Our Land

Winter may appear as the dull period at the end of the farming year, but there’s much to do and learn about management for spring.

Looking for opportunities to keep their adult children working and raising their families nearby, Philip and Anne Woodward added cave exploration and a café to their farming operation in a remote area south of Port Waikato.

The discussion around the state of NZ’s fresh water isn’t short of an opinion or two, but science is speaking out more loudly.

Apples were among the first plants that people planted on purpose.

If you like chocolate, you’re going to love chocolate flowers. Not the edible type, but real, chocolate-scented blooms.

The versatile and  subtle French herb that’s well worth adding to your garden.

Data gathered will be used to identify fire-prone ecosystems and the best plants to use as 'green' firebreaks to reduce the spread of destructive wildfires.

Whanganui based green house gardener Shane McCulloch has created a niche market for the hugely popular unusual Asian vegetable market.

Weaving wattle is an ancient craft where you can make fences out of coppiced branches and stakes to form a woven lattice.

This old craft is still immensely popular, and encourages a true community spirit on a Golden Bay lifestyle block.

Bottle that scent by way of distillation, tincture or enfleurage  and you could find yourself in the perfume business.

A well-designed orchard means you can be self-sufficient in fruit all year-round.

5 tips to drying firewood

The art of firewood isn't cut and dry. Here's how to make your wood dry thoroughly to burn well.

WWOOF host Diana Noonan offers some vital tips on how to attract and manage reliable, happy willing workers in a digital age.

Gathering water is a top priority if trapped in the New Zealand bush, but dining on native edible plants can provide additional  energy and sustenance to survive.

There is a whole new world of natural products you can use to increase the fertility of your farm, but how do you know which one is the best one?

The new popular, affordable alternative to pasture for fattening lambs and improving the condition of livestock.

Two proven methods for helping frost-tender trees get through a big drop in temperature.

A family of 10-15 rabbits is the equivalent of an adult sheep grazing - here's five ways to to keep them under control.

If water is contaminated after a disaster, there are several ways to purify it.

Flower bulbs need to be planted now so they are ready to burst into flower at the right time. Here’s how to get the best results.

If your animals suffered in the heat of summer, now is a great time to plan a plantation of shade trees.

An everyday accountant is working with New Zealand scientists to explore the disease-fighting properties of heritage apples and orange tomatoes.

Zero-waste blogger Amanda Chapman discusses the community fridge project and her eco heroes.

Launching a natural product comes with unique compliance and marketing challenges. The women behind Dove River Peonies share their tips for starting a natural product business in New Zealand.

The softer light of autumn is shining. It’s the best time of year for making sure your garden is looking the best it can. Here are some of Jane Bellerby's tips for achieving the best autumn garden.

We’ve all heard of ‘man caves’, but there are so many inspiring garden buildings, including the ‘she shed’. Check out these beautiful projects from NZ and around the world, most made on a small budget and out of recycled materials.

These vinegars look fantastic, taste great, and are very easy to make.

Some businesses are disguising their employees  as volunteers, so are you breaking the law when you host a wwoofer from another volunteer scheme?

Mexican photographer Carla Danieli had never spent time on a farm before her stay on a remote station in the Waihopai Valley.

It's time to make some tough decisions to make sure you make it through autumn. Here are some tips to ensure your pastures stay in prime condition.

If you love flour and want to be self-sufficient, go nuts.

The sweet juicy strawberries of summer might be a faint memory now but you need to start planning now for next year’s bounty.

Sheltering your orchard is critical but that doesn't mean they can't be creative.