Can I just say a huge THANK YOU to @Marty Ware and all the members in this group!!! I am learning something new every day, everyone is so helpful and willing to take the time to suggest solutions or alternatives on ways to do things, it’s just been such a breath of fresh air! I have a philosophy that you only get out of things what you put in, and if you ask in here, you will receive! @Marty Ware you should be really proud of what you’ve created, and we are all here because of you, and the best part…. we’ve only just started!!! So from little ol’ me, thanks everyone! You are all AMAZING!!! 🤩

Living near bushland i come across snakes in my garden on a regular basis. My formally trained snake catcher neighbour tells me there are plenty of brown snakes around and has identified a few of them for me. I find the fact they are around disturbing and it does alter my gardening habits and prevent me from doing certain jobs at certain times. They are pretty skittish and if I stomp about and make my presence known they rush off and hide. In the hotter months I garden early morning or late evening mostly unless my husband is about and we have the mower or power tools out. Then I feel a bit braver. My husband has requested i dont plant pumpkins and sweet potato as ground cover as its a perfect hiding spot for them and that we have these thick bandages for immobilising a limb in case of a snake bite sitting by the back door at all times. I'd love to know tips or tricks from those of you who garden around snakes🐍. Particularly venomous ones. I just want to live in harmony with them. Preferably with them living out in the bush and not in my garden, but I have limited control over that.

After listening to an interview in which three herbs were mentioned as great for chickens, I did a bit more research and found that these herbs are also beneficial. I'm sure there are many more; however, this is a great start, with many of us already growing many of the herbs in the list below. I will start with herbs to avoid, and as always, if you're unsure about a herb, do a little more research to confirm. HERBS TO AVOID as these can be toxic: onion, chives, and lemongrass. HERBS TO USE: - Thyme: cold and flu, antiviral and antibacterial - Oregano: digestion - Mint: digestion, heat stress, boost the immune system - Parsley: a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K, boosting the immune system and supporting bone health - Basil: antibacterial, can repel flies and mosquitoes - Sage: an antioxidant that is thought to help reduce the risk of Salmonella infection - Rosemary: aids in pain relief, respiratory health and aids in repelling insects - Calendula: helps add colour to egg yolks, is anti-inflammatory and can be used for wound health - Lavender: has a calming effect, helps relieve stress, repels insects and flies - Coriander: source of Vitamin A, C, and K. Seeds are a good source of antioxidants and have anti-parasitic properties - Wormwood: helps to deter internal parasites and external pests like flies and mites, can aid gut health, studies have also shown to help with issues like coccidiosis and heat stress and when appropriately - Mugwort: acts as an insect repellent, deterring pests like mites, fleas, lice and potentially as a supplement for gut health and parasite control - Nasturtiums: natural antibiotic I'm sure this list can be added to. Herbs have wonderful medicinal properties, obviously for our chickens as well as for us. HOW TO USE HERBS: - Fresh: hang fresh bundles in the coop to allow chickens to peck at them, or mix fresh leaves into their feed - Dried: Dry and crush herbs, then mix them into their regular feed - For specific needs: place Lavender bundles in nesting boxes to promote a calm environment :-)

I have seven new chickens about two weeks off the lay. I need a sperate coop and run for them away from the older gals (orginal flock) as they arent getting a long and become very noisy! Please share your goal for the week ahead and how you plan to get aroud any new challenges, me I am still trying to figure it out haha. I ran out of money and need to build a super cheap tractor,,any help would be great!

G'day my friends and fellow founding members! I have exciting news, our very first grow challenge. It's now growing season throughout Australia, so I am starting our very first grow challenge. Join the challenge here and get started on your edible garden journey The Tomato and Chili grow challenge, this is way cool! Are you ready to take your gardening to the next level grow alongside me and other members? I really hope you are, because this is your chance to grow the most vibrant, productive plants you have ever grown this summer. This hands-on challenge will guide you step-by-step as you learn how to: ✅ Grow stronger, healthier tomato and chili plants — even in small spaces ✅ Improve your soil and containers for bigger harvests and healthier plants ✅ Master watering, feeding, and pest control the easy way ✅ Connect with other growers and share your progress (I love this part) I will be there with you growing too! Whether you’re just getting started or already love growing food, this challenge will help you create an abundant edible garden — and see the transformation for yourself. 🌿 It will run for 3 months, and you can choose to grow just a chili plant, a tomato or both. We will help you discover which varieties are most suited to your needs and climate. You can grow in the ground or in containers. I will be growing in containers and the ground! Grab your spot and lock in, as it's going to be not only highly educational but a ton of fun! No stress style course here, just grow together, learn, and enjoy! Cost is $19 USD a month, you can pull out any time if it's not for you! But I know members are going to be begging to join when they see what you're doing and achieving. Join the very first Tomato & Chili grow challenge here Members who join can start straight away as we will go over it in the feed sharing, photos, video our wins and challenges. LETS GO!