Our Land

A checklist for a successful October garden

Time to make the most of the slowly-warming weather.

The Bay of Plenty ginkgo growers

While foraging ginkgo might be relatively easy, growing the trees for their nuts is notoriously difficult and expensive

Why truffles could be a lifestyle block goldmine

With truffles worth up to $3,500 per kilogram, they could be the perfect money-maker for block owners with unproductive land.

How this Central Otago farm is mastering the art of prepping

They’re often viewed as extreme fanatics training for social collapse. But in light of recent events, are preppers just practising common sense?

Why you need to plant aloe vera this spring

It may seem too early to begin using this after-sun remedy, but now is the time to start growing the medicinal plant.

Why people love or hate the ginkgo nut

It’s infamous for the assaulting odour of its fruit, but the majestic and ancient ginkgo tree can be a forager’s shrine if properly understood.

Tips for September garden success

Spring is finally here. Now the garden fun begins.

Four tips for a bee-friendly lawn

The best ways to attract valuable pollinators to your lifestyle block.

The community behind the preservation of a key scientific reserve

Waikanae Estuary Care Group volunteers have spent nearly 20 years protecting the area where the river meets the ocean.

Advice from a tree farmer

There are two types of trees: the ones you want to shelter, feed, protect, and warm you, and the trees you need to plant first.

The catch with predator control

New research suggests predator control may need to be far more coordinated.

Six tips for when you’re laid low on your block

When illness and injury strikes, it can leave many critical duties up in the air.

DIY: Seed-Raising Tray

Have some pallets lying around? Transform them into a practical hub for your seeds to grow.

An expert's eye on firewood harvesting and storage

The ins-and-outs of keeping the best firewood for your homestead.

A food farm expert on the wonders of Jersey milk season

There’s a lot to be grateful for in August, but at The Food Farm the new season’s Jersey milk is the main event.

The most helpful trees for the best hedge

For shelter and privacy, you can’t go past a good hedge. But as Hel Loader writes, some trees are better suited to the task than others.

Eight jobs to help your garden thrive in August

Getting through the end of winter means prepping for spring now.

Gordon Collier's latest gardening masterpiece

Pushing close to four score and 10 isn’t deterring this horticultural legend from developing a third significant garden.

Do you know the 'three sisters'?

They may grow into a tangled mess, but planting these “three sisters” together can yield an abundance of nutritious, storable food.

11 mid-winter tasks for your garden

The frost may be settling, but that doesn't mean that the gardening takes a pause.

8 secrets to growing trees

The ins-and-outs from a tree farmer.

The pineapple people of Northland

With a few hand tools and a love of growing, a Northland family has created a thriving plantation and sowed the seeds for a burgeoning community.

Homemade herbal soothers for winter sniffles

Get on top of the seasonal croak with these common yet powerful garden herbs.

This lush garden near Whanganui took 45 years to plant

She has the brains; he has the vision. Together, this couple has developed an extraordinary and surprising garden.

The group protecting the Tamahunga Forest, one trap at a time

A community has rallied together to transform a corridor of forest north of Auckland.

How wiggly worms can help you assess soil health

One thing New Zealand isn’t short of is worms: the country has nearly 200 native earthworm species alone, although they mostly live in forests.

A bug family's block life in Taranaki

Science, imagination, and sheer hard work have helped Aaron and Melissa Jacobson grow their dream life on a hilltop block in Taranaki.

3 common ways to wreck winter pasture

Even professional farmers are guilty of doing these, and you pay the price for years.

3 weeds to watch for in winter

Keep an eye out for these pesky plants.

Secrets to growing great organic garlic

Growing garlic is a six month commitment of time, space, and work.

Your gardening checklist for June

Winter is here, and there are tasks galore to fulfil.

Why the feed you’re giving your livestock matters

It’s now even easier to supplement your animals’ diet with the highest quality feed through FeedSafeNZ.

The chainsaw safety tips and tricks you need to know

Make sure you have all the gear and the right idea.

The lifestyle block counsellors preventing burnout

“Permaculture is based on three ethics: earth care, people care and fair share.”

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