Hi, After my husband died I downsized to a smaller block, closer to family in Melbourne’s west. I’d been growing a few veggies previously but now I have set out the small garden to veggies. My farming ancestors have emerged! Now in my second season of brassicas and beware the thrips can get through the insect netting! I caught them early and used a natural spray and all is looking good. Lots of lovely fresh veg! I do miss my fruit trees though! Enjoying your newsletter enormously and learning heaps. Keep ‘em coming please!
Well done eagle eyes and thanks for the feedback. Typo now corrected in the online version. At least you know it's a human writing it rather than ChatGPT.
So happy you chose to live in the Macedon Ranges and to share your knowledge to us. Living in Woodend I find we are always challenged with the weather ( e.g. have lost a crop of tomatoes to frost in February). We put a green house up to try and remedy the frost, rampant snails/slugs and next doors cats that seemed to always find a way to use our gardens as toilets. This is a major learning curve in itself as to what you can grow in a green house besides a good layer of moss. I know you don't like green houses but guidance here is eagerly accepted.
Thanks for your support and sharing your experience. I usually only use my greenhouse for starting seedlings early, and propagating lots of plants. I have tried growing produce in the greenhouse, but never been very successful. The high humidity leads to many issues such as pests and diseases. I know others have had better success than me. I plan to give it another go in the coming years. When I relocate the kitchen garden I'll be adding a raised bed to my glasshouse that's not used for much (the chickens love hanging out in it though). I'll be able to share more insights about my trials then.
Happy birthday Leaf, Root & Fruit. May you thrive and share your vibes. Thank you Duncan for the knowledge you generously share and sending Danny and Dean our way. Best wishes Jos
Thank you for your very interesting, informative and inspiring newsletters over the years. Thank you for sharing your background and family story, too. Although I live in Melbourne (inner city) and have little space to grow things (and the yard does not get enough sun in autumn/winter for most plants) I like to grow herbs and salad greens, tomatoes, sometimes snow peas, beans, in boxes in spring/summer. This year a gray pumpkin plant sprung out of my compost, and I let it grow. It has made 1 pumpkin, which is a true marvel and amazement to me. The pumpkin decided to grow in a small space between a tree in the yard and the neighbouring property's brick wall. On the brick wall side the pumpkin grew lots of what look like scars in parallel lines on the skin, but on the tree side the skin is smooth and unmarked. Why would this happen? I could send you a picture, but I don't know how to attach a photo to this comment. Also, how do I know when to harvest this pumpkin? I think it may still be growing. Again, thank you, and all the best for future growth, Eve
Thanks for the feedback and for sharing part of your gardening story.
There could be a few reasons for the markings on the pumpkins. Unfortunately it is difficult for me to assess without an image and Substack doesn't allow images to be posted in the comments section (I've been asking for them to consider making this feature available).
I love my paid subscription to your Substack and encourage others to support you, it's really not that much a week, less than half a cup of coffee!
I've been puddling along in the garden but too busy with paid work to do much else, I've been reading your posts and dreaming of the day I can really get into the garden. Well the time has come, as I make a big leap into retirement at the end of this financial year. I look forward to reading your posts and continuing to learn from you.
Thank you Duncan for generously sharing your amazing knowledge
Thanks for your wonderful words. I'm glad that you see value in the financial support you offer me and I appreciate your encouragement of others to join the team.
I am so excited to read that you are about to spend more time in the garden. Your timing will be perfect. In your first week or two of retirement you'll be able to sow your tomato seeds, ready for transplanting in spring and a summer of abundance. Hands in the soil, enjoying fresh produce, that's where it's at! Enjoy the change of pace and all that comes with reconnecting to nature.
Congratulations on the ten years Duncan ! That’s a great achievement.
I really appreciated the frank and open story of your personal journey. We have more in common than I realised with our Pharma backgrounds. And if I had my time again I would pursue my childhood passion of farming.
I’m also really encouraged by the way you have continued to develop the business, and how you have evolved into the professional writing.
In terms of ideas for writing - I have seen others who have shared their review of books in different subject areas. And if you are an avid reader, as I suspect you are, then this could be something to think about. There are so many new publications in the area of gardening and I know you recommended numerous books at the course last year on backyard orchards, many of which are in your library. I struggle to make time for reading whole books and would really appreciate access to expert reviews or summaries. Just a thought.
We will have to compare stories from the pharma world sometime. You and I are not the only ones, I know many of my old colleagues have transitioned to farming or other lifestyles more in keeping with nature.
I've been toying with the idea of book reviews for a while now. I'm just trying to work out the best approach. Initially it was going to be a standalone post, something along the lines of "My ten favourite books about gardening". But then I thought about covering just a few titles every now and then, with a theme behind them e.g. "My favourite books about backyard orchards". This would enable me to delve even deeper with my reviews. Do you (or anyone else) have any thoughts on this?
The trouble is, I don't want to overwhelm reader inboxes. I've already had feedback from some that weekly emails are too much for them. Others think weekly is perfect. Some may even like more frequent posts? It would be difficult to slot a regular book review into the mix without holding something else back. But perhaps a deep dive post every now and then is the right balance?
Thanks for your insights. My writing will continue to evolve with experience and great feedback such as that which you've just shared.
Personally, I like reading the occasional more in-depth book review that gets into some detailed analysis. This probably works better on books where you have opportunity to express opinion about the content as opposed to summarising - I’m thinking of some of the writing by Chris Smaje. He’s more into the social politics of food production and I guess that lends itself to this sort of thing.
I think your idea of a theme and a few books would work really well too. “Patterns” would be a great topic, possibly for numerous posts, and apparently there are several good permaculture books on this.
A weekly post is ok for me but every two - three weeks would be also work. Depending on how much time you can dedicate to writing … more in winter perhaps?
Thanks Lewis, there's some great ideas there. I'll think them over for a bit and see what I come up with. Behind the scenes I've been working on project based around the theme of patterns but it is still very much at the initial stages. It's good to know that you'd be interested in it.
For the time being, I'll be sticking with weekly posts as that seems to be the best fit.
Congratulations Duncan. Thanks for setting down your interesting journey. I first met you at a Sustainability Festival on the banks of the Yarra. That must have been about 10 years ago!
I think I attended three SLFs and they were indeed in the first few years of running the business. Possibly 2016, '17 and '18? Whatever the year, thanks for sticking around for all this time. I really appreciate your support.
Thanks for sharing your story, Duncan. It's really interesting to read of the challenges and how you've turned them into opportunities. Quite inspiring!
I enjoy reading all your posts and often get useful information, or just more confidence, with regard to my own backyard gardening.
I love reading about issues that arise, then what you do about it, if anything, and how that turns out.
Your intelligent, observational, flexible and yet methodical approach to gardening is exciting and, dare I say again, inspiring (not that I'll ever be as organised as you are :-D!).
I was also impressed with your summer fruit-tree pruning workshop that I attended a couple of years ago, which has given me much more confidence/peace of mind with regard to managing my own fruit trees.
Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Congrats on achieving 10 years of Leaf, Root and Fruit.
Wow, that's some incredible and very specific feedback there. Thank you for taking the time to share it. From what I'm reading - you'd like more of the same.
I'm so thrilled that I've been able to inspire and give you confidence in the garden. I hope it has lead to an abundance of tasty food. Most importantly I hope I have enhanced your enjoyment of being outdoors, in the garden, connecting to nature.
I remember a lot of chats back in the permit course all those years ago. I think you were taking about six course at the time hahaha.
You and your newsletters are always a source of inspiration and information. Your skills at observation and recording (and your generosity in sharing) has helped and co tinues to help my garden, family and life.
Happy Birthday, Duncan. Number 10. What a milestone in writing, blogging and gardening.
Your writing is excellent. I've blogged for about 15 years and follow many blogs - mainly photography & nature. I can tell you, a good education really shows, but even the most highly educated bloggers with university degrees can have appalling English and grammar.
Yours is perfect (well, one small typo in this post, but I've only seen one in the couple of months I've been following Leaf, Root & Fruit.
I enjoyed reading your story and how you came to be living up in the country tending your crops. I garden on a west-facing apartment balcony, but it's looking rather bare at the moment as I pulled out most of the spindly plants left over from summer and haven't got around to Bunnings plant nursery for more. Only herbs and spring onions at the moment.
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so am a bit annoyed about the typo, but these things happen from time to time.
Enjoy the balcony garden. I'm sure it's quite the oasis.
Well done, Duncan, and of course the whole family. Appreciated the monthly planting guide and particularly the guide to compost levels. Inevitably a side question. I have some lovely large Drumhead ( I think) cabbages. How long can I leave them in the ground?
The cabbages will soon reach their maximum potential and start to split, or worse, bolt. I usually start picking the first before it's reached full size and even then, the last few can become a bit of a mess. Time to get eating.
What a journey now settled in what you really love doing not many people achieve that keep monthly letter going please or you could do bi monthly but live the information you share
Thanks for sharing your story Duncan, I’m sure it resonates with many of us in corporate gigs who are desperate to make a similar change.
I wonder if you would consider doing paid videos in the future? For those of us who are too far away to attend your courses in person, but are more visual learners.
Oh Amanda, this is something that I think about often. It's such a great idea but there's so many barriers. Most limiting is my terrible internet connection here in Kyneton. Some days it's fine, but others (when the wind is literally blowing the in the wrong direction) it would become the most frustrating workshop you'd ever been part of. There's ways around this of course, and I'm still trying to work out the best path forward. I'm doing a fair bit of strategic planning over the coming months so I might try dabbling in it again (I've tried it once and it didn't work out so well). Stay tuned.
Thanks for your great feedback and happy gardening.
Happy birthday LR&F. Duncan, I love your story from humble beginnings to what you are today and am encouraged with your persistence and resilience to see through problems big and small. Whenever I pass by the freeway towards My Macedon and see the signboard to Kyneton I always remember LR&F. I missed my would be first experience for a workshop with you during the pandemic (it was cancelled🥲) and am still hopeful for any upcoming ones 😁. Thank you for faithfully emailing us tips and information about gardening the right way. I have decided to upgrade. Rgds Margaret Ong
Hi, After my husband died I downsized to a smaller block, closer to family in Melbourne’s west. I’d been growing a few veggies previously but now I have set out the small garden to veggies. My farming ancestors have emerged! Now in my second season of brassicas and beware the thrips can get through the insect netting! I caught them early and used a natural spray and all is looking good. Lots of lovely fresh veg! I do miss my fruit trees though! Enjoying your newsletter enormously and learning heaps. Keep ‘em coming please!
I'm so thrilled to read that those inner farming ancestors have emerged. Well done.
I'm glad you find my posts useful
Happy gardening
Duncan
Happy 10th Birthday, Duncan and to the whole team of Leaf, Root & Fruit! Keep the posts coming! :)
Just a slight typo here "Each edition me takes two to three days."
Well done eagle eyes and thanks for the feedback. Typo now corrected in the online version. At least you know it's a human writing it rather than ChatGPT.
Happy gardening!
Spotted this too-aren’t we like Duncan? Have observant eyes and action on it
It's a great skill to have!
Beautiful Duncan. I love your story, from where you've been to where you now bloom. I still don't get commas either 🤷♀️
Looking forward to reading more 🌱
Thanks Stephanie. They are such confusing things, those commas!
To comma or not to comma, that is the question 🤔
indeed, but I usually let my editor answer that one for me!
So happy you chose to live in the Macedon Ranges and to share your knowledge to us. Living in Woodend I find we are always challenged with the weather ( e.g. have lost a crop of tomatoes to frost in February). We put a green house up to try and remedy the frost, rampant snails/slugs and next doors cats that seemed to always find a way to use our gardens as toilets. This is a major learning curve in itself as to what you can grow in a green house besides a good layer of moss. I know you don't like green houses but guidance here is eagerly accepted.
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for your support and sharing your experience. I usually only use my greenhouse for starting seedlings early, and propagating lots of plants. I have tried growing produce in the greenhouse, but never been very successful. The high humidity leads to many issues such as pests and diseases. I know others have had better success than me. I plan to give it another go in the coming years. When I relocate the kitchen garden I'll be adding a raised bed to my glasshouse that's not used for much (the chickens love hanging out in it though). I'll be able to share more insights about my trials then.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Happy birthday Leaf, Root & Fruit. May you thrive and share your vibes. Thank you Duncan for the knowledge you generously share and sending Danny and Dean our way. Best wishes Jos
Thanks Jos,
I'm glad I have been able to support you through all the transitions.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Thank you for your very interesting, informative and inspiring newsletters over the years. Thank you for sharing your background and family story, too. Although I live in Melbourne (inner city) and have little space to grow things (and the yard does not get enough sun in autumn/winter for most plants) I like to grow herbs and salad greens, tomatoes, sometimes snow peas, beans, in boxes in spring/summer. This year a gray pumpkin plant sprung out of my compost, and I let it grow. It has made 1 pumpkin, which is a true marvel and amazement to me. The pumpkin decided to grow in a small space between a tree in the yard and the neighbouring property's brick wall. On the brick wall side the pumpkin grew lots of what look like scars in parallel lines on the skin, but on the tree side the skin is smooth and unmarked. Why would this happen? I could send you a picture, but I don't know how to attach a photo to this comment. Also, how do I know when to harvest this pumpkin? I think it may still be growing. Again, thank you, and all the best for future growth, Eve
Hi Eve,
Thanks for the feedback and for sharing part of your gardening story.
There could be a few reasons for the markings on the pumpkins. Unfortunately it is difficult for me to assess without an image and Substack doesn't allow images to be posted in the comments section (I've been asking for them to consider making this feature available).
At a guess, I'd say it's mechanical damage to the pumpkin that has calloused over. You can always submit the image and question for inclusion in my upcoming Q and A post. More on that here: https://leafrootfruit.substack.com/p/garden-advice-growing-vegetables-ask-questions
Happy gardening
Duncan
That's an inspiring story, Congratulations!
I love my paid subscription to your Substack and encourage others to support you, it's really not that much a week, less than half a cup of coffee!
I've been puddling along in the garden but too busy with paid work to do much else, I've been reading your posts and dreaming of the day I can really get into the garden. Well the time has come, as I make a big leap into retirement at the end of this financial year. I look forward to reading your posts and continuing to learn from you.
Thank you Duncan for generously sharing your amazing knowledge
Hi Eliza,
Thanks for your wonderful words. I'm glad that you see value in the financial support you offer me and I appreciate your encouragement of others to join the team.
I am so excited to read that you are about to spend more time in the garden. Your timing will be perfect. In your first week or two of retirement you'll be able to sow your tomato seeds, ready for transplanting in spring and a summer of abundance. Hands in the soil, enjoying fresh produce, that's where it's at! Enjoy the change of pace and all that comes with reconnecting to nature.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Congratulations on the ten years Duncan ! That’s a great achievement.
I really appreciated the frank and open story of your personal journey. We have more in common than I realised with our Pharma backgrounds. And if I had my time again I would pursue my childhood passion of farming.
I’m also really encouraged by the way you have continued to develop the business, and how you have evolved into the professional writing.
In terms of ideas for writing - I have seen others who have shared their review of books in different subject areas. And if you are an avid reader, as I suspect you are, then this could be something to think about. There are so many new publications in the area of gardening and I know you recommended numerous books at the course last year on backyard orchards, many of which are in your library. I struggle to make time for reading whole books and would really appreciate access to expert reviews or summaries. Just a thought.
All the best for now.
Lewis
Thanks Lewis,
We will have to compare stories from the pharma world sometime. You and I are not the only ones, I know many of my old colleagues have transitioned to farming or other lifestyles more in keeping with nature.
I've been toying with the idea of book reviews for a while now. I'm just trying to work out the best approach. Initially it was going to be a standalone post, something along the lines of "My ten favourite books about gardening". But then I thought about covering just a few titles every now and then, with a theme behind them e.g. "My favourite books about backyard orchards". This would enable me to delve even deeper with my reviews. Do you (or anyone else) have any thoughts on this?
The trouble is, I don't want to overwhelm reader inboxes. I've already had feedback from some that weekly emails are too much for them. Others think weekly is perfect. Some may even like more frequent posts? It would be difficult to slot a regular book review into the mix without holding something else back. But perhaps a deep dive post every now and then is the right balance?
Thanks for your insights. My writing will continue to evolve with experience and great feedback such as that which you've just shared.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Hi Duncan,
Personally, I like reading the occasional more in-depth book review that gets into some detailed analysis. This probably works better on books where you have opportunity to express opinion about the content as opposed to summarising - I’m thinking of some of the writing by Chris Smaje. He’s more into the social politics of food production and I guess that lends itself to this sort of thing.
I think your idea of a theme and a few books would work really well too. “Patterns” would be a great topic, possibly for numerous posts, and apparently there are several good permaculture books on this.
A weekly post is ok for me but every two - three weeks would be also work. Depending on how much time you can dedicate to writing … more in winter perhaps?
Thanks Lewis, there's some great ideas there. I'll think them over for a bit and see what I come up with. Behind the scenes I've been working on project based around the theme of patterns but it is still very much at the initial stages. It's good to know that you'd be interested in it.
For the time being, I'll be sticking with weekly posts as that seems to be the best fit.
Thanks Duncan - looking forward to reading more!
Congratulations Duncan. Thanks for setting down your interesting journey. I first met you at a Sustainability Festival on the banks of the Yarra. That must have been about 10 years ago!
Hi Gabriella,
I think I attended three SLFs and they were indeed in the first few years of running the business. Possibly 2016, '17 and '18? Whatever the year, thanks for sticking around for all this time. I really appreciate your support.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Thanks for sharing your story, Duncan. It's really interesting to read of the challenges and how you've turned them into opportunities. Quite inspiring!
I enjoy reading all your posts and often get useful information, or just more confidence, with regard to my own backyard gardening.
I love reading about issues that arise, then what you do about it, if anything, and how that turns out.
Your intelligent, observational, flexible and yet methodical approach to gardening is exciting and, dare I say again, inspiring (not that I'll ever be as organised as you are :-D!).
I was also impressed with your summer fruit-tree pruning workshop that I attended a couple of years ago, which has given me much more confidence/peace of mind with regard to managing my own fruit trees.
Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Congrats on achieving 10 years of Leaf, Root and Fruit.
Hi Mary,
Wow, that's some incredible and very specific feedback there. Thank you for taking the time to share it. From what I'm reading - you'd like more of the same.
I'm so thrilled that I've been able to inspire and give you confidence in the garden. I hope it has lead to an abundance of tasty food. Most importantly I hope I have enhanced your enjoyment of being outdoors, in the garden, connecting to nature.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Wow, time flies!
I remember a lot of chats back in the permit course all those years ago. I think you were taking about six course at the time hahaha.
You and your newsletters are always a source of inspiration and information. Your skills at observation and recording (and your generosity in sharing) has helped and co tinues to help my garden, family and life.
Legend
Thanks for joining me on the journey Robin. It's been a blast.
Happy Birthday, Duncan. Number 10. What a milestone in writing, blogging and gardening.
Your writing is excellent. I've blogged for about 15 years and follow many blogs - mainly photography & nature. I can tell you, a good education really shows, but even the most highly educated bloggers with university degrees can have appalling English and grammar.
Yours is perfect (well, one small typo in this post, but I've only seen one in the couple of months I've been following Leaf, Root & Fruit.
I enjoyed reading your story and how you came to be living up in the country tending your crops. I garden on a west-facing apartment balcony, but it's looking rather bare at the moment as I pulled out most of the spindly plants left over from summer and haven't got around to Bunnings plant nursery for more. Only herbs and spring onions at the moment.
Hi Vicki,
Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so am a bit annoyed about the typo, but these things happen from time to time.
Enjoy the balcony garden. I'm sure it's quite the oasis.
Duncan
Well done, Duncan, and of course the whole family. Appreciated the monthly planting guide and particularly the guide to compost levels. Inevitably a side question. I have some lovely large Drumhead ( I think) cabbages. How long can I leave them in the ground?
Hi Steve,
The cabbages will soon reach their maximum potential and start to split, or worse, bolt. I usually start picking the first before it's reached full size and even then, the last few can become a bit of a mess. Time to get eating.
Thanks for your support
Duncan
What a journey now settled in what you really love doing not many people achieve that keep monthly letter going please or you could do bi monthly but live the information you share
Oh it will keep going, don't worry.
Thanks for your kind words Eva.
Thanks for sharing your story Duncan, I’m sure it resonates with many of us in corporate gigs who are desperate to make a similar change.
I wonder if you would consider doing paid videos in the future? For those of us who are too far away to attend your courses in person, but are more visual learners.
Oh Amanda, this is something that I think about often. It's such a great idea but there's so many barriers. Most limiting is my terrible internet connection here in Kyneton. Some days it's fine, but others (when the wind is literally blowing the in the wrong direction) it would become the most frustrating workshop you'd ever been part of. There's ways around this of course, and I'm still trying to work out the best path forward. I'm doing a fair bit of strategic planning over the coming months so I might try dabbling in it again (I've tried it once and it didn't work out so well). Stay tuned.
Thanks for your great feedback and happy gardening.
Happy birthday LR&F. Duncan, I love your story from humble beginnings to what you are today and am encouraged with your persistence and resilience to see through problems big and small. Whenever I pass by the freeway towards My Macedon and see the signboard to Kyneton I always remember LR&F. I missed my would be first experience for a workshop with you during the pandemic (it was cancelled🥲) and am still hopeful for any upcoming ones 😁. Thank you for faithfully emailing us tips and information about gardening the right way. I have decided to upgrade. Rgds Margaret Ong
Hi Margaret,
thanks for your kind words and for the support. I'll look forward to hosting you at an event in the future and showing you around my garden.
Happy gardening
Duncan
Incidentally I emailed you an inquiry and presume you may not have opened or received it . I hooked up to leaf, fruit & root email address you sent me
Rgds Margaret
Hi Margaret,
I've sent you a private message. Hopefully I can resolve the email issue for you.
Thanks
Duncan