In this episode, Laura sits down with Robyn Todd of Araluen Mangoes to talk about the leap from community gardener to commercial regenerative mango farmer. Robyn spent 18 years growing food in Port Hedland, one of the harshest climates in the country, where she ran a much-loved community garden and learned to work with extreme heat and a growing calendar flipped completely on its head. She shares what that experience taught her about resilience, soil, and adaptability — lessons she's now carrying into her first year running a 340-tree mango orchard in the Moore River region.

They talk soil-first farming philosophy, cover crops, closed-loop composting with wood chips and chickens, working with sheep and pigs as part of the system, and Robyn's plans for dehydrated and freeze-dried mango, black garlic, aquaponic strawberries, and more. It's a conversation about building a small, sustainable farm business without chasing scale — and about what it really means to look after your soil so it can look after you.

 Resources mentioned: 

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Email Robyn [email protected]

Information about the Johnson-su compost bioreactor, thanks to regenerationinternational.org Johnson-Su-Bioreactor.pdf

Shop for our WA grown seeds Buy Western Australian Seeds Online - Thrive Sustainability

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If you've been dreaming of growing your own food but keep putting it off because you don't know where to start, this episode is for you.

Laura cuts through the overwhelm and gets back to basics — because growing food doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. It just needs to begin.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why starting small is the smartest thing you can do as a beginner gardener
• What to plant first — easy, forgiving crops for beginners (leafy greens, legumes, salad greens, and root veg)
• How much sunlight your vegetable garden actually needs
• Why you don't need expensive raised garden beds — defined edges matter more
• Why your time and money is best invested in soil health.
• Simple watering solutions, including how wicking beds work
• The most common watering mistake home gardeners make
• How growing from seed saves your money and connects you to the process
• Why growing something new each season keeps your garden — and your motivation — alive
• What nature already knows: nothing grows alone, and why biodiversity matters.
• How to let go of the expectation of a "perfect" organic garden

Whether you have a big backyard or a small courtyard, this episode will give you the confidence to take that first step. 🌱

 Resources mentioned: 

Shop for our WA grown seeds Buy Western Australian Seeds Online - Thrive Sustainability

Download a free seed sowing guide Contact Us - Thrive Sustainability

Wicking bed blog post Wicking Beds - a Smart Way to Grow in Perth's Climate

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Episode 1 — Welcome to The Soul Garden

In this first episode, Laura Blishen introduces herself and the story behind The Soul Garden

Laura talks about her journey into seed saving and food sovereignty and what inspired her to start this podcast. 

Connect with Laura: 🌱 Website: www.thrivesustainability.com.au 🌱 Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesoulgarden.au 🌱 Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesoulgarden.au