September marks the garden’s transition into Spring across much of Australia. Elizabeth and Keith discuss how to prepare gardens for the growing season, including planting, soil preparation, pruning, feeding, lawn care, dividing plants, and attracting beneficial insects. The episode focuses on practical jobs gardeners can tackle now to encourage healthy growth and prepare for productive Summer crops and colourful spring displays. Plants mentioned in episode: • Evergreen trees and shrubs...

Cheryl’s chat with the Muddy Boots crew is really a story about shock, survival, and slowly finding your feet again. She talks through the chaos of the Ruffy bushfires — the scrambled updates, the awful wait to hear what had happened, and the surreal moment of returning to a completely blackened landscape with only her little house still standing. It’s emotional, but she tells it with such honesty that you can almost feel what those days were like. From there, the episode becomes a gentle, ho...

Another Q&A packed with practical gardening advice, from curl grubs and sick olive trees to thrips, blueberries, wicking beds, Boston Ivy and growing your own passionfruit. 🌿 Plants Mentioned Vegetables & fruit Tomato — Solanum lycopersicumCauliflower — Brassica oleracea var. botrytisBlueberry — Vaccinium spp.Lime — Citrus × aurantiifoliaLemon — Citrus × limonBlack Passionfruit — Passiflora edulisOrnamentals & natives Olive — Olea europaeaLavender — Lavandula spp.Rosemary — Salvia...

Got a sloping block, awkward corner, or challenging piece of land that feels impossible to landscape? In this episode, Keith explains why difficult terrain can become one of a garden’s greatest assets. From creating garden rooms and pathways to making the most of views and natural features, this episode is packed with ideas to help gardeners see opportunities where they once saw obstacles. Plants recommended in this episode Callistemon spp. — BottlebrushAcacia spp. — WattleEucalyptus spp. — E...

August is all about getting ready for the spring rush. In this practical seasonal episode, Keith talks through the key jobs to tackle before the garden takes off, from sowing warm-season seeds and planting flowering annuals to improving soil, feeding organically, protecting fruit trees from disease, and staying alert for late frosts. It’s a useful preparation episode for gardeners wanting to build stronger soil, get ahead of pests and diseases, and make the most of the final weeks of winter. ...

Looking for quality gardening tools that actually last, or wondering what products experienced gardeners swear by? In this episode, Elizabeth and Keith chat with Jamie Stewart, founder of Backyard Botanist, about turning a passion for plants into a successful business. From heirloom-quality tools to small-space gardening and the growing demand for well-made products, this episode is packed with inspiration for gardeners who appreciate quality, practicality, and a love of the craft. Products &...

This month’s Q&A brought to you by The Plant Runner Moving plants, battling persistent weeds, setting up productive veggie beds, or wondering if you're doing things the right way? In this practical Q&A episode, Keith tackles a wide range of real-world gardening challenges submitted by listeners from around Australia. Packed with straightforward advice, seasonal tips, and problem-solving solutions, this episode is ideal for gardeners looking to avoid common mistakes and get better resu...

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just needing a reset? In this inspiring episode, special guest Conchi Batson shares how gardening became a lifeline during a difficult chapter in her life. Discover how slowing down, getting your hands in the soil, and reconnecting with nature can transform both your mindset and your garden. If you’ve ever needed a reason to step outside and reset, this episode will leave you feeling motivated and hopeful. Where you can find all things Muddy Boots! ...

Struggling with smelly bins, slow breakdown, or compost that just doesn’t work? This episode takes the guesswork out of composting and shows you how to get it right. Keith shares simple, practical insights to help you turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich, living soil. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your results, this episode will help you compost with confidence and boost the health of your garden. Products & Tools recommended in this episode Clyde's CompostRoos...

July’s Garden – this episode of Muddy Boots highlights essential winter gardening tasks to prepare for spring. Keith emphasises pruning deciduous plants, planting bare-rooted trees and roses, and improving soil with compost and additives. He recommends planting ornamentals, bulbs, and winter vegetables like brassicas and root crops. Pest control, mulching, and lawn care are also key, along with frost protection. Overall, staying active in winter ensures healthier plants and stronger growth in...