Our Story & The Brisbane Kitchen Garden Plan
Welcome – we’re Paul and Susie (Bertie the dog & Pookie the cat), and this is the story of how a slightly overgrown Brisbane backyard turned into an ongoing experiment in food, chickens, learning, and community.
We moved into our home north of Brisbane in June, inheriting something pretty special – a garden that already had history. There were chickens, established soil, herbs everywhere, and clear signs that the previous owner had grown a lot of food here before us.
We actually secured the property because we promised to keep the chickens and continue developing the garden. Once we arrived, we realised this wasn’t just a backyard – it was an opportunity.
Why We Started Brisbane Kitchen Garden
Brisbane grows things fast. Sometimes amazingly fast. Sometimes annoyingly fast (weeds, we’re looking at you).
We wanted a place to document what works, what doesn’t, and what we learn along the way – without pretending we’re experts. This blog is about real experiences, real mistakes, and real progress in a subtropical backyard.
Most importantly, we want this to be a two-way project.
We share what we’re doing. You share what’s worked for you. Together, everyone grows better food.
The Garden We’re Working With
The block is 652 square metres, north of Brisbane. When we moved in, the garden already had:
- Five chickens (now firmly part of the family)
- Established soil and compost areas
- Herbs growing everywhere
- A banana tree, orange tree, lime bush, pawpaw and a small blueberry bush
We’ve since moved things around, streamlined the layout, built raised beds, and started testing vegetables we actually like to eat. Excess produce gets shared with neighbours – eggs and bananas have already become popular.
The Chickens (Yes, They Have Names)
The chickens came with the house and were promptly named Jack, Ali, Doris, Gertie and Blanche. Ali is the favourite – she’s lovely, enthusiastic, and not particularly bright.
They now live in a new pen and chicken house, roam the garden daily, and play a huge role in soil health, pest control and morale.
You can read more about how we keep chickens in Brisbane here:
Chickens in Brisbane: Our Setup, Routine & Lessons
What We’re Growing (and Why)
We focus on food we actually eat. That means vegetables like tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, corn and herbs – grown mostly from seed, on a budget, and using repurposed materials where possible.
Brisbane’s fast growth is a blessing and a challenge, especially when it comes to weeds. We’ve written about that here:
Everything Grows Fast in Brisbane (Including the Weeds)
Watering, Timing & Learning Brisbane Conditions
Subtropical gardening is different. Rain, heat and humidity change everything – especially watering.
We put together a simple, practical watering guide based on Brisbane conditions:
A Simple Watering Guide for Brisbane Gardens
Food From the Garden (and the Jam Everyone Asks For)
Some of what we grow turns into recipes – like our mulberry jam, made from fruit picked straight from the garden and shared with family and neighbours.
You can find that recipe here:
Video, Advice & A Bit of Humour
Alongside the blog, we’re creating YouTube videos showing the garden as it really is – progress updates, advice, experiments and the occasional failure.
Susie’s stepfather, known as Rural Rob, has farmed and gardened all his life and provides practical, no-nonsense advice along the way. He’ll be appearing in videos too.
The tone is relaxed, honest and sometimes a bit silly – because gardening should be enjoyable.
Where This Is Going
Over time, we’re building:
- A productive kitchen garden
- An outdoor kitchen and BBQ area for socialising
- More fruit trees, vegetables and herbs
- A growing community of people sharing ideas and feedback
This site isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning, sharing and growing together.
Join the Conversation
If you’ve got ideas, tips, corrections or questions – we want them. Comment on posts, reach out, and tell us what’s worked (or failed) in your Brisbane garden.
Thanks for being part of the journey.
– Paul & Susie