NZ Lifestyle Block

Good shelterbelt trees are practical, but they can be so much more. Experts from the NZ Tree Crops Association give us their recommendations.

Heating your home using a wood burner is cheaper than ever in New Zealand, if you know how to get the best out of it.

You definitely won’t have eaten as many varieties of apple as a couple who have made it their personal crusade to save the heritage apple trees.

One of the first commercially-produced cosmetic products in Europe was the ‘Queen of Hungary’s Water’, a simple but versatile cleanser that you can make at home.

Take good care of lemon verbena in your garden and its herbal tea will take care of you.

Nothing prepares you for the special challenge of caring for these pigs.

If you have a limping chicken, you need to turn detective and work through the clues.

This chive is not meant to be eaten raw, but cook it properly and your dishes will dance.

Turn your wool into a nice cosy hat for winter.

Five of the rarest sheep breeds are living reminders of New Zealand’s colonial history, but may also hold the genes to future farming success and much more.

These five feral sheep breeds are vastly different to romney breed which make up approximately 68% of this country's sheep population.  They are extremely rare and are part of New Zealand's colonial history.

A simple oat cookie that dogs can eat as an alternative to manufactured treats.

Cordwood masonry is an old building technique using short logs and mortar. Cordwood homes are cheap to build and provide excellent insulation, writes Nadene Hall.

When you take on an island heaving with rats, you learn some tricks.

Serve up stevia instead of sugar in your autumn baking for a diabetic-friendly dessert.

Sometimes you may need to help an injured bird, and sometimes its best to leave it alone.

Here’s how to create a future-proof plan for your lifestyle block or farm to make sure you do it once, and do it right.

Chickens with breathing problems can wreak havoc with your flock and are difficult to identify, but here are some signs to look out for.

Plant salsify and scorzonera soon and they'll be ready in time for all your winter soup and steamed veggie needs.

Discover "real New Zealand like it was 100 years ago" on Otago's cavalcade, the high country horse ride of a lifetime.

How to substitute stevia in baking and preserves

If you take sugar out of baking and use stevia as the  sweetener, you need to replace the 'bulk.' Test out these stevia baking tips with a hazelnut shortbread recipe.

As a cash crop, stevia ticks all the boxes: it's easy to grow; doesn't take up  much space; and doesn't need your full-time commitment.

Growing your own nuts is a long-term plan, but these trees don’t need a lot of attention and having your own fresh, free nut supply is definitely worth a few years of waiting.

Try something different for a weekend brunch with these two flipping good buckwheat recipes.

Dr Doug Edmeades busts pH balancing myths and explains why you should try adding lime to your soil.

We’re on the road into winter, but there’s still plenty to produce for your kitchen.

Like all the guavas, these ones like a constant heavy mulch to feed the roots, and a good supply of moisture.

Inside the life of a sustainable family who only need to work part-time and eat from a permaculture pantry that grows right up to their back door.

Bob has good news if you have sweated your way through double digging your garden for the first time.

From cluster flies to feral cats, we’ve got tips and products to help you beat the pests on your block.

How to stop pastures going to seed and tips to take note of for autumn.

The gardeners of Barewood tell their secrets to recreating a beautiful feature of their landscape.

Apple picking, branch cutting and the secret to sweet peaches. Add Ben Gaia's seven tips to March your to-do list.

A simple turnip recipe that makes a great addition to a weekend roast.