Show Notes
🌱 Episode 1: Make this Your Best Tomato Season Ever! In our very first episode, host Paul West is joined by permaculture gardener, educator, and tomato-loving legend Hannah Moloney. Hannah takes us on a deep dive into the wonderfully complex (and joyfully chaotic) world of growing tomatoes at home. From choosing seeds to building microclimates and preserving your harvest, Hannah shares decades of hands-on wisdom Whether you're a first-time grower or seasoned gardener, this episode is packed with tips, hacks, and inspiration to help you grow better tomatoes — with less stress and more joy.
🧭 In This Episode The importance of seed diversity and how to access heirlooms
Choosing between determinate vs. indeterminate tomato varieties
The lowdown on heirloom vs. hybrid seeds (and busting myths about GMOs)
Hannah's go-to DIY seed-raising mix (including regional tweaks)
How to build microclimates: from sunny kitchen benches to DIY cold frames and greenhouses
The trench planting technique that will change your tomato game forever
Fertilising tips: when, how, and how much
A practical, no-fuss approach to trellising tomatoes
Dealing with pests, blossom end rot, and the dreaded fruit fly
How to harvest, ripen, and preserve your crop (even the green ones!)
Seed saving 101 — and the funky trick involving paper towels
💡 Top Tips from Hannah "There's about 100 right ways to grow a tomato — find the one that works for you."
"Lay them down, not deep! Trench planting in the topsoil layer = more roots, better plants."
"Be ruthless with seedlings. If they're floppy or pale, let them go."
"Good soil and a biodiverse garden are your best defense against pests."
"Preserve your harvest — future-you will thank you in the depths of winter."
🛠️ Resources & Mentions DIY greenhouse ideas using salvaged windows and bricks
Seed saving using fermentation method
Favourite heirloom: the elusive 'George' tomato from Tassie
Liquid feeds: worm juice, seaweed, weed teas
Wicking beds & warm-climate mulch tips
Garden folklore: eggs in the planting hole and tomatoes that grow sideways!
🗣️ Listener Q&A Highlights Fresh sawdust? Only if it's aged — fresh can suck nutrients and suppress growth.
Best potting-up mix? Boost compost and add seaweed or worm juice once true leaves appear.
Wicking beds? Brilliant for dry regions — just match bed depth to tomato type.
Fruit fly? Healthy plants + netting + good garden hygiene.
Cockatoos? Netting, dog patrol, and "cosh" covers.
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🎙️ About Our Guest Hannah Moloney is a permaculture designer, educator, and author based in nipaluna/Hobart. She's the founder of Good Life Permaculture, a passionate advocate for climate-positive gardening, and a familiar face from ABC TV's Gardening Australia. 📚 Learn more at www.goodlifepermaculture.com.au
Thanks to our Sponsors This podcast has been brought to life thanks to the support of our Local govenemnt Partners from all over Australia as well as our friends at Backyard Farmer, Cyclone Tools and Pope
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