Our Land

Plant plenty of cruciferous seedlings now for an abundant winter harvest.

Growing an abundance of fresh food during winter may sound difficult, but it is possible, even in colder regions.

On a block this small, this New Plymouth gardener only grows the most efficient vegetables for his bottom line.

Can you make a living from your lifestyle block? Give up your day job and lead the good life? Yes. But.

In the soot-covered aftermath of the Nelson fires, we look at how lifestyle block owners can best avoid the ravages of fire.

When red-hot chilli fans Steve and Anne Corkran got burned by big business marketplaces, they decided to go direct to their customers and turned their block into a thriving market garden.

Forecast rain might be a welcome relief for tank water users across the parched North Island, but now they should be wary of contamination.

What was once a silly dream has been whipped into a business churning out refreshing blues.

A pungent herb with a unique flavour is the secret green in Mexican cuisine.

Careful planning can keep the garden colourful for another year.

Gardening never stops — especially in the height of summer.

It’s easy to identify high-quality biochar.

The problem with this invasive weed is that it's so delicious.

Every seed has a story, and some are sown with love.

Chef Michael Van de Elzen is creating a block where everything is grown and cooked from scratch.

Research shows a small dock population can do animals good.

One foodie describes it as the spice an angel would sprinkle from its wings.

Keep the garden cool and moist is just the beginning this summer.

Are wild deer and cats pests? A new report says getting people to agree on what biodiversity is, and how to control pests is going to be critical if NZ is to be predator-free.

A family which counts itself lucky to be the keepers of a DOC farm in an unspoiled coastal wilderness shares it every summer with holiday campers.

Some of New Zealand’s most famous trees are at enormous risk but there’s one simple thing you can do to help them this summer.

He’s into his bikes; she’s into her horses. This Rotorua couple makes a living out of their hobbies.

They’re the colour of a blueberry, have the sweetest name, and some of NZ’s most experienced croppers are hoping they’ll be an exciting new superfood for NZ gardeners and growers.

Water, liquid fertiliser and sun are the key ingredients to a fruitful late summer harvest.

Often unappreciated, loquats are pure gold and make delicious jam.

Elderflower can be used to make vinegar, jelly and wine.

Long-time tomato growers share their secrets to getting a bumper crop.

Ben Elms (aka Dr Compost) says creating an effective compost pile shouldn’t involve back-breaking labour.

The warmer days are practically begging you to get out the spade for late spring gardening.

If you’re going to grow your salads, here are the 10 greens that make every bite as nutrient-rich as possible.

There's no need to pay when a simple propagation will do the trick.

A garden doesn't get much trickier than a steep slope by the sea, but this one produces enough to feed a family, a community, the birds, and the bees.

Vertical planting can substantially increase the growing area in a small garden or roof terrace.

Canterbury sculptor Raymond Herber has carved out a true niche for his life and work in an abandoned quarry.