Farm and garden was founded at the suggestion of Daniel Ferguson of the South Australian Agricultural and Horticultural Society. The editor was Edward Andrews, editor of the Register, who with publisher William Hillier were responsible for keeping the journal going for five years, as the Society was unable to offer ongoing financial assistance.

At sixpence per issue for 16 pages, the journal was full of articles about a range of agricultural topics - many written by local experts including eminent agricultural scientist Dr Carl Muecke, GW Francis of the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, George McEwin of Glen Ewin Estate, JF Wood of Evandale Nurseries and CA Wilson.

Towards the end of its life the newspaper included more diverse material, such as poems by 'Ellie', a 'ladies' column, a literary column and a chess column.

By June 1863 adverse seasons had increased the difficulty of remaining afloat and the newspaper ceased. It was intended that the associated Adelaide Observer newspaper, with its particular rural focus, would then carry more articles relating to agriculture.