Notching is a simple, old school trick that stimulates a branch to grow. Use it while training young (2 – 4 year old), deciduous fruit trees to fill any empty spaces that would ideally, be fruitfully filled with a branch. I have had great success with this, winning more than loosing. The loosing comes from […]
August in the Vegie Patch, Biological Fungicides + How to Prune Citrus
By | LastUpdated August 1, 2023
Hard to believe, but after all these years, I still love putting this newsletter together! I love giving you the tools + timings to grow an awesome patch so you can nourish yourselves with real food. But more than that, I love our beautiful planet … and your chem free, humus rich backyard is just […]
A Simple Drainage Test
By | LastUpdated August 23, 2024
Winter is a telling time in your soil health journey – from now through early spring you get to see your drainage in action. Those of you at the basemap phase of gathering info and learning your land – perk your ears on up! How wet are your soils? Drainage is absolutely key for plant health. In […]
How to Grow Peas
By | LastUpdated July 1, 2023
Peas prefer mild, cool weather – not too hot, not too cold. Here in Horowhenua, I can sow them Autumn through Spring. When temperatures rise, peas stop/ reduce flower production. Find your own perfect pea moment by trying all the timings. Regular sowings of peas throughout, brings a steady supply of natures sweetest of treats. […]
What to Plant in Your Vegie Patch in Winter
By | LastUpdated July 1, 2023
A journalist once asked me “Whats the best time of year to plant a garden?, and I said “Anytime!” There is not one food growing season, there are four!” As long as your garden isn’t under snow – you can continue to plant and sow all winter long. Things grow slowly, but still they grow, […]
A DIY Greencrop Seed Mix
By | LastUpdated December 24, 2023
Greencrops (also called greenmanures) are awesome! Diversity, homegrown fertility + living mulch all in one. Take your greencropping next level, and rather than sowing single greencrops, sow a mixture. Each plant attracts different soil organisms, draws different minerals and reaches different depths. The greater the variety of plants = the greater the variety of soil […]
