ABC Adelaide's Talkback Gardening
Episodes
All you need to know about Adelaide's corpse flower before it blooms
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia horticultural curator, Matt Coulter joined Sophie Thomson on ABC Talkback Gardening to discuss...
Sophie Thomson's tips for protecting your home garden from a heatwave
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How did your home garden survive eh recent SA heatwave? ABC Talkback Gardening expert Sophie Thomson has tips for preparing your patch and helping su...
How to care for trees in your home garden this summer
02 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Trees provide a wide range of human, environmental and ecological benefits, making South Australia even more liveable, but hot weather can result in ...
SA fruit fly eradication success despite predictable travel period concerns
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is celebrating major victories in the fight against fruit fly, while reminding travellers not to und...
Turn your passion for gardening into a profession in SA
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening, Dan Austin, Horticulture Coordinator & Lecturer at TAFE SA shared the opportunities available to turn your passion int...
ABC Talkback Gardening heads to the market
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Tribe and expert green thumb Sophie Thomson from ABC Talkback Gardening took the show to Adelaide Central Market, catching up with the author of ...
Prepare your garden for an SA summer with mulch
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer has now arrived in the driest state in Australia, and with the season comes hot weather, which can be a challenge for SA gardeners. Sophie Tho...
SA beekeepers brace in wake of varroa mite outbreak
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The new varroa mite outbreak has SA beekeepers nervous. What do you need to do to help prevent its spread? SA's Chief Veterinary Officer explained on...
Tammy's ultimate guide to thriving houseplants
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ABC Gardening Australia's Tammy Huynh is the author of 'The Plant Book: The ultimate guide to thriving houseplants', the prize for the winner of the ...
How to prepare your SA garden for summer
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer is almost here. So, how do you prepare your home garden in SA to endure the heat of the season, and not only survive, but thrive?
It's spring & everything is coming up roses in SA home gardens
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening, horticulturalist & garden centre manager, Brett Draper & Deb Tribe were joined by rosarian & Churchill Fellow ...
SA gardening societies spring into action for a blooming good time
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s almost spring and many South Australian gardening societies are having Spring Shows and Sales. ABC Talkback Gardening talks bromeliads, gerani...
ABC Talkback Gardening explores the wonderful world of SA begonias
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Tate Hancox, Vice President of the South Australian Begonia Society joined guest gardener, Brett Draper & Deb Tribe to discuss what varieties...
Big, red & bountiful - how to create the space for tantalising tomatoes
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Growing tomatoes in South Australia is all about preparation. Sara Mitchell from the Adelaide Botanic Gardens joined Deb Tribe & Sophie Thomson t...
SA orchids on show as spring comes into bloom
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spring has sprung, and so have South Australia's orchids. On ABC Talkback Gardening Trevor Garard of the Orchid Society of SA was preparing for the c...
ABC Talkback Gardening live from The Show
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Live from the Royal Adelaide Show, ABC Talkback Gardening spoke to the Most Outstanding Exhibitor in the Horticultural Pavillion, and independent cli...
ABC Talkback Gardening live at the Royal Adelaide Show with Gardening Australia stars
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ABC Talkback Gardening host, Deb Tribe was flanked by two nationwide green thumbs at this year's Royal Adelaide Show - Sophie Thomson & Gardening...
SA camellias in bloom as spring is set to arrive
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stangate House in Aldgate was recognised by the International Camellia Society as an International Camellia Garden of Excellence, and it is full of b...
Adelaide conservation groups celebrate the work of Dr Jane Goodall
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
South Australian forest conversation groups are coming together to celebrate Dr Jane Goodall's legendary environmental mission by planting 90 trees o...
Urban agriculture, a key step towards sustainablity?
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hannah Thwaites, PhD candidate & researcher at Flinders University shares with Deb Tribe on Talkback Gardening why urban agriculture should be tr...
Volunteers care for South Australia's historic homes & gardens
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining historic homes and gardens in SA is a sign of respect for our past, enabling many to enjoy the state's history for years to come, and vol...
Creating & caring for seedlings ready-made for SA gardens
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SA gardeners have been enthused by recent rains, enabling their dry gardens to begin to thrive. Planting seedlings can create a new garden ready-made...
Rare fruits in abundance within SA's 900-member volunteer-run society
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some fruits are more common than others. President of the volunteer-run South Australian Rare Fruits Society, Brenton Kortman joined Deb Tribe and So...
Port Augusta's epic, arid 250-hectare Botanic Garden
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta was officially opened in 1996 but its story actually began much earlier. Visionary John Zwar...
Orchid species can beautify your home garden in Adelaide
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Orchids are as diverse as they are colourful and fragrant. Orchids are found in almost every habitat on Earth , and here in South Australia with the ...
The 27-hectare collection of living trees in Urrbrae
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Waite Arboretum in Urrbrae contains about 2,500 specimens representing more than 800 species. The Arboretum curator joined Deb & Sophie on AB...
What to plant and how to see your garden thrive in SA's wintery weather
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The June winter solstice has come and gone, signalling a period of cold, wet winter weather. So what can you do to see your SA garden weather the sto...
Olivia Newton-John's environmental legacy lives on
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Created with Olivia Newton-John, Jon Dee shares the concept of 'One Tree Per Child' on ABC Talkback Gardening, aiming to ensure every child plants at...
Bare-rooted roses lifted and ready for SA home gardens this weekend
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two-year-old bare-rooted rose bushes are being lifted now and Brian from Wagner's Rose Nursery in SA's south-east shared his rose expertise on ABC Ta...
Bare-rooted fruit trees a good option for SA gardeners this Winter
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In South Australia, bare-rooted fruit trees could be an option for your garden this Winter. Sam Luke from Balhannah Nurseries said, "They're deciduou...
The SA volunteers saving plants from demolition sites
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Garden Demolition Rescue is an SA not-for-profit community initiative, making a difference, one garden at a time, where volunteers save plants from g...
How to 'bird-scape' your SA home garden
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Attracting birds to your home brings your home garden alive, providing habitat for our feathered friends and a dynamic, vibrant environment full of c...
Australian natives supporting biodiversity & habitat in the suburbs
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australian Native Plants are more important than ever, helping to support biodiversity and support habitat in our suburbs. Jeff Reid shares his knowl...
ABC Talkback Gardening bares it all for Nude Gardening Day
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening, Deb Tribe & gardening expert Sophie Thomson talk, compost, climate, and getting your kit off, all in the name of the e...
Compost is like gold for SA home gardens
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening, organics recycler, Lachlan Jeffires shared the advantage of great compost in your garden as we celebrate Compost Awareness...
Ensure your garden is full of colour this Spring - plant bulbs today!
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With home gardening, it's about planning, doing the work ahead of time, so you reap the future benefits. If you'd like brilliant colour at home this ...
Keeping your garden's trees & plants alive as SA's drought continues
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As South Australia continues to experience warm weather and dry conditions well into April, Brett Draper discussed how to keep your trees & plant...
Rhododendrons, azaleas and an independent look at SA's weather
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening Independent climatologist Darren Ray gave his April seasonal outlook for gardeners, while Merilyn Kuchel joined Deb Tribe t...
Landscaping - the tricks, the trends & the emerging SA garden blueprint
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Landscaper & founding Committee Member of the SA Landscape Festival Jamie McIllwain joined Deb Tribe & Sophie Thomson on ABC Talkback Gardeni...
How to bring butterflies to your home garden in SA
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gardening isn't all about trees, plants and flowers. You can attract wildlife back to your neighbourhood if you know what you're doing. Chair of Butt...
How to score a grant to help green up Adelaide
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's nothing more delightful than a fertile, green environment. It's cooling, visually spectacular, and good for the soul. Now you can access fund...
Thirsty wildlife in SA gardens seeking food & water during hot weather
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a long, dry summer and a heatwave kickstarting March, wildlife are heading to home gardens across South Australia in search of hydration and foo...
Dahlias make a comeback in SA home gardens
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Perennial plants with tuberous roots, Dahlias are on the comeback trail in South Australia. Known only to the Aztecs until the Spanish conquest, they...
How to prune fruit trees in SA this summer
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening, Sophie Thomson and Deb Tribe were joined by Chris Day, a Regenerative Farmer & Edible Landscaper who discussed summer ...
The do’s and don’ts of fruit sharing in SA
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharing fruit in South Australia is getting complicated and it may not be clear what your responsibilities are as a home gardener. On ABC Talkback Ga...
When life gives you lemons - Citrus expert Ian Tolley shares his advice
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Citrus expert, Ian Tolley has a lifetime of experience growing lemons, oranges, limes, and more. The seasoned green thumb who loved gardening as a ch...
How to protect your plants as hot, dry weather continues throughout SA
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A low-level heatwave in South Australia is keeping the state's home gardens hot and dry for sustained periods. So, how do you protect your precious g...
It's a SA heatwave! How to keep your garden cool this summer
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With a heatwave on the way in South Australia, Gardening Australia's Sophie Thomson shared her tips on how to beat the heat in your home garden.
ABC Talkback Gardening with Sophie Thomson on a Saturday
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Leigh Radford was joined by ABC Gardening Australia's Sophie Thomson on a Saturday, as he opened the lines to take your calls on ABC Talkback Gardeni...
SA summer gardening tips & advice with horticultural lecturer, Dan Austin
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On ABC Talkback Gardening, Troy Sincock flung open the garden gates to your calls. Horticultural lecturer, Dan Austin provides his expert advice on e...
More rain expected for SA's agricultural regions in 2025
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite record low rainfalls recorded in South Australia throughout 2024, Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray says there is reason for farmers to f...
This summer don't forget sun protection for your plants too
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sunburn is not just a human experience. Direct sunlight can affect your plants too. As summer starts to heat up, horticultural lecturer, Dan Austin t...
How to keep SA gardens flourishing throughout the festive season
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot of home entertaining throughout the festive period, so you want your home garden looking inviting for your guests. Horticulturist and G...
It's Christmas and poinsettias are out-of-season but back in bloom in SA
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
South Australian nurseries are bathed in a sea of red each Christmas as festive poinsettias line the shelves ready to take pride of place in homes ac...
December weather predicted to be average in SA with some rain Christmas Eve
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray is forecasting average December temperatures in SA with the occasional heat spike. As for Christmas, his predic...
Jon Lamb's final farewell to Talkback Gardening after 57 years at the ABC
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gardening expert, Jon Lamb has worked with the ABC for 57 years, 44 of those on Saturday mornings with ABC Radio Adelaide's Talkback Gardening. On No...
The key to organic gardening success in Adelaide is deep within your soil
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"The greatest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the Earth is the soil", said organic gardening authority, Tim Marshall. "For a long time, agronomy con...
South Australia's Festival of Flowers
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Garden Clubs of South Australia staged a Festival of Flowers. From orchids to fuschias the state was in full bloom showcasing SA's show-stopping ...
Propagating roses in SA for a blooming good summer
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most roses grown in Australia have been developed by International rose breeders. SA-based, Kim Syrus is responsible for introducing the best of thes...
How to grow bountiful herbs in Adelaide
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Herbs are delicious, and add flavour to any meal. Growing them at home yourself can also save you money during the cost of living crisis. Penny Woodw...
Spectacular rhododendrons in bloom in the Adelaide Hills
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stangate House at Aldgate in the Adelaide Hills is known for its spectacular collection of rhododendrons. They're relatively easy to grow and the Pre...
Making peace with nature in the Adelaide Hills
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former ABC Talkback Gardening host and native plant expert, Linda Neimann is making peace with nature in the Adelaide Hills at her home base in Mylor...
Adelaide's indestructible cliveas grow and flower in full shade
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Garden Centre Manager and Royal Adelaide Show horticultural display coordinator, Brett Draper is passionate about cliveas. They're useful and almost ...
Citrus gall wasp prepare to emerge in SA wreaking havoc with local citrus
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Entomologist Greg Baker says citrus gall wasp are expected to emerge slightly earlier this year, consistent with 2023 behaviour. "We predict their ...
Tips for growing home garden citrus in SA
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Passionate citrus gardener and an internationally recognised authority on citrus, Ian Tolley joined Deb Tribe & Jon Lamb on ABC Talkback Gardenin...
How to stop sap-sucking aphids eating SA rose bushes
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aphids are the enemy of rose bushes and can spread viral diseases between plants in your garden. In warm and moist weather Aphid populations build ra...
Is it too early to spring into planting tomatoes in SA?
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Temperatures across Adelaide during August were 3° above average and during the first week of September, there was a mini burst of temperatures in t...
ABC Talkback Gardening live from the Royal Adelaide Show
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deb Tribe and Jon Lamb presented ABC Talkback Gardening live from the Jubilee Pavilion at the Royal Adelaide Show taking your calls on-site and on th...
Spring has sprung in Adelaide! Darren Ray's 3-month weather forecast
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adelaide weather during June and July was relatively unremarkable. In August rainfall was down almost 1/3 but, temperatures were well above average. ...
Growing strawberries in Adelaide & it's showtime for local gardeners
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why pay top price for your weekly punnet of supermarket strawberries when you can harvest a regular supply of super sweet strawberries fresh from you...
How planting vegetables can help you tackle the cost of living crisis in Adelaide
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Right now, garden soils are far too cold to germinate vegetable seeds but heating aids help to create ideal conditions for vegetable seeds to germina...
Attracting birds to your SA home garden - which are bullies and which are beneficial?
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s mating season! Don’t be surprised if you observe a significant increase in bird activity. Some of these birds are our friends and play a v...
SA green thumbs it's never too late to learn more about your home garden
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No matter your age, there's always something more to learn about gardening and how to make your SA home garden flourish. Horticultural Educator at Ur...
How to find the right sized tree for your home garden
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the Adelaide city & suburbs gardens are becoming smaller and space for gardening is at a premium. How do you find a tree that is the right fit...
Adelaide, it’s time to prune your roses
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In most South Australian gardens roses are still covered in leaves. On ABC Talkback Gardening, Rosarian, Merv Trimper joined Spence Denny and Jon La...
The secret to buying & growing orchids in SA
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trevor Garrard from the Orchid Club of SA reveals the secret to buying and growing spectacular flowering orchids on ABC Talkback Gardening.
How to have success with camellias in Adelaide and rid your garden of soursobs
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wintery weather enables weeds to thrive and can pose some challenges for flowers, with frost and the like. ABC Talkback Gardening's Jon Lamb brings i...
Winter arrives in Adelaide with frost & average rainfall
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adelaide has finally recorded average monthly rainfall. With the consistent cold weather comes damaging frost too, particularly in the Adelaide Hills...
Thinking of the future: organic gardening, edible ornamentals & verge gardens
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Karen Sutherland is best described as a garden educator with a particular love for encouraging gardeners to grow edible ornamentals. A regular contri...
Adelaide rains bring snails & slugs to home gardens
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After one of the driest autumns on record, the rain has arrived. This is great news for home gardeners, but it also opens the floodgates for garden s...
If you can't plant in summer, winter is the next best thing for deciduous plants
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you missed planting a deciduous ornamental in your home garden in summer, never fear, you have another chance to take action, in winter.
How to identify the right pruning tools for your home garden
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"A higher quality secateur, is going to have a higher quality steel", said Sam Dalton, Arborgreen’s Market Development & Quality Control Advi...
Winter is on the way time to plant deciduous fruit trees
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam Luke from Balhannah Fruit Tree Nurseries has just completed the herculean task of digging thousands of deciduous fruit trees to be sold to home g...
Dwarf varieties provide fruit all year round says SA farmer
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible to grow and harvest fruit fresh from your own garden all year round in the 'fruit salad state', South Australia? Mid North cereal far...
The biggest selling pot plant in the world
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The moth orchid is "possibly, the biggest selling potplant in the world", says orchid grower & breeder, Trevor Garrad.
Ocean temperatures keep the SA rain away in May
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"We're seeing local variations of the ocean temperatures as the El Niño event that we saw over summer breaks down", said Independent Climatologist,...
Soil and watering the key to potted citrus success
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Many people buy potting mix...put their plants in, and then nothing happens", says citrus expert, Ian Tolley.
Don't get dazzled by pretty flowers, choose what works in your home garden
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy to have the best of intentions for your home garden, but if you get distracted by all the pretty flowers, you may be overlooking what works...
The best trees to bring autumn colour to your home garden
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Horticultural Supervisor at Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, Mark Oborn says, "One of my favourites is the Pin Oak".
Plant the right vegetables in SA now and enjoy a bountiful harvest in June
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If independent climatologist, Darren Ray is correct South Australian home gardeners can expect ideal vegetable growing conditions to continue through...
'Difficult' fruit-growing season impacted by inconsistent SA weather
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
McLaren Flat fruit & nut specialist, Chris Perry said, "The moist, cool conditions, didn't really aid fruit set".
Can you recover your burnt home lawn after the Adelaide heatwave?
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the recent Adelaide heatwave, home lawns are still struggling to deal with the stress. is it possible to return your lawn to a vibrant green aga...
Finger lime - Australia's only native citrus fruit
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Henley from the SA Rare Fruits Society says, "Finger limes will grow in fairly diverse parts of South Australia".
Begonias adding colour to shady Adelaide gardens
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If your home garden is on the shady side, and you're looking to bringing it to life, President of the Begonia Society, Val Hendy has got just the sol...
A dry Autumn ahead for South Australia
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray is predicting a dry March & April and "as we go through Winter, it might start off a touch on the dry side"...
Planting herbs for cooking, medicine or pleasure in your home garden
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"The only thing you need to be a little bit careful of", said author & herb expert, Penny Woodward. "Is if you're planting them out in exposed po...
A great 'growing season' in SA means it's time to propagate
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"The 28 to 32 degrees, with a little bit of rain early on, it's just been fantastic, plants are booming!", said Adelaide Botanic Gardens' Head prop...
The connected gardens of Elizabeth creating community in Adelaide's north
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"We're connected with our neighbours through gates", said Joe Kielnerowski from Joe's Connected Garden. "There's about 20 gardens connected in three...
Top heat beating plants for SA gardens
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What are the best 'heat beaters' for home gardens in SA? "The majority of them would occur in less than 12 inches of natural rainfall", said Eremphil...
How gardeners can ensure SA remains the 'fruit salad state'
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Turning your back on your fruit trees at the end of harvest is probably not a good thing to do", says ABC Talkback Gardening expert, Jon Lamb.