To weed or not to weed?!
All too often us humans think we are doing a good job by pulling out of the garden anything we regard as a "weed". Yet, it is interesting to consider that many of these weeds have a higher purpose in the grand scheme of things and ultimately are helping to improve...
Become a Seed Saver. The world needs you.
I wanted to give you some inspiration about something that is incredibly dear to my heart, something that I am absolutely passionate about and something that drives most of my family batty! They seem to collect everywhere in all the corners of the house, in the car,...
6 Tips for Edible Gardens in Hot Weather
The heat is upon us. Is your edible garden thriving? Is your soil protected? It is 30degrees outside and most of New Zealand is experiencing an early summer heat wave. Phew. You won’t catch this blooming pregnant goddess out in the mid day heat. If forced to venture...
Tomato Potato Psyllid
The psyllid is soon to be making an appearance. Get your prevention and maintenance plan in place to ensure your beloved plants don’t get destroyed by this rampant pest. What is the tomato potato psyllid? The tomato potato psyllid (TPP/Bactericera Cockerelli) is a...
What kind of soil do I plant seeds into?
Do I really need potting mix? Recently I was about to go buy some potting mix when our car broke down. There were a few options. I could haul a 40 litre bag plus 20kg child home from the garden centre in the bike trailer. Or I could make my own. With spring in full...
Spring Seed Sowing with Children
Pull out the seeds, it's time to get sowing...with kids! This week Jemima and I are planting the first of our Spring seeds. But first we need to go through our seed collection and choose the seeds we will plant this year. It is a courageous thing allowing your 3year...
Feeling Poorly Pesto
Nutrient Packed Healing Pesto We made this Pesto in the Autumn one day when I was feeling poorly. I was about to chop up some garlic and take it with a warm lemon juice chaser when inspiration struck. "Why not include some fresh greens to the lemon and garlic and make...
Edible Gardens On The Move
My family has moved house and garden...again! Moving house is always a mission. Moving edible gardens takes it to a whole new level. Since beginning my food growing journey 7 years ago, I have created 8 new food gardens on rental properties, and carted countless...
Winter Solstice reflection for resilient edible gardens
Take a moment The Winter Solstice is a fabulous time to let out a big breath, sit down and reflect on how your edible food garden is going. The days will soon be longer and we will be waiting patiently for seed orders to arrive and planning how we are going to fit...
Attracting beneficial insects with Phacelia
Introducing Phacelia Day 1 of of my Sustainable Horticulture Course in 2009 and I am shown a garden of scraggly looking weeds that is mine for the year. I felt more than ripped off as I looked about at the other perfect beds with tidy, bare soil. Little did I know......