EzyVEGIES - News & Events

Organic Gardening Tips

Wed, 05 May 2010 01:33:00 GMT

This clip introduces the EzyVegies Gardening Tips Series. Meet Luke Hanson, the Director of EzyVegies, at the Sydney Royal Easter Show where he explains the basics of organic vegetable gardening.

Raised Garden Beds

Tue, 04 May 2010 23:33:00 GMT

Join Luke Hanson, the Director of EzyVegies, as he explains the basics of gardening in raised garden beds.

Organic Pest Control Tips

Tue, 04 May 2010 23:33:00 GMT

Join Luke Hanson, the Director of EzyVegies, as he explains the basics of organic pest and disease control. Learn the best way control pests and disease through safe organic methods.

Successional Planting Tips

Tue, 04 May 2010 23:34:00 GMT

Join Luke Hanson, the Director of EzyVegies, as he explains the basics of successional planting. Learn the best way harvest fresh organic vegetables and herbs every week of the year.

Compost Gardening Tips

Tue, 04 May 2010 23:33:00 GMT

Join Luke Hanson, the Director of EzyVegies, as he explains the basics of compost or 'no dig' gardening. Learn the best way to make rich organic soil in your raised garden beds - an important step on the way to productive organic vegetable gardens.

EzyVegies Channel on YouTube

Mon, 03 May 2010 22:26:00 GMT

EzyVegies has launched a channel on YouTube for instructional videos. Our Garden Tips Series was filmed at the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show and includes cilps on Raised Garden Beds, Compost Gardens, Successional Planting and Organic Pest Control. Please visit the EzyVegies Channel to view the Garden Tips Series.

30 Percent Off EzyVEGIES Products or Free Membership of the Garden Program - The Research Garden Special

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 08:53:00 GMT

The Research Garden Special is for enthusiastic and observant gardeners. If you would like to be part of the EzyVEGIES Research Garden Network, and if you’re prepared to work with us to discover and share the most suitable plant varieties and management practices for your particular climate zone, then we’ll provide a 30% discount on our products or FREE membership of the Garden Program. Existing vegetable gardeners are also welcome. Please contact us to discuss how we can work together.

The Research Garden Network covers: NSW Northern Rivers, NSW North West Plains, NSW Mid North Coast, NSW Greater Sydney, NSW & ACT Tablelands, NSW South West Slopes, NSW South Coast, QLD South East Coast, QLD South East Hills, VIC Coast, VIC Inland, SA Greater Adelaide and WA Greater Perth. If you live in one of these regions and would like to participate in the Research Garden Network, then please contact us.

FREE Expert Advice - The Education Special

Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:12:00 GMT

The Education Special is for day care centres, pre-schools, primary schools and high schools throughout Australia.

As part of our commitment to education, we'll provide all eligible education organisations with FREE membership to the EzyVEGIES Garden Program for one year. The Garden Program provides a mix of conceptual information (to help design learning activities) and practical gardening tips (to help support a productive school garden).

As part of the Education Special, we'll also provide the EzyVEGIES gardening system at a discounted price of $150 per box. Our gardening system is ideal for school gardens. There's no toxic chemicals (as with treated pine or recycled plastic), no sharp edges or splinters (as with timber or steel) and, best of all, you can easily assemble it yourself. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

EzyVegies Invited to Join the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:26:00 GMT

EzyVegies has just been invited to join the Great Aussie Backyard Display at the 2010 Sydney Royal Easter Show. The display is educational and will showcase the latest ideas for clever, clean and green backyards. The EzyVegies display will include raised garden beds with a range of plant varieties and ages to demonstrate successional planting techniques. Stay tuned for more details!

EzyVegies Launches the Bulk Buy Special

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:04:00 GMT

The Bulk Buy Special is for enthusiastic gardeners. We're offering 20% off the EzyVegies Raised Garden Frame for all bulk purchases - and yes we'll still ship for FREE.

Contrary to popular belief, Autumn is the best time of year to grow vegetables in most Australian climate zones, and now is the time to prepare your raised garden beds and seedlings for a productive Autumn harvest! If you plan to harvest your vegetables and herbs most days of the year, then you’ll need a garden size of at least 7m x 1m to allow for successional planting and crop rotation. Based on the EzyVegies planting schedule, a 7m x 1m garden will provide 1.75 square metres of planting area (or 28 plants) every month, over four months. This means every month, you’ll have 28 plants to harvest. Combine this garden size with our recommended ‘cut and come again’ harvest methods, and you’ll have a constant supply of fresh organic vegetables! The bigger your garden, the bigger the variety of vegetables to choose from.

The 20% discount applies to orders of 4 boxes or more, so with significant savings you can build a 7m x 1m garden (from 4 boxes), a 9m x 1m garden (from 5 boxes), an 11m x 1m garden (from 6 boxes), or a 13m x 1m garden (from 7 boxes). In combination with our standard bulk discounts, prices per box start from $152 for orders of 7 boxes or more, and $168 for 4-6 boxes. These prices will beat most rival products - even the cheap ones! Now might also be the time to replace the treated pine on your existing raised garden beds with food grade plastic beds that will last for 20+ years.

To receive your 20% discount, you must: 1. purchase online - enter the number of boxes and click Buy Now; 2. enter the code DC102 in the Discount box and click Update; and 3. complete your payment details.

EzyVegies featured on www.sydneycafes.com.au

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 08:47:00 GMT

EzyVegies is featured in the review of the 2009 Glebe Street Fair by Jane Louise on www.sydneycafes.com.au. We were quite chuffed when we discovered the article. We are proud to be one of the few stalls selected for the article from the hundreds present on the day!

Expanding retail network in Sydney

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:54:00 GMT

We've been busy visiting retailers and encouraging them to join our network. You can now find the EzyVegies Raised Garden Frame and DIY garden Guard on display at Honeysuckle Garden Centre (Bondi Junction), Blossom Gardens Nursery (Darlinghurst), Hills Garden Supacenta (Baulkham Hills), Four Seasons Garden Centre (Belrose) and Swanes Nurseries (Dural, Carlingford and Sylvania). Thanks Peter, Melissa, Nick, Rob and Adrian!

Sydney retailers join our network

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:35:00 GMT

EzyVegies is presently selecting retailers around Sydney to stock and display the Raised Garden Frame and DIY Garden Guard. As of today, our retail network has grown and includes Hunters Hill Garden Centre (Hunters Hill), Brian Lovelock's Garden Centre (Peakhurst), Plant Bug Garden Centre (Mt Colah), St Ives Village Nursery (St Ives) and New Leaf Nursery (Ingleside). Thanks to Anthony, Charles, Carol, Geoff and Daniel! Please refer to the Retail Outlets page for contact details.

What is the best type of soil to use?

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:39:00 GMT

You can fill your raised garden bed with good quality topsoil, potting mix, garden mix or organic compost.

Organic compost is best made in the garden bed by mixing lucerne hay and chicken manure. It only takes two weeks of 'hot composting' before you plant your first seedlings. Detailed instructions are provided in the box. Organic compost is also the most water-efficient planting medium. Good compost absorbs moisture like a sponge and requires minimal watering (i.e. twice a week in summer and once a week in winter, under average conditions). Organic compost is the best option for raised garden beds on soft ground. It costs $30-$40 per square metre.

Potting mix and garden mix are manufactured planting mediums that mix, among other things, sawdust, pine bark, fertilisers, manure, and moisture absorbing agents. Most are manufactured according to various Australian Standards. Potting mix and garden mix are not organic growing mediums. They are best used in raised garden beds on hard ground, in combination with an underlayer of permeable fabric, to prevent temporary drainage marks on tiles, concrete or pavers.

Quality Products at the EQ Market

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:23:00 GMT

We had a great day at the EQ Markets at Fox Studios on Saturday. The new dining deck is a great addition to the market! Live jazz, great food, good coffee and quality products make it a great day out for some fresh produce and lunch. We'll be at the Wednesday market this week.

Do the garden beds come in multiple heights?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:05:00 GMT

Yes - each panel is 30cm high and you can build garden beds that are 2 panels high (i.e. 60cm). Please contact us to order some 80cm rods to support 2 panels, or simply buy some separate rods from your local hardware shop. Note that 30cm high raised garden beds are perfect for all vegetables. Raising the height of the bed to 60cm is for convenience (i.e. not bending over) or protection (i.e. excluding pets and pests).

Do the garden beds come in multiple sizes?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:10:00 GMT

Yes - the modular panels are like Lego for gardeners. You can join them in long straight sections. You can join them in multiple heights. You can build a raised garden bed that steps up or down (or both!). You can create L shapes in the corner of the backyard to maximise space. You can have one long garden bed, or you can have multiple garden beds side-by-side. The possibilities are endless, and because the panels are modular, you can grow the size of your garden in the future - each additional box adds 2m x 1m to your existing garden bed!

What type of plastic are the panels made from?

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:19:00 GMT

The panels are made from Food Grade Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). This is the same plastic used in food containers, plastic bags, cling wrap and water tanks. LDPE has no BPA.

Are the panels made from recycled plastic?

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:21:00 GMT

No - unfortunately recycled plastics are not Food Grade plastics. We had to choose between Food Grade plastic or recycled plastic, and Food Grade plastic is essential for a vegetable garden. You should avoid products made from recycled plastic or treated timber if you plan to grow vegetables due to the potential leaching of dangerous chemicals into your garden. Products made from Food Grade plastic, steel or hardwood timber are the safest options.

Are the panels UV stabilised?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Yes - a UV stabilisation additive is mixed with the resin before the panels are moulded.

What is the life expectancy of the panels?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:52:00 GMT

The panels are made by the same process as plastic rainwater tanks, using UV stabilised plastic. This gives the panels a life expectancy of greater than 20 years under average Australian conditions.

Does the black plastic get hot?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:52:00 GMT

Yes - in direct sun the panels are hot to touch. However, the hollow design of each panel creates an air buffer inside to insulate the garden from extreme heat or cold - similar in effect to a double-glazed window. This is an important feature compared to thin corrugated iron garden beds.

Is there a base?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:52:00 GMT

No - the panels sit on top of soft ground or hard ground similar to raised garden beds made from timber sleepers. On soft ground, water drains directly into the ground. On hard ground, water drains to the nearest permeable area or drainage inlet - just like run-off from rainfall or your hose. In this situation, it's best to line the garden beds with a permeable fabric from your local hardware shop. This stops any sediment escaping and ensures that only water drains from the bottom of each garden bed.

Is black the only colour?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:53:00 GMT

Yes - black is a neutral colour in most gardens and the pigment provides additional UV protection.

What is the purpose of raised garden beds?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:42:00 GMT

The vast majority of Australian soils have very low levels of organic matter in the topsoil and high levels of clay in the subsoil. This results in poorly drained and infertile soils. While it's possible to improve soils with various conditioning agents such as compost, manure, gypsum and lime, it takes a long time and results can be disappointing. For this reason, people have been growing vegetables in raised garden beds since colonial days. A raised garden bed allows you to control important soil properties such as fertility and drainage. The money you invest in raised garden beds and compost will be rewarded with healthy and productive vegetable gardens.

2009 Glebe Street Fair

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:32:00 GMT

The 2009 Glebe Street Fair was fantastic. The last time I saw that many people in a city street was during the Sydney Olympics. At times we had 15 people or more wanting to ask about raised garden beds and organic vegetable gardening. We were cleaned out of brochures by 2PM. Even our models, Sue and William, came to visit. Many thanks to our new customers from the Inner West!

Swamped at the Newtown Festival

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:12:00 GMT

What a crazy day! The Newtown Festival was full of surprises - from the 12 year old School Captain of Newtown Primary School who appeared out of nowhere to help us set up (thanks again!!), to the old folks and young families who appeared unscathed from the swelling moshing crowd. Every hour of the day was like a different event - the morning was full of dog walkers and coffee drinkers, while the afternoon got, well, a bit messy. Still, it seemed that 6 beers only made people's enthusiasm for EzyVEGIES increase. Thanks to Dani, Anne, Melly, Phil and Zac for helping to manage to constant flow of questions and customers!{module_photogallery,9894,4,,12,120,120}

Maitland Markets are Huge

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:58:00 GMT

What a surprise! People had spoken about the Maitland Markets as one of the best one day events in NSW, but you have to see it to believe it. There were over 400 stalls and 20,000 visitors. We met people from Perth, Hobart and Cairns - even Singapore. We'll be back on 6 December 2009 for the annual Santa visit.

Welcome to our new Canberra customers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

No other population in Australia turns out for events like Canberrans, and the 2009 Canberra Home Show was no exception. We handed out nearly 1000 brochures and order forms over three perfect days (except for the flash flood on Sunday afternoon). Thanks for your support Canberra - we'll see you again in February at the 2010 Royal Canberra Show.

EzyVEGIES donates a 3m x 1m demonstration garden to the Urban Reforestation Project in Melbourne

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:59:00 GMT

We were lucky to meet Emily and Tiku from Future Canvas at the 2009 ABC Garden Expo in Melbourne. Their Urban Reforestation Project in Docklands in a great community gardening initiative, and one we are happy to be involved with. Melbourne gardeners should visit the Docklands site! Construction of raised garden beds using the EzyVEGIES Raised Garden Frame is ideal for urban community gardening projects. We'll post more news on their progress over the coming months.

Tait Hardware joins VIC retail network

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:59:00 GMT

Tait Hardware joins our network of retail outlets in Victoria. Please visit their stores in Glen Iris and Sommerville to see the EzyVegies Raised Garden Frame on display.

Garden Barn joins NSW retail network

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:57:00 GMT

Garden Barn joins our network of retail outlets in New South Wales. Please visit their stores in Brookvale and Orchard Hills to see the EzyVegies Raised Garden Frame on display.

Welcome to 35 new customers from the ABC Gardening Expo

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the 35 new EzyVegies customers from the ABC Gardening Expo in Melbourne. Thanks for supporting our new product and new business!

EzyVegies Website

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:39:00 GMT

We're in the process of developing our new website and discovering the best way to create links to and from our site. One way is to create a profile in Google Profiles, such as the one for Luke Hanson, and connect it to your website to gain a page rank.

Luke interviewed on 2GB Radio

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:58:00 GMT

Luke Hanson is interviewed by broadcaster Linda Ross on 2GB's Garden Clinic.

Raised Garden Frame launch

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:59:00 GMT

The EzyVegies Raised Garden Frame is launched at the ABC Gardening Australia Expo in Sydney.

Luke interviewed by AAP

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:58:00 GMT

Luke Hanson is interviewed by journalist Nicky Park for an AAP feature article on urban farming.

EzyVegies selected as media contact for Expo

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:57:00 GMT

EzyVegies is selected as a media contact on behalf of the ABC Gardening Australia Expo in Sydney.