Steven McLean avatar

About Steven McLean

I am an educator and passionate gardener and traveler. Throughout my adult life, gardening has been my passion, therapy, drive and source of purpose. Even as a child I had an intrinsic interest in plants and a desire to understand what makes them grow.I distinctly remember the moment this began - my family was on one of our regular road trips from Hervey Bay; Australia. We were driving past a field of sugar cane. Dad pulled the car over and we cut a couple of sugar cane stems and brought them home for a treat. To be honest, I didn’t really like the taste, but I did want to try and grow it; and that is exactly what I did. It was then that my fascination, interest and passion for gardening and understanding plants began.Fast forward a few years and I studied biological sciences and began what would be a 36 year career as a Biology educator. From this, I don’t only love gardening, but I also love helping others learn about gardening. I am also always looking for new ways to develop my own gardening knowledge. I like to think I am truly a life-long learner.Fundamental to my beliefs about education is that learning is often best done as a part of a community - learning from others, and helping others to learn. It is this type of community that I hope iCultivate will be for its members - a community of gardeners, keen to share their gardening knowledge and wanting to learn about new ways to garden - a community built on the love of gardening.
Rainy days might seem like a time to take a break from gardening, but they...
If you’re living in a subtropical region, mid to late summer is a fantastic time...
Your morning brew does more than energise your day – it can also revitalise your...
Thin asparagus spears can indicate that plants need care. Common reasons include young plant age, insufficient nutrients, overharvesting, crowded conditions, and stress from pests or diseases. To achieve thicker spears, gardeners should ensure proper fertilization, avoid aggressive harvesting, provide adequate spacing, and monitor for pests and diseases. Patience is essential.
Citrus stink bugs, small shield-shaped insects, can damage citrus fruits by causing brown spots and misshapen fruits. To manage infestations, gardeners should identify stink bugs early, employ organic methods like hand-picking, encouraging natural predators, using neem oil, and set up physical barriers. Preventive measures include keeping gardens clean and monitoring nearby plants.
Growing plants in containers is a versatile and rewarding way to cultivate a personal green...
Choosing the correct pot size for your plant is vital for its health and growth. This article outlines how pot size impacts root development, soil moisture, and temperature, and offers guidance based on plant type, current and future size, drainage needs, and pot material. Careful pot selection ensures your plant thrives.
Gardening offers a rewarding escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but for...
Growing vegetables in hot climates requires selecting heat-tolerant varieties to ensure success. Key vegetables include okra, peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Proper gardening practices like adequate watering, mulching, and providing shade are essential for these crops to thrive in warmer conditions. Time planting to take advantage of milder temperatures.
Mushroom compost is a nutrient-rich organic material derived from mushroom farming byproducts, enhancing soil structure and productivity in gardens. It improves aeration, water retention, and microbial activity while suppressing weeds. Best used as a soil conditioner or mulch, mushroom compost offers various gardening benefits when applied correctly.