Hello and welcome to APRIL!  (Djeran in the Noongyar calendar)

Milder weather? It's coming, despite the last burst of summer we've just had - which means it's the perfect time to get out and garden.  There's so much going on at the moment - saving seed from summer crops, planning new garden beds, prepping soil, starting seedlings!! 
It's a busy time socially too, with Easter & Anzac days coming up this month.  Check below for our opening hours.

Recently, Tommy our delivery contractor retired.  While we're open to working with a new contractor, we haven't found one so far to work with  - so currently we've taken deliveries back in house. We're getting extremely busy with deliveries at the moment with about a week's wait time on average (although depending on suburb & our ability to physically get there, we'll do our best to fit you in).  So please be aware if you're looking ahead for Easter gardening projects, book in ASAP to make sure you don't miss out.  We wish Tommy & his wife Leanne a happy retirement & I'm sure we'll see him around from time to time.

Customer rewards system is changing!

If you've been into store lately and bought any of our soil products, you may have noticed that there are now discount vouchers generated by your purchases on your receipt docket.  These vouchers are valid on GLSC's own products (ie. our soils & minerals) for 28 days from purchase.  So check them out - you can use them the same day (if you're getting multiple trailer loads) or on a return visit - which will come in handy if you've got a few gardening tasks to do.  

We will be phasing out the members only section of our website as at the end of April 2025.  Feedback we've received is that the system is very clunky for people to log in and our team fields a lot of requests for assistance with this.  So we're trying to make things more simple.  All of the downloadable resources will still be freely available, but the discounted members products will no longer be available online or in store.  [Check your inboxes because we'll be sending out emails to our current members with an offer they can use when placing orders instead.]  We'll still be having an online and in store discounted product featured in our newsletter every month, and for regular in store shoppers, there's the discount voucher instantly generated (see paragraph above).  So there's still ways that we reward our regular customers, and savings to be had!  

So come on in and see us soon (and remember to grab your receipt!)

From all of us @ The Green Life Soil Co - happy gardening!

Green Life Soil Co will be:

CLOSED Good Friday 18th April
OPEN Easter Saturday 19th April
CLOSED Easter Sunday 20th April
CLOSED Easter Monday 21st April
CLOSED Anzac Day 25th April

Saturday hours are changing - heads up!!

From 1st May 2025, our Saturday trading hours will change; still opening 8.30am we'll be closing at 2.00pm (instead of 4.00pm).

Jobs in the April Garden 

• Keep up the watering.  Until the rains start, keep an eye on your soil moisture.  Cooler nights and dew may mean you can cut back on your retic, but if days are warm, some plants will still need a regular drink.  
• Feed your fruit trees!  Deciduous trees have a small window before they go dormant where they can store nutrients in readiness for Spring.  A light topdress with compost, aged manures or a complete fertiliser (we love Growsafe!) will be beneficial.  Evergreens like Citrus will also benefit.  Sometimes Citrus go a bit yellow in the cold months - which is their reaction to the temperatures; winter is not the time to feed them as they can't get the benefit.  Feed them NOW, and again in Spring once the weather's a little warmer.
• Keep an eye on your citrus (particularly Lemons) for citrus gall wasp galls - they're beginning to swell up now.  You've got a window of opportunity over winter to cut off affected branches while the larvae are developing inside the stems.  The Ag Department say that up until end June you're OK to throw these off cuts into your green bin; as the larvae will not survive.  In a few months time once they're more fully developed, the advice is to burn or solarise the galls to make sure that the larvae don't emerge to begin another cycle.  The advice is NOT to bother using the potato peeler method - this is too hit & miss.  And remember in Spring you could try Clay Spray to help prevent egg laying in the branches.
• Plant late Winter/Spring bulbs - the Jonquils, Daffodils, Tulips, Hyacinth, Snowdrop (etc) bulbs will all be available soon. Plant them for some lovely colour and scent in the garden - often when there's little else around in the cooler weather. Improve soil with our Soil Builder dug through prior to planting. 
• Plant a fruit tree! Bare rooted trees won't be available for a couple more months yet (many good nurseries have an order list - so contact them and get on it!). But it's a good opportunity to plant potted trees or evergreen fruit trees like Citrus - Autumn is a fabulous time to do so.
• Feed your lawn! Once the weather cools down you're maybe a bit too late - but the weather is still warm so give your grass a light feed or top dress now - it's as great opportunity to do it before rains come.  Come and grab a trailer load or have some delivered for the best lawn in the street!
• Sow your spring flowering annuals from seed. Poppies, Sweet Peas, Stocks, Aquilegia, Alyssum, Nasturtium - just for a few - to give bees & beneficial insects some food. Also things like Borage, which grows very easily at this time of year and is a great plant if you've got a bit of room. It can grow about 75cms x 75cms at least - but is such a lovely Bee plant to have!  We've got good stock levels of seeds for many of these flowers, so come on in soon!
• Watch for slugs & snails - as soon as we have some rain these little guys get really active in our gardens.  Make your own traps from beer, or select one of the least toxic iron based pellets to use - we have Multiguard and Protect-Us (Certified Organic) pellets in stock.
• Get your Winter vegies in ASAP. Check out healthy seedlings as a faster option to be harvesting sooner. Winter seedlings are now starting to come through - we get a delivery fresh every week of organically grown vegetables in biodegradable pots, ready to pop into your prepared garden and grow! We've also got plenty of Winter vegie seeds in stock - start some seed now for your successive crops to follow.
• You can cut down on watering your indoor plants now, as the seasons are changing. Do check out the moisture in your pots before watering; most indoor plants are killed by overwatering (not under watering) so you're often best to let the soil dry out just a little bit before watering again.  Got things to repot?  Have you tried our Indoor Potting Mix?
• Harvest your Sweet Potatoes - dig around for the tubers. Plants will slow down and potentially die back a little over winter (if you have them in a cooler spot) so make the most of the tubers you have grown. Get some more slips growing to start again in the Spring. See our fact sheet on propagating sweet potatoes here.
• Depending on where you are, it might be almost time to cut back asparagus and prepare beds for winter dormancy with a big load of good compost. Plan on doing this sometime in the next month.
• Cut back Lavender, Geranium (and other summer flowering perennials). Use the off-cuts for cuttings & see if you can grow new plants for free!  We've got a fact sheet on propagating from cuttings here.

What to Plant NOW

With Autumn conditions barely here...  there's loads of opportunity to plant your Autumn/Winter crops.

Do check out our FREE downloadable planting guides for Perth (see link here) - but here's a quick list of vegies & herbs to try now:

Artichoke (Globe), Asian Greens (Bok Choi, Wong Bok), Beetroot, Beans (Bush & Broad), Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Coriander, English Spinach, Garlic, Kale, Kohl Rabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mint, Onion, Oregano, Parsley, Parsnip, Peas, Potato, Radish, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Spring Onion, Swede, Turnip.  

Currently we still have stock available for Purple Stripe & Rojo Garlic & Elephant Garlic.  If you can't get into store, send us an email, use the contact us form, or give us a ring and we can arrange to post some out in a postage satchel to you. 

And I'm excited to say that.....

Seed Potatoes have arrived... and then they sold out.  However, more will be available soon (possibly by the time you read this!).  Best to contact us or give us a call to be notified when they're back in stock. 

If you'd like some 'how to' info on growing garlic or spuds - click on these links: POTATOES & GARLIC - if you've never grown them before, it's definitely worth having a go!  You don't need heaps of space, and the flavour of home grown is unbeatable!

Remember - there's HEAPS of free information, tips & growing guides right here on our website; please feel free to share in your social media groups! (And tag us in your garden photos!)

Growing from Seed: A Guide for Perth Gardeners

Growing your own vegetables from seed is a rewarding and cost-effective way to garden. Not only does it save money compared to buying seedlings, but it also gives you full control over how your plants are raised. Plus, seeds offer a much greater variety of heritage and non-hybrid vegetables than what you’ll find as seedlings, allowing you to grow unique and delicious produce.

Direct Sowing vs. Seed Trays

Some vegetables, such as beans, peas, carrots, and parsnips, do best when sown directly into the garden. Others benefit from being started in seedling trays and transplanted later. To minimize root disturbance for sensitive seedlings, try using biodegradable pots made from toilet roll inserts (pictured below) or egg cartons. When ready to plant, soak the entire ‘pot’ in a weak liquid fertilizer solution and plant it directly into the soil.

Using seed trays allows you to control temperature and moisture levels more easily, keeping them indoors or under cover for better germination. Most seeds require a consistent temperature between 18–25°C to sprout. Remember that soil temperatures are lower than air temperatures, so keeping them warm is crucial.

Watering and Germination

Keeping seeds moist (but not waterlogged) is key to successful germination. Fine misting or a gentle watering method works best, especially for smaller seeds that require more moisture. Be mindful of fungal issues caused by excess moisture—good airflow and spacing will help prevent problems.

Many seeds germinate within 10–14 days, but don’t be discouraged if they take longer. Some species, such as sandalwood, can take over a year to sprout! 

Beginner-Friendly Seeds

If you’re new to growing from seed, start with easy-to-grow plants like beetroot and silverbeet for winter crops. Some seeds benefit from pre-treatment—peas and beans, for example, should be soaked in tepid water overnight to soften their outer coating, improving germination rates.

Transplanting Seedlings

Wait until seedlings have at least two or three sets of true leaves (around 10 cm tall) before transplanting. When moving them from a punnet or tray, gently loosen the roots and handle seedlings carefully to avoid damage. Water them in well after planting, and consider using kelp to reduce transplant shock.

For seeds sown directly in the garden, thinning may be necessary. Tiny seeds like carrots and lettuce often sprout too closely together. Carefully remove weaker seedlings to ensure proper spacing for healthy growth.

Choosing the Right Seed Raising Mix

A good seed-raising mix should be light and airy to allow roots to develop easily, while also holding enough moisture. A blend of vermiculite, cocopeat, worm castings, and fine compost is ideal. Alternatively, a high-quality commercial seed-raising mix, like The Green Life Soil Co’s Certified Organic Seed Raising Mix, ensures great results.

Mulching and Pest Protection

While young seedlings generally don’t need mulch (as it can overwhelm them), applying mulch once they are established will help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures stable.

To protect seedlings from pests like slaters and snails, use a combination of traps, baits, and physical barriers such as crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or cut-down plastic bottle rings. Iron-based snail pellets, like Multiguard and Protect-us, are effective and safer for pets and wildlife.

Ready to Get Started?

Not sure what to plant and when? Download our FREE planting guides for Perth gardeners and come in and browse our range of seeds, seed-raising mix, and garden supplies at The Green Life Soil Co. Happy growing!

A Guide to Growing and Using Garlic

Garlic is a kitchen staple beloved for its bold flavor and impressive health benefits. Fortunately, it’s also easy to grow, making it a fantastic addition to any home garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here’s a comprehensive guide to cultivating and utilising this versatile allium.

Growing Garlic

Garlic thrives in well-drained, friable, humus-rich soil with plenty of sunlight. To prepare your garden, enrich the soil with compost and, if necessary, add a little clay to improve sandy conditions. Choose locally grown, organic garlic cloves for planting, as imported varieties are often treated and may not sprout.

Plant individual cloves pointy side up at a depth similar to their size, spacing them about 15cm apart. The best time to plant is from autumn to late winter. Keep the garlic patch weed-free to ensure optimal growth, and water regularly until the seasonal rains take over—though avoid waterlogging.

Garlic takes approximately 6–9 months to mature, depending on the variety and climate. Harvest when the leaves start to die back, typically in late spring or early summer. After pulling the bulbs, brush off excess soil and hang them in a cool, dry place to cure. Properly stored garlic can last for several months.

Preserving & Using Garlic

If you want to ensure a year-round garlic supply, there are several ways to preserve your harvest. A simple method is to clean and store cloves in ziplock bags in the freezer—making them easy to grab for cooking. Another option to explore is honeyed garlic, where cloves are preserved in honey, resulting in a deliciously infused ingredient perfect for stir-fries and roasted vegetables.

Beyond its culinary appeal, garlic offers remarkable health benefits. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it especially useful during cold and flu season. Scientific studies have also shown that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels.

Garlic in the Garden

Garlic isn’t just great in the kitchen—it’s also a powerful ally in the garden. It can act as a natural pesticide, deterring pests and fungal diseases. A homemade garlic spray—made by steeping chopped garlic in warm water overnight, straining, and then spraying onto plants—works as an effective organic pest repellent.

As a companion plant, garlic helps confuse insect pests and is often interplanted with roses, brassicas, and fruit trees. While it’s generally low-maintenance, be on the lookout for black allium aphids, which can be an issue in some areas.

Garlic also produces beautiful flowers, especially varieties like Russian garlic, which blooms with delicate, pixie-hat-like coverings before opening into striking white or purple clusters. Allium flowers, including those of onions, leeks, and chives, add ornamental value to the garden.

Varieties to Try

There are many garlic varieties to explore, each offering unique flavors and characteristics. Locally adapted types tend to perform best, so seek out varieties suited to your region. This year, we have Certified Organic locally grown Rojo and Purple garlic available, and spray free Elephant Garlic.

For something a little different, try ‘Elephant Garlic.’ (Pictured right) Despite its name, it’s not a true garlic but a close relative, producing large, mild-flavored bulbs reminiscent of leeks. It’s also a stunning ornamental plant, with tall stems topped by large, white flower clusters.  It will take two years to mature to cloves, but you can leave it in the ground and it will resprout each season. 

Keep the Cycle Going

To ensure a continuous supply of fresh garlic, save some of your harvest for replanting next season. Growing your own garlic is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown flavors year after year.

From planting to harvest, garlic proves to be a valuable and versatile addition to both kitchen and garden. Whether you’re adding it to your favorite dishes or using it as a natural pest deterrent, this humble allium is well worth cultivating.

Photo Competition Winner

This month, Libby from Helena Valley has been chosen as our photo competition winner.  She receives a $50 store credit to spend with us.

Libby has done A LOT of work at her place, as you can tell from the 'before' and 'after' photos, and had this story to tell us about what she calls her "plants on special" garden:

"...That particular garden with the big trees took months of wheelbarrowing organic material from the horses and chickens to cover the sand (my septics are underneath) then I put cardboard boxes down and covered them with woodchip. 

My only problem now are the leaves and branches that keep falling on the ground cover so I will be buying smaller native shrubs (I bought all 1/2 price native plants from Dawsons) as I would like not to have to water. It only gets 3 minutes a day to each individual plant that has a water stake." 

So it goes to show that with a little time and effort, you don't have to spend a lot of money for a healthy garden to emerge!

Send us in YOUR photos and a little bit of information about what you're growing, and next month, you could be our winner!  We draw a winner each month at random so why not give it a go.  Email in your photo (or photos) to team(at)greenlifesoil.com.au with the subject line "photo competition" to be in the running.  Or, send them to us via Messenger.

VIP Special Offer

As we move into Autumn, it's the perfect time to revamp garden beds and rejuvenate soil.  If you have plants that didn't make it through summer and you need to replant, before you spend good money on plants, spend a little bit on improving the soil so that the new plants have a much better chance of success going forward.

Cassies Clay is a high kaolin clay soil improver that will help permanently improve the structure of sandy soil.  It will help hold water and nutrients to ensure that your fertilisers last longer (as they won't simply leach away).  If you have high pH soil, Cassies will also help lower the pH, which will aid nutrient availability too.

This month, come in and pick up a 15kg bag - normally $28 - for $20.00.

Valid in store only, while stocks last, until close of business 30th April 2025.

Have a large landscaping project in mind? Save even more - Cassies Clay is available in bulk (by the bobcat scoop) for pickup or delivery.

Retailer Update

Please support your local independent retailer who supports us! The specialist retailers listed here will be happy to give you gardening advice and help you with our products - please call to check what lines they carry as they can't stock all of our products (but may be willing to get stock in for a custom order - if you ask nicely!). Some of these fabulous retailers also offer a home delivery service (marked with *) - so why not go local?  (Please contact the store directly for details.)
We're pleased to welcome Anketell Nibali Stockfeeds to our retailer family!  (see photo) Visit Joel and stock up on all of your garden goodies if you're in the region - the address is 779 Thomas Road, Anketell.

Anketell Nibali Stockfeeds - Anketell 9419 5771
Aquaponics WA / Hydroponic Xpress - Canning Vale 9455 2133 (Living Soil only)
Bar Botanik - North Perth 9227 6758 (Indoor Potting Mix & Aroid Mix only)
Daisy Field Organics - Fremantle 0450 793 720
Garden Elegance - Subiaco 9381 2197
Guildford Town Garden Centre* - Guildford 9279 8645
Harbour Plants*- South Fremantle 0439 967 034
Hydroponics Guru (Living Soil only) - Wangara 0430527575
Kambarang Garden Centre* - Bentley 9458 5944
Lighthouse Fruit Tree Nursery - Parkwood 0411 166 034
Miaflora - Inglewood 9343 6334
Newstead Outdoors* - Greenwood 9334 6334
Nibali Stockfeed* - Hamilton Hill 9433 2211
Richo's 4 Hydro - Joondalup 9301 4462
Stanbee Stockfeeds* - Barragup 9581 2390
Supreme Plants - West Swan 0499 887 275
Swan Valley Station - Swan Valley 0427 371 001
Tass1 Trees - Middle Swan 0419 988 344
Urban Revolution* - Victoria Park 6102 1068
Utopia Nursery - Bullsbrook 0455 659 622
Waldecks Kingsley* - 9309 5088
Waldecks Melville* - 6317 0939
Waldecks Stirling* - 9254 6730
Zanthorrea Nursery - Maida Vale 9454 6260

All Things Stock (Muchea) 0480 740 638 
Ardess Nursery (Albany) 9842 9952
Australind Landscaping Supplies 9796 1720
Boyup Brook Co-op (Boyup Brook) 9765 1001
Great Northern Rural Services (Geraldton) 9964 1274
Handy Hands Nursery (Karratha) 9413 1801
Hillview Garden Centre (Bridgetown) 9761 1672
Margaret River - Nutrient Ag Solutions 9758 7677 (Premium Potting Mix & Compost)
Mitre 10 Margaret River 9757 2455 (Wicking Bed Mix & Veg Concentrate)
Naturaliste Landscape Supplies (Busselton) 9754 8081
Soils Ain't Soils (Busselton & Dunsborough) 9751 5322

THANK YOU for being part of our Green Life family!  We hope to see you in store soon.  Check out our newsletter next month & stay up to date with our Facebook and Instagram pages for announcements, stock arrivals and general good gardening vibes!