thick.

16 Greenery Guidebook Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Pest and plant disease management Pests Integrated Pest Management The IPM process Many organisms do not cause damage to The principle of IPM is to prevent pests plants and are not considered to be pests. from reaching damaging levels with the Most creatures you see near the plants are least risk to the environment and health. Inspection unlikely plant pests. Many insects have an It is a management system that requires important beneficial role in pest control, and continuing observation in anticipation their protection and conservation must be of pest outbreaks. Careful assessment considered when treating pests. and calculation of plant injury and loss Evaluation Identification Plants become more prone to pest and determines the type and timing of control disease damage if stressed when the site measures to minimise plant damage IPM chosen is unsuited to their specific needs, or rather than reacting to pest or disease when the plants are mistreated. occurrences and symptoms. Failure to select plants carefully or preparing 3 Rules of Green Pest Control: your site to meet plant needs will often result Action Monitoring in weak, pest and disease-prone, produce. • Plant a variety of plants, incl. fragrant plants around your gardens, most pests identify prey by smell, and this will 3 categories of pests exist: confuse them 1. Piercing & sucking (mealy bug, aphids, Plant plants that attract natural enemies scales) • of pests, e.g. calendulas attract 2. Rasping & lacerating (thrips, mites) ladybugs who feed on a variety of pests 3. Biting & chewing (caterpillars, ants, • When planting vegetables, instead snails) of neat rows of the same crop – easy Ensure all pesticides are organic,non- target for pests, mix them up to make hazardous, and are stored out of reach of children at all times. it harder for pests to damage your produce.

The pests you are most likely to encounter:

Green Caterpillars Prevention & Treatment Natural enemies Last Resort • Netting. Ladybug Ladybug larvae Lacewings While organic, this is likely to • Squish caterpillars and dispose, kill parasitic wasps that feed on feed chooks. caterpillars. • Make a large white moth and put • Applying organic caterpillar it in the garden, this scares white pest control, Dipel. butterflies, who lay eggs that Ladybugs, their larvae, and Lacewings • Download and print a sticker become caterpillars. attack eggs (not mature caterpillars) from p.29 and label the • Introduce natural enemies. Skinks, dragonflies, Parasitic wasps bottle if you are making up a small birds (safe to humans) solution - based organic pest • Remove and dispose of entire control. plants when harvesting, crop residue can provide breeding • The SDS is available on the grounds. manufacturer’s website. Diadegma parasitic wasp

Aphids Prevention & Treatment Natural enemies Last Resort • Rubbing off, hosing off. Ladybug Ladybug larvae This is likely to kill other • Prevent ants from access (e.g. by beneficial insects. Oils & soapy applying a horticultural glue) as solutions kill insects because they often protect aphids from they block the pores in their predators in return for a feed of skin which suffocates them. honeydew – aphid secretion. Ladybugs & their larvae, Lacewings, hoverfly larvae • Applying home-made White Oil. Lacewings Parasitic wasps Download and print a sticker (safe to humans) • from p.29 and label the bottle if you are making up a solution-based organic pest control. Aphidius parasitic wasp

Mealy Bugs & Scale Insects Citrus Leaf Miner

Mealybug damage

Mealybug Prevention & Treatment detail • Pruning to minimize sheltered feeding spots. • Wiping off. • Prevent ants from access (e.g. by applying a horticultural glue) as they often protect these Prevention & Treatment • Do not overwater & pests from predators in return for a feed of fertilize in late summer Scale honeydew pest secretion. Dangerous only to juvenile • & autumn to limit flush citrus trees, unsightly on growth (infestations occur Natural enemies mature trees. during this time). Ladybugs, their larvae & Lacewings Mild pruning. Last Resort • • Hang Eco-CLM Trap on Ladybug Ladybug larvae Lacewings This is likely to kill other • Remove affected foliage. the tree. beneficial insects. Oils & soapy solutions kill insects because Natural enemies they block the pores in their skin which suffocates them. Lacewings Parasitic wasps (safe to humans) Applying home-made Cryptolaemus “Mealybug destroyer” & larvae • White Oil. Mealybug destroyer adult Mealybug destroyer larvae • Download and print a sticker from p.29 and label the bottle if you are making Trichogramma parasitic wasp up a solution - based organic pest control.

Slugs & Snails Fungus Gnats (mainly indoors)

Prevention & Treatment • Place cut-off plastic bottles around young seedlings (but avoid humidity building up and promoting fungal disease), lift off once established. • Hand pick after dark (they are nocturnal) and dispose, feed chooks. • A damp hessian / newspaper attracts snails to shelter beneath it. Check in the morning, collect & dispose.

Prevention & Treatment Natural enemies • Ensure plants have good drainage. Blue tongue lizard Frogs Last Resort • Apply yellow sticky traps (indoors). This can kill other beneficial • Use sterile potting mix, or apply a “Gnat Barrier”. insects and carnivorous slugs. Coffee is also relatively acidic. • Dry-out potting mix (don’t water until there is no • Applying coffee mix evidence of gnats, they lay eggs in wet soil). (caffeine kills snails & slugs). Birds Leopard slugs (carnivorous) • Download and print a sticker from p.29 and label the bottle if you are making up a solution - based organic pest control.

18 Greenery Guidebook Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Plant disease The most common plant diseases Some symptoms of plant disease are black/ brown spots and rings on foliage, yellowing/ Powdery Mildew Prevention & Treatment falling leaves (these may also be caused Pruning: improves airflow to dry out fungal cause. by nutrient deficiencies (see below), wilting • Make up a solution of milk and water (20% milk, 80% water), shoots and stems, grey mould growing on • and after wiping the plant, spray it on the affected areas plant parts, dieback, decline and many (Note: only if there are no milk allergies in your centre). other worrying developments on plants. The • Download and print a sticker from p.29 and label the bottle type of a specific disease varies among if you are making up a solution - based organic plant disease plant types, location, soil conditions, control. under/overwatering, excess humidity, lack of airflow, etc. In principle, the way of addressing plant disease is similar to the way Stem Base Rot Prevention & Treatment of addressing pests (the IPM circle on p.17). • Control weeds. • Practice crop rotation. Plant Nutrient Deficiencies • Inspect all plants before purchasing. Nutrient deficiencies (too little) and toxicities • Remove all plant debris when harvesting. (too much) are common non-pathogenic • Keep mulch away from crowns of susceptible plants. diseases/disorders. Deficiencies of major • Stake tall plants such as tomato to keep fruit and foliage nutrients such as Nitrogen, Potassium and off the ground. Phosphorus generally result from low levels of these elements in the soil. Plants usually display Sun Scald Prevention & Treatment nutrient deficiencies by discoloured leaves. • This often affects indoor plants. Three common nutrient deficiencies are: • Check plants’ care instructions before distributing throughout the centre. 1. Nitrogen deficiency • Do not expose indoor plants to direct sunlight. • Remove affected foliage.

Fusarium Wilt Prevention & Treatment • Control weeds. • Inspect all plants before acquiring. • Destroy infected plants (don’t put in the compost).

Practice crop rotation. Nitrogen deficiency on citrus leaves •

The even yellowing across the whole surface of leaves, starting with the older leaves. Overwatering Prevention & Treatment Nitrogen is vital mainly for leaf growth. • Use your finger or a moisture probe from a hardware store (under $15) to determine whether the soil is wet, moist or dry. 2. Potassium deficiency Store the probe out of reach of children. • Always check plants’ specific water requirements

• Do not allow plants in pots to sit in water for extended periods (this often causes odour). • Overwatering can cause Root Rot: If you are overwatering, Underwatering the middle and bottom layers of the soil will remain damp, although the topsoil looks dry. If there aren’t enough drainage holes, this water will accumulate over time and drown the roots. You will notice that the leaves will turn yellow, limp,

and soggy. Potassium deficiency on tomato leaves • Underwatering is often accompanied by brown spots on Yellowing between leaf veins, on leaves as they dry out. tips and margins, plus scorched and curling leaf edges. Potassium is vital mainly for flower & fruit growth.

3. Phosphorus deficiency

Treatment of Nutrient Deficiencies

If a plant is suffering obvious symptoms of nitrogen deficiency, for example, then

the addition of nitrogen to the soil will in most cases remedy the problem.

For the purposes of this Guidebook, we recommend ensuring that your plants grow in well-composted soils with a neutral pH (this doesn’t apply to natives, which in general prefer more acid soils low in phosphorus). In most cases, Phosphorus deficiency on tomato leaves addition of organic matter (p.15) and general all-purpose liquid fertilizer should

Older leaves turn purplish, and/or alleviate the problems. Contact a qualified horticulturist/landscaper for advice. looking burnt at the tips. Phosphorus is vital mainly for root growth.

Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Gardening Guide 19 Companion planting Crop rotation is defined as ‘The successive Bees planting of different crops on the same land It is a method of growing plants together, to maximise soil fertility and help control pests There would be no food without bees - the with the idea that they will assist each and diseases.’ By rotating the crops – that most important pollinators. Regarding plants other in some way, like discouraging means, planting with a different plant family that attract bees, it is vital to ensure you pests, improving growth, boosting flavour, each season (warm & cool) - your soil will, know of any children who possibly have attracting beneficial insects, fixing nitrogen, according to this principle: an intolerance/allergy to bees. If you have and disrupting “patterns” to confuse pests. flowering plants, a Risk Assessment should Be replenished by addition of nutrients • be completed to ensure you have plans in For example, it is a good practice to grow from plants that replace them green leafy vegetables that like lots of place to minimize the risk to your children if Interrupt the cycle of host specific pests nitrogen next to legumes that “fix” it for • a child is stung (what first aid is required). and diseases them and don’t need as much themselves. Consider getting a native beehive (the bees A good companion planting chart is on the are stingless) if your geographical location Sustainable Gardening Australia’s website. Starting a garden bed allows it. Soil in some areas, often in the inner-city Plant groups and variety suburbs, and especially around older Summary: Caring for your plants • It is useful to be vaguely familiar with buildings often contains trace amounts • Plants need: Sun, Air, Water, Nutrients, these plant groups when planting edibles: of lead and other heavy metals. It is not and Care. recommended to start an edible garden Leafy veggies (e.g. spinach, broccoli, Nominate one educator for your centre, • in the ground, but in raised garden beds • lettuce, bok choy) or one per room to care for your plants. (depending on your location). That is • Root veggies (e.g. carrot, beetroot, radish, because vegetables (especially leafy greens • Caring for nature (plants) is an sweet potato) e.g. spinach and root veggies e.g. carrot) important part of the Curriculum. Legumes (e.g. beans, peas) can absorb excess lead from contaminated Perhaps some children want to help as a • regular experience, checking all the Fruit (e.g. tomato, cucumber, eggplant, soils. You can get your soil tested for • plants, watering as required or melon) around $20 at: https://research.science.mq.edu.au/vegesafe/ overseeing the IPM (p.17) Flowering plants & Herbs (e.g. oregano, • Plants breathe in carbon dioxide (CO2) thyme, chamomile) • If your soil is safe / You have raised and give us oxygen in return. Keep the Some veggies (e.g. leafy greens) require lots garden beds: leaves dust free, so they can breathe. of nutrients and if planted repeatedly in the Once or twice a year, most plants will Start by digging up and loosening it a • same patch (without variety), the soil will be • benefit from a little boost. For most little (only if the soil is too compacted) depleted. Other veggies - especially legumes outdoor plants you can add organic - don’t require lots of nutrients, they also “fix” • Add about 5cm thick of organic matter matter to the top of your soil. For nitrogen back into the soil. The Seasonal (p.15) indoor plants, add worm juice or general Planting Guide (p.24/25) groups the crops in • Cover with mulch (if you plant seedlings, all-purpose liquid fertilizer. Differentiate these groups. otherwise plant seeds & add mulch once between natives / non-natives. This guidebook recommends planting a they’ve germinated) variety of plants – that means, at least one • Water well and leave for a few days member of each group in your garden bed. • Planting / Sowing It is diversity that creates a healthy soil and environment, which are indispensable for An existing raised garden can be growing healthy crops. revitalized by adding organic matter & mulch (p.16).

This section provides a general guide to growing vegetables and herbs in different parts of Australia. Planting times can vary within climatic zones and are affected by specific local conditions.

In general: • Seeds should be sown at the beginning to the middle of the planting season, so they have time to establish. • Seedlings can be planted throughout the planting season

Brisbane

Perth

Sydney Adelaide Canberra

Melbourne The climate zones Tropical Subtropical Arid/Semi-Arid Warm Temperate Cold Temperate

22 Greenery Guidebook Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 6 Rules of a (seasonal) thumb: Seasonal Planting A good practice is to maximize vertical • space if you don’t have large garden beds. Plants like tomatoes, beans or corn grow vertically. Think about yield, do you want to wait 6 months for a pumpkin to grow? Radishes grow all year round and take 6 weeks from seeds to harvest. • If you are growing plants to consume leaves (e.g. herbs, spinach, kale, rocket) – you need to stop them from pollinating (remove flowers/blossoms) as you’re after leaves, not fruit/ flowers. The plants will keep producing leaves only = more produce. This rule doesn’t apply if you want to harvest seeds for the following season. • If you’re growing plants to produce actual fruit (e.g. tomato, zucchini), you need to allow pollination otherwise you won’t get any produce. • Plant a variety of plants – that means, at least one member of each group in the same area/garden bed. Companion planting helps too (p.20). • Remember to mulch your gardens (weed control, moisture retention, temperature insulation, slow release of nutrients). Sugar cane mulch works well. • Experiment, observe and have fun!

Climate zone Plants March April May June July August Cool season LEAFY VEGGIES Alfalfa – grow in a jar growing Bok Choy Broccoli It’s all about the pea, cabbage Brussels sprouts and onion families this season, Cabbage and a speedy start to planning Cauliflower and planting will maximise Celery your return. Chives In cold areas, sow seed early Coriander while the soil is still warm Dill and be prepared to cover Endive tender young plants if you are English spinach expecting early frost. Brussels Leek sprouts and cauliflower need Kale a lengthy cool season so Lettuce plant them by April in warm Rocket temperate and arid zones. Parsley Silverbeet In the subtropics, there’s time Watercress * for one last crop of corn and ROOT VEGGIES cucumber if you move quickly, Asparagus crowns and in the tropics, almost Beetroot anything goes so get in and Carrot make the most of it! Celeriac Fennel Garlic Jerusalem artichoke Kohlrabi Onion Spring onion Parsnip Radish / Daikon Swede Sweet potato Turnip LEGUMES** Bean: French/Climb Pea Snow pea FRUIT Artichoke The climate zones Asparagus crowns Tropical Capsicum Subtropical Choko Arid/Semi-Arid Cucumber Warm Temperate Eggplant Melon Cold Temperate Okra Pepino Pumpkin Strawberry plants Sweet corn * the most nutrient-dense vegetable Taro/Cocoyam Tomato ** Plants in Legume family “fix” nitrogen back into the soil. It is a good practice to Zucchini/Squash grow legumes with plants that require lots FLOWERING PLANTS & HERBS of nutrients (most fruits and leafy veggies), Basil or to grow them in an area which Chamomile previously hosted these “demanding” crops to replenish the soil nutrients. Herbs – Mediterranean*** *** Mediterranean herbs: rosemary, Mint sage, thyme, winter savory, marjoram Sunflowers and oregano

Climate zone Plants September October November December January February LEAFY VEGGIES Warm season Alfalfa – grow in a jar growing Bok Choy Broccoli Plant tomatoes, greens, corn, Brussels sprouts zucchini, with follow-up Cabbage sowings to spread your harvest Cauliflower throughout the warm season. Chicory/Radicchio Celery Things heat up early in Chives tropical, subtropical and arid Coriander zones, so don’t delay when Dill planting your warm season Endive crops. Be prepared to shade English spinach sensitive crops on hot days. Leek From mid-season onwards, Kale focus on planting heat-lovers Lettuce Rocket such as corn, okra, sweet Parsley potato and snake bean. You Silverbeet can still grow cabbage and Watercress * broccoli in warm and cool ROOT VEGGIES temperate areas, and it’s a Asparagus crowns great time for tomato, basil Beetroot and parsnip. With a little Carrot shade, you will extend your Celeriac coriander harvest into summer. Fennel Garlic Ginger Jerusalem artichoke Kohlrabi Onion Spring onion Parsnip Radish / Daikon Swede Sweet potato Turnip LEGUMES** Bean: French/Climb Bean: Snake Pea Snow pea FRUIT The climate zones Artichoke Asparagus crowns Tropical Capsicum Subtropical Choko Arid/Semi-Arid Cucumber Eggplant Warm Temperate Melon Cold Temperate Okra Pepino Pumpkin Rosella Strawberry plants Sweet corn * the most nutrient-dense vegetable Taro/Cocoyam ** Plants in Legume family “fix” nitrogen Tomato back into the soil. It is a good practice to Zucchini/Squash grow legumes with plants that require lots FLOWERING PLANTS & HERBS of nutrients (most fruits and leafy veggies), Basil or to grow them in an area which previously hosted these “demanding” Chamomile crops to replenish the soil nutrients. Herbs – Mediterranean*** *** Mediterranean herbs: rosemary, Mint sage, thyme, winter savory, marjoram Sunflowers and oregano

Plants to Avoid / Remove These are either poisonous, hazardous because of their spines, or can cause an allergic reaction

Asthma Weed, Stick Weed Angels’ Trumpet, Datura Apple-of-Sodom Arum lily (white), Calla Lily Parietaria judaica Brugmansia spp. / Datura spp. Solanum linnaeanum Zantedaschia aethiopica

Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron Belladonna, Deadly Night Shade Bittersweet, Woody Nightshade Bushman’s Poison, Poison Arrow Colchicum autumnale Atropa belladonna Solanum dulcamara Plant, Wintersweet Acokanthera oblongifolia, Acokanthera oppositifolia

Cactus Castor Oil Plant, Ricin Chillies Coral Tree All species and cultivars with Ricinus communis Capsicum annuum and other Erythrina vespertilio sharpe edges species

Cycads Daphne Day Jasmine, White Cestrum, Delphinium All species and cultivars Daphne spp. Green Cestrum, Chilean Cestrum, Delphinium x cultorum Green Poisonberry Cestrum diurnum, Cestrum spp.

English Ivy, Common Ivy Foxglove Glory Lily Hellebore, Winter Rose Hedera helix Digitalis purpurea Gloriosa superba Helleborus spp.

Hemlock Lantana Larkspur Lily-of-the-Valley Conium maculatum Lantana camara Consolida ambigua Convallaria majalis

Monkshood New Zealand Laurel Nightshade, Blackberry Oleander Aconitum napellus Corynocarpus laevigatus Solanum nigrum + spp. Nerium oleander

Poinsettia Rhubarb Rhus Rosary Bean, Crab’s Eye Euphorbia pulcherrima Rheum rhabarbarum Toxicodendron succedaneum Abrus precatorius

Sheep Laurel, Mountain Laurel Spanish and Weaver’s Broom Water Hemlock (Cowbane) White Cedar Tree Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia angustifolia Spartium junceum Cicuta virosa Melia azedarach

Wild Mushrooms (Death Cap, Fly Wisteria Yellow Oleander, Daffodil Tree Dumb Cane Agaric and Yellow Stainer Mushroom) All species and cultivars Cascabela thevetia Dieffenbachia sp. Amanita spp. Agaricus xanthodermus

African Milk Bush Moreton Bay chestnut Brazilian Nightshade Duranta Synadenium grantii Castanospermum australe Solanum seaforthianum Golden Drewdrop, Sky Flower Duranta erecta, D. repens

Naked Lady, Pencil tree Physic Nut Stinging trees Euphorbia tirucalli Jatropha spp Dendrocnide excelsa, D. moroides

Plants to Keep Out Of Reach These popular and hardy indoor plants can be harmful if eaten or irritating to the skin

Arrowhead Plant Devil’s Ivy Peace Lily Philodendron Syngonium podophyllum Epipremnum aureum Spathiphyllum Philodendron xanadu

Swiss Cheese Plant Zanzibar Gem Agapanthus Monstera deliciosa Zamioculcas zamiifolia Agapanthus orientalis

It is recommended that you contact the Poison Information Centre on 13 11 26 if in doubt about plant safety

If you are making up a solution-based organic pest or disease control, print these labels, and attach to the appropriate spray bottle to ensure the contents are clearly labelled. Dipel and White Oil (dishwashing liquid part): Ensure that SDSs have been downloaded and are available and stored with the products.

DIPEL HOME MADE Caterpillar Killer WHITE OIL Bio-Insecticide Against Scale Insects, Certified bacteria-based organic caterpillar control product Mealy Bug & Aphids which can be used on edibles (herbs, vegetables and fruits) and ornamentals. Aus. Certified Organic - meets the strict production guidelines and is perfect for organic gardening. Edibles can be A typical mixture is 4 parts vegetable oil to one-part dish- eaten straight away. Controls leaf-eating caterpillars but does washing detergent (for washing by hand). It may be blended not harm bees, ladybirds, birds, fish, mammals and pets. Non- until all ingredients are mixed together. Dilute 1:30 with water hazardous and can be ingested, however refer to SDS and spray leaves from above and below. Non-hazardous for advice on potential skin & eye irritation. however do not ingest, get in eyes, on skin or inhale.

Store out of reach Store out of reach of children of children

COFFEE MILK & MIX WATER MIX Against Snails & Slugs Against Powdery Mildew

1-part espresso (not instant coffee granules) to Make up a solution of milk and water (20% milk, 80% water), 10 parts water, then spray over mulch or onto the plants and spray it on the affected areas. where the slugs and snails are a problem. (Note: use only if there are no milk allergies in your centre). Non-hazardous however do not ingest, Non-hazardous however do not ingest, get in eyes, get in eyes, on skin or inhale. on skin or inhale.

Store out of reach Store out of reach of children of children

Worm farming is a great way to reduce your centre’s food waste. Once you have a sheltered spot, it’s easy to do and creates nutritious & free plant food for your garden.

Top level The Kitchen & Dining Room What do I need? This is where your worms will eventually eat. You ● A wormfarm add this level after your ● Compost worms (not worm farm is established. earthworms) minimum 500 ● Newspaper Middle level and/or a hessian sack The Bedroom & Livingroom. ● Veggie scraps This is where your worm ● Compost/potting mix rest, digest and poo. It is (for bedding) where you begin feeding them until the worm farm Getting started? is fully established. Find a location Bottom level Keep your worms in a cool, The Toilet sheltered spot, away from This is where the worm direct sunlight. wee gathers. It’s a good Set up your worm farm practice to put a container The easiest way to get started is to under the tap. buy a commercially made worm farm. These usually have 2-3 trays, all of which do different things. It’s SETTING UP YOUR FARM useful to think of them like a house. Prepare your worm Add your worms worms will gradually farm by lining the and cover them move upwards to live 1base of the middle 3with 5 sheets of and feed. Keep the level with newspaper damp newspaper and/ bedding moist but not or cardboard. or a hessian sack. wet, otherwise the Once your middle layer worms will dry out. Put a layer of is full to the brim, you compost/potting can begin to use your 2mix in the middle top, level. Start by and top tray (the top placing food, in both and middle trays must the top and middle touch for the worms to Sustainablelayer. Always keep the move in between). Butterfliestop layer covered. Your FACTSHEET Feeding your WORMFARM

Create a centre wide process for worms, children love caring for the worms and dedicate a day to checking!

YES X NO

Fruit Meat/bones Remember! Vegetables scraps Fish ● Each day a worm will consume approximately it’s body weight in food. Teabags/coffee Onion, garlic, chilli This means you can feed your worm farm a few handfuls every fortnight. Crushed eggshells* Dairy ● Once it’s established and the worms are breeding, you can try ** feeding them more food. Bread/pasta Citrus ● Cut food into small pieces - it is easier for the worms to eat. Cardboard/paper Oils or grease ● Worm farms process less food than a compost *consider allergies bin, so make sure you’re **only small amounts not overfeeding them. Uneaten food will smell, begin to rot and attract Harvesting pests, at which point it needs to be discarded. Your worm farm will produce a liquid fertilizer: ‘Worm juice’ will collect at the bottom of your worm farm. Dilute the liquid by 1-part worm wee, to 10 parts water (a weak tea colour) for a rich plant fertiliser. You can also flush your wormfarm by water from the top and collect already watered down ready fertilizedSustainable from the bottom.Butterflies Created by Sustainable Butterflies © 2020 Feeding your WORMFARM

Keep your worms happy by feeding them the foods they like

YES X NO

Fruit Meat/bones

Vegetables scraps Fish

Teabags/coffee Onion, garlic, chilli

Crushed eggshells* Dairy

Bread/pasta** Citrus

Cardboard/paper Oils or grease

*consider allergies **only small amounts

GREEN BROWN NITROGEN RICH, WET – 1 PART CARBON RICH, DRY – 2-3 PARTS

Fruit scraps Torn paper/cardboard

Vegetables scraps Paper towels

Tea bags & coffee grounds Egg cartons

Cut flowers Dry leaves

Fresh grass clippings Sticks & tree prunings

Weeds without seeds Crushed egg shells **

Seaweed or manure * Untreated sawdust & wood ash

*only small amounts **consider allergies

Tailored sustainability audits based on your centre’s size, layout, licensed places, A&R rating, culture, current practices, state, energy, greenery & waste profile, and more. sustainablebutterflies.com.au

Sustainable Butterflies identify 5 Columns of Sustainability: 1) Electricity reduction & Efficiency 2) Waste management 3) Indoor & Outdoor greenery 4) Resourcing & Procurement 5) Behaviour change & Leadership

Acknowledgements: This guidebook would not be possible without Teachers of Horticulture at TAFE NSW, Steve Batley, Julian Lee, Phil & Jeannette Smith, Daniel Young, Adam Ward, Carissima Skelhorn, and many Early Childhood Educators & children