Welcome back to another episode of the How to Do It series, filmed on location at the inspiring Eumundi Palms nursery on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

In this episode, Graeme continues his chat with Phil, founder of Eumundi Palms, to explore how a large-scale commercial nursery has successfully moved away from chemical dependency and embraced a biologically driven growing system—without compromising plant quality, productivity, or profitability.

At the core of Phil’s approach is an unconventional but highly effective potting medium: pure coconut fibre. Originally adopted as a curiosity—“growing a palm in a palm”—coco peat quickly revealed itself as a powerful growing medium. Naturally moisture-retentive, biologically active, and containing oils with natural fungicidal properties, it allows the nursery to use roughly one-third of the water required by conventional mixes.

However, high moisture environments bring disease pressure—and this is where biology replaces chemistry.

Phil explains why Trichoderma thrives in coco peat, acting as both a biological fungicide and a root-growth stimulant. By protecting plants against dozens of diseases while actively stimulating root development, Trichoderma has enabled nurseries to eliminate systemic fungicides altogether. In one striking example, this shift allowed a nursery to meet Japan’s strict chemical-free import standards, opening major export opportunities that were previously impossible.

The discussion then moves into cell wall strength and plant resilience, highlighting the critical relationship between silica, calcium, boron, kelp, humates, and microbes. Phil explains why palms, as monocots, demand higher calcium inputs and how balanced mineral nutrition avoids nutrient lock-up and compatibility issues common with conventional programs.

You’ll also hear how BAM and MAD (Micro-Amino Drive) are being used to dramatically improve nutrient efficiency and plant vitality. MAD’s ultra-low molecular weight amino acids act as powerful carriers, enhancing uptake of nutrients and biological inputs alike.

Beyond plant health, this episode tackles a topic rarely discussed openly: people health. Phil shares how removing chemicals wasn’t just about growing better plants—it was about protecting staff, family, and the next generation. The result is a passionate, long-term team proud to work in a genuinely chemical-free environment.

This is an honest, grounded conversation about bravery, common sense, and the future of horticulture—and a compelling demonstration of how minerals, microbes, and humus can replace fear-based chemistry with confidence-based biology.

Enjoy the episode! 🙌🌿

Sili-Cal (B)™

Bio-activated Calcium, Silica and Boron.

A unique combination of three synergistic cell-strengthening elements: Silica, Calcium and Boron. Sili-Cal (B)™ is an invaluable nutritional inclusion for improving crop resilience and maximising productivity.

The plant cell wall is the physical barrier that helps to avert insect and disease entry. The two elements that toughen that barrier are calcium and silicon, but boron is the third leg of the stool, providing the foundation for crop protection. Boron is a calcium synergist with its own additional resilience functions.

Tri-Kelp™

Soluble Organic Seaweed Powder

Different kelp species have unique effects upon plant health and crop potential depending upon their nutrient & hormonal profile. Tri-Kelp™ from NTS offers a unique formulation of the three most popular growth promoting seaweed species. Laminaria, Sargassum and Ascophyllum nodosum are the three components of a new 100% soluble seaweed powder, which promises to redefine the concept of cost-effective kelp.

 NTS Christmas Discounts

To order or learn more, call NTS on (07) 5472 9900 or email sales@nutri-tech.com.au.

Certificate in Nutrition Farming

Our next iconic, five-day Certificate in Nutrition Farming® course is scheduled for Monday, 23rd  - 27th March 2026.

Our last course was attended by growers and consultants from six countries. It was a wonderful learning opportunity where attendees enjoyed a wealth of education and inspiration from both our presenters and their fellow attendees. We only accept 40 bookings for these courses, so please register if you would like to attend.