Welcome to
Jacq's Backyard
I'm so glad you're here...
My name is Jacqui Doyle and I live in Yandina in South East Queensland with my husband and small son.
The path that led me to this place was quite by chance – my roots are in agriculture originally, but life had moved me into city dwelling for quite some time.
In 2020 at the very beginning of COVID I had my son and just needed a reason to leave the house (we weren’t supposed to go anywhere, so I at least wanted a reason to leave the building!!). I started to tidy up the garden in our rental home, then suddenly I’m googling “growing vegetables in pots” and sending emails to the real estate agency asking permission to put in more temporary garden beds! This then led to me thinking more about food and trying to source food locally to where I live and to finally eating more seasonally.
We now live in our own home and I have taken great delight in turning the backyard from lawn into a thriving vegetable garden. I grow enough to supplement our weekly shop, and often buy in bulk in order to both save money and to test out different ways of preserving.
It’s still a work in progress – I haven’t answered all my own questions yet, but thought I would share what information I have so far and as I gather more!
Garden Tips
If you’re after someone who’s going to give you rules to follow, you’re in the wrong place. I am unorganised and lazy but I love my garden, so let me tell you about it.
Preserving tips and recipes
Although I grow food in my vegie garden, I supplement this considerably with store bought fruit and veg. It saves me money to buy in bulk and then preserve some. Here’s what I’ve learnt.
How to waste less
I strive to put as little food as possible into my compost bin (but I do). Let me share what I have learnt with you!
You will not find judgement here!
You’ve got enough stress and judgement in your life! Do what you can do and leave the rest.