In episode 112 of The Permaculture Vine podcast, Cormac chats withpisode features Marty Ware, horticulturist, long-time gardening educator, and founder of the Garden Creator Hub. Marty began sharing small-space growing, worm farming, and composting online more than 15 years ago while raising his daughter as a single parent. His background includes agribusiness, horticulture, organic production, and early exposure to biodynamics.
Marty encountered permaculture concepts during his agricultural studies in Australia, where ideas from Bill Mollison and David Holmgren were already circulating. Initial exposure focused on food-forest regeneration and perennial ecological systems. Over time he incorporated no-dig methods, companion planting, worm integration, composting, animal systems and closed-loop cycles into his own approach.
His current property in Mullumbimby (800m²) includes an emerging food forest containing lemon myrtle, macadamia, mulberry, guava, mango and edible groundcovers such as betel leaf. Biomass inputs like sugarcane mulch support system health. Chickens contribute fertiliser, scratching, and heat through a deep-litter system. Multiple worm systems feed directly into his composting operation, forming the basis of a small local compost business.
Practical observations from poultry keeping include:
* new chickens settle best when confined for several days before free-ranging,
* integration of two flocks often requires separate housing,
* elevated feeders prevent contamination,
* chicken tractors are effective for fertilising new ground.
Quail management is also covered, including the issues caused by receiving mostly males, the behavioural problems that resulted, and the improved results from hand-reared female quail sourced later.
Worm-integrated composting forms a major part of Marty’s work. Worms accelerate decomposition, increase nutrient availability, and improve compost structure. Connected piles allow worms to move into favourable temperatures, and vermicomposting becomes a cornerstone input across the garden. Marty has used these methods for years while supplying compost locally and is considering new educational offerings around composting inside his community.
Guidance for new gardening creators includes keeping production simple, avoiding the pressure to appear as an expert too early, using a phone and basic microphone, and letting audience questions determine early content. Problem-solving, clear value, and authenticity matter more than heavy editing or algorithm chasing.
The Garden Creator Hub is presented as an education and community space built on Skool. The structure includes free and paid tiers, grow-together challenges, cohort-style progress, and direct coaching for premium members. The platform enables stronger interaction than typical social media, supports skill development, and links directly to Marty’s composting work and brand.
Starting points for new gardeners emphasise very small, manageable steps: microgreens and baby-leaf crops for fast success, followed by simple crops such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and container-based growing. Gradual expansion prevents overwhelm and improves long-term consistency.
The Garden Creator Hub
https://www.skool.com/the-garden-creator-hub-3162
