Know your Microclimate - resist rushing in, tempting as it may be.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Recently, we asked you whether you’d like Your Garden Coach NZ to continue.

The answer was a very definite YES — and I can’t tell you how much that meant.

But I also need to be open with you.

Producing the podcast takes a considerable amount of time, research, and work, and I simply can’t keep doing it without more support from our listeners. My lovely WWOOFer, Maura, is heading home in a month - My search for her replacement means I will have to pay for the expertise she has brought to the podcast

I want to keep bringing you practical, independent New Zealand gardening advice - advice that understands our seasons, our climate and the way we garden here. 

So, if the podcast has helped you grow better vegetables, understand your soil, garden with the seasons, try something new - or simply kept you company while you’ve been out in the garden - would you consider helping us keep it going?

Even a small regular contribution from more of our listeners would make an enormous difference.

There’s absolutely no pressure if supporting us financially isn’t possible. Listening, sharing the podcast, and telling another gardener about us all helps too.

But if you can support us, now is the time we really need you. Link below

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2256022/support 

Thank you for listening — and for helping us work out what the next chapter of Your Garden Coach NZ might look like.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00- Intro 

07:20- Tea of the Month 

09:09 Winter Tasks 

11:20 Books for winter reading 

14:24- Plant a tree 

16:55- Moon Calendar 

21:33- Chickweed 

23:32- Gardening in Zone 1 in Early Winter 

33:02- Hugelkulture & raised beds 

33:42- Biochar Workshop 

34:38- Hellebores (winter roses) 

37:53- Winter flower sowing 

45:24- Dishes with Del Jerusalem Artichokes 

56:44- Final garden note 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction 

01:30 Tea of the Month: Winter Orange Spiced Tea 

03:31 Gardening in Late Autumn 

11:23 Veg of the month: Pumpkins 

18:32 Alpine Harvest Festival reminder 

20:21 Dishes with Del- Pumpkin Recipes 

27:54 Foraging in May 

30:04 Outro 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Maura and I jumped in the car and headed over to Kurow, into the Waitaki Valley, to visit Awakino Station - a third-generation family farm run by Jaz Mathisen and her family.

And I have to say… this really is a homestead in the truest sense of the word.

From the kitchen garden and orchard, right through to the meat raised on the farm, everything comes together to feed not just the family, but the wider farm team - with everyone gathering around the table each day.

We spent time walking through the most beautiful kitchen garden, surrounded by these incredible shoulder-high stone walls, and just soaking in what felt like a very grounded, very real way of living.

Jaz speaks so thoughtfully about generational farming - the history, the stability, and what it means to carry that forward - and she also shares some lovely stories about the women who’ve helped shape this place over time.

And something else really special - Jaz has written a beautiful book, A Year at Awakino Station, which follows the rhythm of the four seasons and includes recipes from the farm kitchen. It’s now available in bookstores, and it’s one we’d really encourage you to get your hands on.

It was one of those days that will stay in our memories

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 Intro 

04:29 Tea of the month: Apple, Beetroot, Rosehip & Ginger 

05:54: Moon Calendar April 2026 

11:13 Mid Autumn Phenology 

20:22 Mid Autumn Job List 

22:45 Feijoa

29:24 Dishes with Del- Feijoa Recipes 

38:08 Growing Microgreens 

43:38 Book of the Month- The Abundant Kitchen by Niva & Yotam Kay

44:43 Outro 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 Intro 

02:17 Tea of the Month: Blackcurrant leaf and Redcurrant fruit Tea 

04:17 March Moon Calendar 

07:24 Early Autumn Phenology 

09:13 Main Topic: The 4 Bed Crop Rotation in Autumn 

17:02 How Gardening Regulates the Nervous System 

21:44 Vegetable of the Month: Tomatoes 

29:52 Dishes with Del Recipe: Tomatoes 

42:26 Tip of the Month: When to Sow Grass Seed 

44:46 Interview with Anita from Growing Kiwi Gardeners 

1:05:34 Outro 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 Intro

00:20 Podcast Update

01:57 Tea of the Week Raspberry, Peppermint, and Lemon

03:27 Moon Phase - Sowing and Planting until 4th March

08:07 Tasks of the Week

12:27 Phenology

15:25 Tip of the Week - Perennial Vegetables

19:41 Herb of the Week - Feverfew

25:58 Main Topic - Why we leave roots in the soil 

36:50 Dishes With Del - Zucchini/Courgette recipe

46:00 Book of the Week - The Secrets of Great Botanists by Matthew Biggs

46:41 Glossary - Cultivar - Cultivated Variety

47:27 Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 Intro 

02:24 Tea of the week: Peppermint and Ginger 

03:59 Moon Phase: 14th and 15th root crops, then cutivate until 19th 

06:04 Tasks of the Week 

09:02 Tip of the Week 

09:59 Veg of the Week: Kale 

15:16 Dishes with Del: Kale recipes 

19:40 Main Topic: Planting a Tea Garden 

30:21 Book of the Week: Wild Tea by Nick Moyle and Richard Hood 

30:35 Glossary Word: Infusion 

30:50 Outro 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00- Intro 

01:08 - Tea of the Week Lemon Bee Balm

03:58 - Moon Phase Root Crops 7th & 8th then Barron Phase to 13th Feb

05:00 - Task for the Week

06:46 - Phenology

07:49 - Tip of the Week - Lettuce

09:44 - Veg of the Week Sweet corn

19:00 - Dishes With Del - Sweet Corn recipes

24:36 - Main Topic - Preparing Your Winter Tunnel House

43:49 - Garden Journalling Workshop

44:58 - Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

• 00:00- Intro 
• 00:36- Tea of the Week: Sage 
• 02:51- Moon Phase: Sowing and Planting until 2nd February then cultivate 
• 03:45- Planting guide for February 
• 10:07- Dr Compost teaser 
• 11:18- The Summer Harvest: picking, pruning and preventing waste 
• 18:58- Veg of the week: Cucumber 
• 21:52- Dishes with Del: Cucumber recipes 
• 28:53- Book of the week: The Abundant Gardener by Niva & Yotam Kay
• 30:32- Outro 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 – Intro
01:10 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Apple & Lemon Balm
02:54 – Moon Phase: Sowing and Planting
03:15 – Garden Tasks
03:58 – Powdery Mildew
09:29 – Phenology
10:23 – Microclimate
10:50 – Main Topic: Leafy Greens
20:39 – Vegetable of the Week: Beetroot
22:20 – Dishes with Del: Beetroot Recipe
25:48 – Book of the Week: Your Own Garden Diary
27:20 – Glossary Word: Veriditas
28:54 – Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 – Intro
01:23 – Herbal Tea of the Week: German Chamomile & Lavender
03:34 – Introducing Maura
10:11 – Moon Phase: Cultivate until 20 January, then Sowing and Planting
10:36 – Garden Tasks
13:15 – Phenology
13:56 – Microclimate
15:01 – Guest: Vera Yakzhik from Alpine Blooms Flower Farm
16:26 – Tip of the Week: Soft Pruning
17:26 – Vegetable of the Week: Scallopini
19:04 – Dishes with Del: Scallopini Recipes
25:29 – Main Topic: Garlic
32:11 – Book of the Week: Horticurious
32:44 – Glossary Word: Permaculture
33:14 – Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 – Intro
01:24 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Mullien
03:41 – Interview with Vera Yakzhik from Alpine Blooms Flower Farm
20:48 – Moon Phase: Barren until the 14th, then 15th–16th for Root Crops
21:28 – Garden Tasks
22:38 – Phenology
23:14 – Microclimate
24:22 – Tip of the Week: Stress + Fertiliser = Problems
25:53 – Main Topic: Strawberries
34:22 – Vegetable of the Week: Eggplant (Aubergine)
35:57 – Dishes with Del: Eggplant Recipes
40:29 – Book of the Week: Future Steading by Jade Miles
41:02 – Glossary Word: Future Steading
41:25 – Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 – Intro
01:00 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Lemon Verbena iced tea 
03:20 – Moon Phase: Sowing and Planting, Cultivate & Root Crops
04:48 – Garden Tasks
07:04 – Phenology
08:30 – Microclimate
11:05 – Tip of the Week: Dry Soil Test
12:29 – Vegetable of the Week: Beans
18:47 – Dishes with Del: Beans
23:13 – Main Topic: Heat-Proofing Your Summer Garden
26:06 – Guest Interview: Jo Wakelin on her Dry Garden
35:58 – Glossary Word: Xeriscaping
36:25 – Book of the Week: Soil by Matthew Evans 
38:51 – Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 – Intro
01:16 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Echinacea
03:33 – Moon Phase: Sowing and Planting
04:18 – Garden Tasks
06:39 – Phenology: Zone 3
08:15 – Microclimate: Zone 1
09:38 – Secret Gardens: Host Jo at Greenhills Paradise
10:43 – Tip of the Week: Harvesting and Storing Chillies
12:35 – Dishes with Del: Chillies
15:34 – Vegetable of the Week: Chillies
18:01 – Book of the Week: Red Hot Chilli Grower RHS
18:44 – Glossary Word: Scoville Scale (measures chilli heat)
20:02 – Main Topic: Mast Year

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:00 – Intro
00:33 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Cherry
01:58 – Interview with Costa Georgiadis
09:17 – Moon Phase: Sowing and Planting
10:41 – Garden Tasks
11:30 – Phenology
12:58 – Tip of the Week: Regional Sowing Guide
14:31 – Vegetable of the Week: Zucchini
17:53 – Dishes with Del: Baba Ganoush & Zucchini Salad
21:38 – Book of the Week: The Hidden Life of Trees – Peter Wohlleben
25:19 – Glossary Word: Mycorrhiza

Happy Gardening! 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Farm My School is a not-for-profit organisation which collaborates with schools to transform their underutilised grounds into regenerative farms that nourish, educate and connect communities.

Huge thanks to James McLennan for making time to share this incredible passion project with Your Garden Coach NZ.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:41 – Herbal Tea of the Week
02:05 – Plastic Tea Bags: What You Should Know?
05:03 – James’ Interview Introduction
06:50 – Moon Phases
09:05 – Tasks of the Week
11:11 – Phenology
12:00 – Coastal Microclimate
12:50 – Maintaining Tomato Plants
14:50 – Vegetable of the Week
16:48 – Dishes with Del
20:33 – Summer Foraging
23:37 – Book of the Week: Foraging – Peter Langlands
24:12 – Glossary Word: Foraging Hook
24:57 – Wrap Up / Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:18 – Intro
00:44 – Herbal Tea of the Week
02:44 – Moon Phase
04:44 – Garden Tasks
07:02 – Phenology
09:13 – Microclimate
10:36 – Tip of the Week
15:00 – Fruit of the Week
22:26 – Jason Ross Interview
29:32 – Book of the Week
30:30 – Glossary Word: Spur
31:25 – Del’s Christmas Cake
35:06 – Wrap Up / Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

00:05 – Intro
 00:42 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Yarrow Leaf Tea
 02:22 – Glossary Word: Umbelliferous (umbrella-shaped flower head)
 04:52 – Microclimate: Late-spring cues & what’s flowering/fruiting
 07:11 – Foraging Guide
 10:33 – Moon Calendar
 12:52 – Reviving Tired Potting Mix
 20:26 – Dishes with Del: Oregano – chimichurri, salsa verde & walnut pesto
 24:31 – Tip of the Week: Glasshouse vs outdoor zucchini 
 29:01 – Book of the Week: Your Asian Veggie Patch – Connie Cao
30:29 – Outro

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Season 3 Episode 8- Parsnips

00:00 – Intro
00:52 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Lemonbalm
04:30 – Phenology
06:55 – Moon Calendar:
• Cultivate phase until 21st
• 22nd onward: Sowing & planting

13:09 – Vegetable of the Week: Parsnip
23:38 – Perennial Pick: Chives
26:38 – Dishes with Del: Homemade Boursin Cheese
30:48 – Microclimate
34:30 – Tip of the Week: What to do if your compost tea smells sour
35:58 – Book of the Week: Veg in One Bed - Huw Richards
39:58 – Outro

If you’re growing with us each week- with the moon, with the seasons, and with intention. Grab your garden diary and settle in. 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
01:18 – Herbal Tea of the Week: Rhubarb Tea — tart, refreshing, and surprisingly versatile
03:48 – Dishes with Del: Poached Rhubarb (absolutely divine)
07:10 – Vegetable of the Week: Rhubarb — how to grow it well, myths busted, and why it's such a great perennial investment
16:30 – Moon Phases This Week:
• Barren phase
• 16th–17th: Root crop window
• 18th–21st: Cultivate phase — get beds ready for sowing & transplanting
18:55 – Our Health, Her Health: how the health of the Earth mirrors our own
21:26 – Hugelkultur: Sepp Holzer’s clever closed-loop design for building long-term soil fertility
31:25 – Outro

If you’re growing with us each week — with the moon, with the seasons, and with intention — grab your garden diary and settle in. 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

From mint in your teacup to pumpkins in your patch, Ali and Hannah guide you through what to plant, pick, and plan for this late-spring moon cycle.

Time stamps

0.00 Intro

1.23 Mint Tea

2.08 Mint History, uses, varieties, how to grow and store

8.05 Dishes with Del- Mint Syrup, Mint Chutney.

10.00 Vegetable of the Week – Pumpkin and Squash 

25.00 Should we plant out at Labour Weekend?

27.19 Garden Tasks this week – Late Spring – Moon Cycles

31.20 More Garden tasks

38.19 Tip of the Week

Happy gardening!

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Thank you for your lovely feedback, and suggestions for content - it's so good to know what you'd like to learn, or refresh in your memory. 

00:09 Intro

00:35 Tea of the week: Nettle Tea

05:22 Phenology

07:43 Moon Phases

08:18 What to plant

08:59 Spring Rains

10:37 Vegetable of the week: Spinach

15:50 Spinach Dishes with Del Green Shakshuka & Sag Panneer - www.disheswithdel.com/blog/saag-halloumi-aka-saag-paneer-but-with-halloumi

17:56 Annuals vs Bi-Annuals vs Bi-ennial

18:52 Perennials

26:50 Micro Climates

29:24 Seed Saving

30:57 Vandana Shiva - https://navdanyainternational.org/

32:57 Tip of the Week: Harden off Seedlings

33:29 Book of the Week: Hands in the Dirt Have a listen to our Podcast Season 1 Ep 10 for our chat with Leah

34:25 Wrap Up.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week we talk to Del, from Dishes with Del, our super chef with a bubbly 'can do' attitude to using up a glut of produce. 

Timestamps

We begin with a nice cup of Sage leaf tea

3.50 Dishes with Del

6.33 Veg of the week - Potatoes

11.35 Crop Rotation

21.00 Phenology - Dandelion

24.05 Garden Tasks - Frost reminder - Waning phase - Barren Period

35.20 Food Forest guidelines

38.52 Book of the Week - The Self-Sufficiency Garden - Huw Richards & Sam Cooper

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this episode, It's the October full-moon gardening phase — a perfect time to cultivate soil and sow root crops across all four NZ planting zones. You’ll learn what to plant now, how to get the best results in your region, and why this phase of the moon is ideal for “spoiling your soil.”

Our Fruit of the Week takes a closer look at blueberries and raspberries — where they came from, how they’ve adapted, and why their specific soil and climate needs truly reinforce our mantra: right plant, right place.
Discover the fascinating history of these berries, from Roman gardens and North American forests to New Zealand’s modern orchards — now spanning around 800 hectares and up to two million blueberry plants nationwide!                                                                                                                                

This week’s Tea of the Week is Dandelion Tea — the humble lawn weed that doubles as a spring cleanser — and we review two brilliant books:
📘 The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith – rediscovering nature in the modern world.
📗 The 1000 Most-Asked Gardening Questions by Daphne Ledward – packed with seasonal soil and planting wisdom.00:08 - Introduction 
00:34 - Tea of the week: Dandelion 
05:43 – Recapping last week – cover Brassicas
06:54 – If you haven’t got a garden 
09:07 – Tasks of the week 
09:43 -  Preparing Root Crop beds
12:45 – What Root crops can you sew in your zone?
16:53 – The Secret to a really good compost?
22:09 – Where to build your compost
23:56 – Hot vs Cold Compost
25:23 – Seasonal reminders
26:55 – Lawn Care
28:37 – Inviting in Beneficial pests
29:39 – Fruit of the week - Blueberries
37:13 – Second Fruit of the week – Raspberries

44:57 – Book of the week, the Well Gardened Mind

50:26 The 1000 most asked gardening questions

51:51 Episode Round Up

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Spring has to be one of the four best seasons - and we’ve packed this episode with ideas to get you motivated in the garden.

Hannah, my new co-host, has learned the ropes quickly, and I’m so grateful for her company, editing skills, and lively garden conversations.

Today’s tea is Rosemary - known for its stimulating, energising qualities. In the Language of Flowers (Floriography), rosemary symbolises affectionate remembrance, memory, love, and friendship. Traditionally, it’s been used as a token of remembrance at funerals and as a sign of love and loyalty at weddings. Students in ancient Greece even tucked sprigs behind their ears to sharpen memory during exams. Modern science now confirms that rosemary may gently boost memory and focus, thanks to its unique brain-protective compounds.

Timestamps

We will update this asap

Links Mentioned in this Episode

• Beth Chatto – www.bethchatto.co.uk
  We discuss Beth Chatto’s Essex garden and nursery. Ali visited in May and was especially inspired by the Dry Garden, bringing home many tips to reinforce Beth’s mantra: “Right plant, right place.”

Book of the Week

The Dry Garden by Beth Chatto
Available to order at Next Chapter Bookshop, Wānaka. https://www.nextchapterwanaka.co.nz/

Next Episode

Testing the pH in your soil and how to amend it for different crops.

Support the Show

Contact us with your questions and topic requests: coach@yourgardencoach.nz
Follow us on Instagram: @yourgardencoach_nz
Facebook: Your Garden Coach
Explore more gardening advice, book a personal consult, and browse podcast archives: www.yourgardencoach.nz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Episode Summary: Season 3 kicks off with a heartfelt farewell to Jen and a warm welcome to Hannah as our new co-host. We jump into spring gardening with cucumbers, kawakawa tea, and homemade fertiliser hacks using weed, manure, and compost teas. Plus, we explore the history behind The Apothecaries’ Garden at the Chelsea Physic Garden, highlight seed libraries, and reflect on the Spring Equinox.  

 Timestamps: 

00:10 - Introduction 
00:37 - Farewell to Jen 
02:10 – Introducing Hannah 
04:55 - Tea of the Week: Kawakawa 
07:44 - Sowing & Planting 
10:55 - Seasonal Jobs 
15:03 – Vegetable of the Week 
15:38 – Plant History 

16:50 – Book Review 

22:03 – This Week’s Garden Hacks 

27:07 – September Round-Up 

27:50 - Pumpkin Power Competition 

29:06 – Wrap Up 

Links mentioned in this episode: 

In this episode, we discussed the Chelsea Physic Garden, London's oldest botanic garden - home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible, and useful plants
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk  Ali couldn't leave the gift shop until she'd bought a copy of:

 Sue Minter’s Book – The Apothecaries’ Garden 

A New History of the Chelsea Physic Garden. Sue Minter examines its history and many notable achievements. 

 Available to order at Next Chapter Bookshop, Wanaka 

 Next Episode:.... 

 Beth Chatto: Ali shares observations from her visit to this Essex, UK garden 

 Support the show 

You can contact us with your questions and topic requests at coach@yourgardencoach.nz  

Follow us on Instagram @yourgardencoach_nz and Facebook, Your Garden Coach  where we regularly upload interesting gardening tips and share our podcast community’s successes 

And don’t forget to head to our website www.yourgardencoach.nz for more in-depth gardening advice, to book a personal garden consult, and to search topics in the podcast archives. 

Happy Gardening! 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our latest giveaways!
Congratulations to the winner of Foraging by Peter Langlands
And congratulations to the winner of the Autumn Hamper from Kings Seeds!

A huge thank you to Penguin Books and Kings Seeds for making these prizes possible. 

In this episode, we’re also sharing 12 fantastic book suggestions to keep you inspired and cosy through the winter months. 

Wishing you a wonderful winter full of warmth, good reads, and garden dreams!

#NewEpisode #YourGardenCoachNZ #GiveawayWinners #WinterReadingList #ThankYou #GardenPodcast #WinterWellness

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week, we’re:
Catching up on the week’s "to-do" list
Sharing our top vegetable planting recommendations
Starting the delightful winter task of planning your spring garden — using all those notes you jotted down in your garden diary!

Take a moment for yourself, press play, and dream of the beautiful season ahead. 
 Enjoy! 

#NewEpisode #GardenPodcast #SpringGardenPlanning #AutumnTeaMoments #YourGardenCoach

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Join us for another exciting episode where we’re sipping on a fragrant Kawakawa tea blend

Episode Highlights:

• Bulbs, Bulbs, Bulbs: Time to choose your spring colour scheme and plant them for a stunning display.
• Other Flower Seeds: We’ll share which flower seeds to sow right now for that vibrant garden you've been dreaming of.
• Garlic Talk: We’re diving into the reasons why we grow our own garlic—some of these might shock you!
• Leaf Collection: Don't forget to collect nature’s gift of leaves—perfect for composting and soil health.

Happy gardening,

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Sorry we’re a little late this week, but we’re back with another jam-packed episode of the podcast! 🙌

This week we’re talking all about: Cultivating and sowing root crops during the full moon phase

The importance of sowing cover crops + why keeping your soil covered year-round is a game-changer for your garden

A little chat on late autumn rose care to keep those beauties blooming strong next season.

Leaf Curl!! A few tips for dealing with this disease.

PLUS! 

A reminder to enter the draw for the Kings Seeds Autumn Hamper

And go in the draw to win Peter Langlands’ stunning new book ‘Foraging’ – a must-have for nature lovers!

Have a listen wherever you get your podcasts – and let us know what you're sowing this week, we love your feedback.

#YourGardenCoachNZ #GardeningPodcast #SowGrowEat #CoverCrops #RootCrops #RoseCare #KingsSeeds #ForagingBook #PeterLanglands #NZGardening #AutumnGarden

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Vegetable of the Week: Spaghetti Squash – a versatile, fun-to-grow staple for colder months!

PLUS: We’re launching a brand new competition with our friends at Kings Seeds – tune in to find out how to enter!

So pop your headphones on, head outside, and give your health a boost while listening to NZ’s No.1 gardening podcast

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Sowing & Planting Phase – It’s time to get Leafy Greens, Brassicas, Legumes, Lettuce, and Mizuna in the ground! 

Special Guest: Peter Langlands – Foraging guru & author of the new book Foraging. He joins us to chat about wild food and what you can forage in your area.

A must-listen for gardeners & nature lovers! 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Jen's verdict on today's cuppa? Not a fan! 😆 Chilli & Rosemary tea might not be making it into her regular brew! ☕🔥🌿

🌘 We're in the Barron phase until March 23rd – perfect for weeding, mulching, pruning, and garden maintenance. 🧑‍🌾✨ Then, get ready to plant root crops on the 24th & 25th! 🥕🧄

🌳 Plus, we’re diving into seasonal tasks for the Food Forest – what to do now to keep it thriving! 🌱

Tune in now! 🎧 

#GardeningPodcast #MoonGardening #FoodForest #HerbalTeaFails #ChilliAndRosemary

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You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Let’s prep the soil for the Root Crop Sowing Phase on 17th & 18th March! 🥕🌱

✔️ Cut back your Artichoke – Almost to ground level, then mulch well ✂️

✔️ Cucumber season is wrapping up – What a fabulous harvest! We chat about how cucumbers benefit your health 🥒💚 (We bet you'll plant even more next year!)

Keep up the great work in your garden—it’s great for your health and your soul! 🌿✨ 

Check out our website - www.yourgardencoach.nz/podcast

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📅 7th–12th March: Sowing & Planting Phase – We’re sharing some of the best vegetables to plant right now! 🌱

📅 13th–16th March: Cultivate the Soil – Remember, the No-Dig method is kinder to your soil biology! 🚜✨
✔️ Weed, add compost & mulch
✔️ Aerate only if compacted (just a gentle fork wiggle will do!)

🌱 Chives – A must-have in the garden… but keep them away from your beans! 😉

Now it’s your turn—get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and get your hands in the soil! 🌿💚 Listen now: [Insert link]

#YourGardenCoachNZ #GardeningPodcast #NoDigGardening #GrowYourOwn

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📅 2nd–12th March Sowing & Planting Guide – We’re breaking down the best vegetables to sow and plant right now! 🌱

🍵 Parsley Tea… or as Jen calls it, ‘Vegetable Soup’! 😆 (She likes it, though!) Add some celery seeds for extra tang!

🌿 All About Parsley – Where it came from, why it’s great, and how to use it in your garden and kitchen.

Practical tips and garden inspiration! Listen now on Spotify

Tag a gardening buddy who needs a bit of parsley power! 🌱✨

 #YourGardenCoachNZ #GardeningPodcast 

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You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week, Ali takes a trip to her "Sopermarket" (aka her garden!) to harvest the abundance of food growing right now. 🍅🥕🥬 If you’re wondering what tasks to tackle this week, we’ve got you covered!

🍂 Get Autumn-Ready! What can you do now to set your garden up for success as the seasons shift?

✂️ Pruning Time! We chat about why now is a great time to tidy up your fruit trees—and which ones need attention.

🍐 Pear Perfection! How do you know when your pears are perfectly ripe and ready to pick? We’ve got the tips you need!

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to make the most of your garden this week! 🌱💚

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You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Get your garden ready for Root Crop Sowing with the latest episode of Your Garden Coach NZ podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into: 🥕 Root crops for this season – including top tips for sowing Carrots & Beetroot 🌱 🥔 Potato growing – perfecting those spud-growing skills! 🥔 🌸 A shout-out to the amazing Philippa at Waihora Garden, a member of the 'Secret Gardens' family, just north of Wellington – a hidden gem for flower lovers! 🌸

Plus, check out our brand-new Website, new content being uploaded regularly, packed with tips to help you sharpen those gardening skills!

Don’t miss out – hit play now and get your hands in the dirt! 🎧🌿

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You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

It’s HOT out there, but we’re already thinking ahead to winter! 🥶 This week on the pod, we’re talking all about Sowing & Planting Winter Vegetables – yes, it’s time to get your garden ready for those hearty winter meals. 🥕🍠

We’ve got a list of the BEST varieties to plant now and some handy tips for your winter brassicas 🌿. Plus, we're diving into a review of this season's Heat Lovers 🌞 – how are they doing and what’s the best way to care for them?

Quick Tip: Want to keep those pesky aphids in check? Attract the Ladybirds! 🐞 They love feasting on aphids, and did you know they can lay up to 1000 eggs in their lifetime? 🥚

Tune in now for all the gardening goodness and get your winter veggies going! 🎧

#Gardening #WinterVeggies  #Podcast #GardeningTips #SowingAndPlanting  🌿🌽

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You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

But, it’s not all smooth sailing... Ali ran into a little trouble this week with her buried Bokashi. Who do you think dug it up? 🕵️‍♀️ Composting season is tricky when there’s barely any grass around to balance out that nitrogen, but we’ve got tips to make it work! 💚

And after all that hard work, what better way to unwind than with a warm cup of Lemon Verbena Tea? 🍵🌿 Perfect for sunny garden days. In the image above you will see Lemon Balm on the left and Lemon Verbena on the right - both are delicious teas. 

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You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We’re trialing a new format that’s shorter, but don’t worry—we’re still bringing you weekly episodes! 🙌 We know you love hearing from us, and a monthly podcast just wasn't an option. 😅

We'd love to hear your thoughts—let us know what you think! 💬

Happy gardening,
Ali & Jen 🌿💚

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

🍵 Tea of the Week: Chamomile—A soothing brew 🌿

🎉 Kings Seeds Winner: Congrats to @michellemcdee—this week’s lucky recipient of our Kings Seeds giveaway! 🌻

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: Keep your garden on track by aligning your tasks with the moon phases! Cultivate your soil in preparation for sowing and planting from 3rd December. Time now to feed your plants with your homemade teas.

Warning: Evapotranspiration can take an incredible amount of moisture from your plants and soil, be sure to monitor moisture levels.

🌱Herb of the Week: Chamomile🌿

Main Topic: Old Herbals - a little history lesson.

Compost: What can we add to the Spring Compost?

Book of the Week: Horti Curious by Ann Treneman - Jen and I may have wandered off course a little this week - this is a book full of interesting tidbits and we got carried away. Ideal for the inquisitive gardener.

✨ Support the Show: Loving the podcast? Consider supporting us via www.buzzsprout.com Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

🍵 Tea of the Week: Hawthorn flowers and leaf tips—Used in Chinese medicine for centuries to reduce blood pressure 🌿

🎉 Kings Seeds Winner: Congrats to Sue Jones-Nicholson—this week’s lucky recipient of our Kings Seeds giveaway! 🌻

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: Keep your garden on track by aligning your tasks with the moon phases! We’re in a Barren Period until the 25th, then the Root Crop Sowing Phase on the 26th & 27th.

🌱 Main Topic: We welcome a very special guest from just up the road in the beautiful Queensbury Hills, Lisa from Frogsong Farm, a very busy market garden 🌿

Book of the Week: The Milkwood Permaculture Living Handbook

✨ Support the Show: Loving the podcast? Consider supporting us via www.buzzsprout.com Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

🌸 Happy Gardening! 🌸

— Jen & Ali

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week on Your Garden Coach NZ, we’re thrilled to have Cormac Farrell, author of Urban Beekeeping, join us! 🐝 Catch the episode now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🍯 Main Topic: Cormac shares his incredible journey from hobby beekeeper to the Australian Government’s Head Beekeeper! Discover how his love for bees led him to this prestigious role and get insights from his book Urban Beekeeping, perfect for anyone curious about keeping bees in urban spaces.

🏆 Listener Giveaway: Congratulations to Terri Waerea, this week’s $20 Kings Seeds voucher winner! 🎉 Don’t forget to enter each week for your chance to win!

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: Enhance your garden’s health with lunar wisdom! We’re in the Cultivate period starting the 15th—perfect for building soil fertility. Listen in for more tips! 🌱 Plus, root crop succession sowing on the 19th and 20th; it’s the ideal time to direct-sow those root crops!

🥬 Vegetable of the Week: Artichoke—this elegant perennial veggie deserves a place in your garden. Plant now to enjoy its unique flavors in seasons to come!

📖 Book of the Week: An Almost Impossible Thing by Fiona Davison—a fascinating read. Discover the challenges women in horticulture faced in the late 19th Century!

✨ Support the Show: Enjoying the podcast? Consider supporting us via Buzzsprout and keep the gardening inspiration coming! 🌸

🌸 Happy Gardening! 🌸

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We've just released an inspiring bonus podcast interview featuring Jesse from Freshlink! 🎙️ Jesse shares some truly thought-provoking ideas about the way we shop and how it impacts our health. 🌱🛒 His engaging perspective is a must-hear for anyone interested in conscious choices and wellness. 🙌

Catch this special episode on Buzzsprout, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify – we're so grateful to Jesse for sharing his time and insights with us! 💚

Freshlink is a Wholefoods Grocer in Wanaka.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week on Your Garden Coach NZ, we’re thrilled to introduce Jesse Herbert from Freshlink, Wanaka! 🌱 Listen now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🍎 Main Topic: Jesse shares his journey from a rural, self-sufficient upbringing to following his grandfather’s market gardening footsteps. By 18, he knew he wanted to be a greengrocer, Jesse bought, and has since built up Freshlink, a unique store where you won’t find any sugar, preservatives, additives, or flashy packaging. It’s Wholefood shopping at its finest!

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: We’re in the thick of sowing and planting this week! October is the busiest month on the sowing calendar, so keep those seeds coming! 🌱🌔

🥦 Vegetable of the Week: Asparagus—a spring favorite that keeps giving year after year. Now’s the time to get it growing!

🍵 Tea of the Week: Relax with a cup of Rose Petal, Mint, Yarrow, and Fennel Seed tea as you tune in. A delightful blend for any gardener’s day. 🌸

🏆 Listener Love: New Zealand’s favorite gardening podcast is still holding that #1 spot thanks to you! We’re grateful for each listen, comment, and shared story. 💚

✨ Support the Show: Loving the podcast? Consider supporting us here: Support Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

🌸 Happy Gardening! 🌸

— Ali & Jen

#WholefoodShopping #GardeningByTheMoon #Asparagus #Freshlink #YourGardenCoachNZ #ListenerLove

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week on Your Garden Coach NZ, we’re celebrating community gardening, sowing by the moon, and brightening up with Zinnias! 🌱 Listen now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🌱 Main Topic: Diana Manson from QLDC joins us to talk about the power of Community Gardens—bringing people together for sustainable, shared spaces. 🌿

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: Simplify your routine—let the moon guide you on the best times to sow and grow for the most vibrant results!

🥦 Vegetable of the Week: Runner Bean—a versatile, high-yield choice that’s perfect for climbing up trellises in any garden!

🎉 Kings Seeds Giveaway: Congrats to Lynette Brown! Enjoy your $20 Kings Seed voucher and happy planting! 🌻

🍵 Tea of the Week: Refresh with a calming Borage, dried Nettle, and Lemon Balm blend—perfect for grounding yourself after a long day in the garden.

🌼 Flower Garden Tip: It’s Zinnia time! Sow these vibrant flowers now for a Mexican-themed display of bright colors. Native to Mexico and Central America, Zinnias have been charming European gardens since their introduction in the 1700s!

📖 Book of the Week: From the Wild by Heidi Merika—a beautiful forager’s handbook. Special thanks to Allen & Unwin for giving us the opportunity to review this wonderful resource! 🌱

🌽 Companion Planting Focus: Have you tried the Three Sisters planting method—a time-tested technique that brings together corn, beans, and squash for balanced growth and healthier soil?

✨ Support the Show: Loving the podcast? Consider supporting us here: Support Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

🌸 Happy Gardening! 🌸

— Jen & Ali

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

🍵 Tea of the Week: Lemongrass Tea—a refreshing favourite of Connie Cao, our guest this week. Perfect anytime of the day. 🌿

🎉 Kings Seeds Winner: Congrats to Sasha Pollard—this week’s lucky recipient of our Kings Seeds giveaway! 🌻

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: Keep your garden on track by aligning your tasks with the moon phases! We’re in a Barren Period until the 26th, then the Root Crop Sowing Phase on the 27th & 28th, with the Cultivate Period lasting until 4th November. Plenty of time to plan your next planting!

🌱 Main Topic: We welcome a very special guest from Melbourne, Australia—Connie Cao, author of Your Asian Veggie Patch! Connie introduces us to a variety of delicious, nutritious Asian vegetables that aren’t typically found in mainstream supermarkets. 🌿🥢

🎁 Upcoming Event: Don’t miss us at the WAO Festival of Nature on Saturday, 2nd November at The Camp, Hāwea! We’ve got some fabulous prizes to give away. 🎉

✨ Support the Show: Loving the podcast? Consider supporting us here: Support Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

🌸 Happy Gardening! 🌸

— Jen & Ali

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We’re here to guide you through this busy spring season. 🌱 Join us on Your Garden Coach NZ as we dig into the latest tips for a thriving garden. Available on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🛡️ Main Topic: Scarecrows—learn how these classic garden protectors can be both functional and fun in your vegetable patch!

🌕 Gardening by the Moon: Unlock the mysteries of lunar gardening! With the full moon on 18th October, we’re in the Cultivate Phase—perfect for building spring compost and getting those small weeds under control before they take over. 🌙

🌱 Vegetable of the Week: Breaking tradition with Fathen (Fat Hen), a super-fast growing weed that can also be a nutritious green. 🌿

🍵 Tea of the Week: We’re sipping on Kawakawa, Dandelion leaf, Liquorice, Rosemary, and Calendula—perfect blends for spring wellness. 🌼

🎉 Winner Announcement: Congratulations to Katrina Brewer, winner of the Growing Kiwi Gardeners' Vegetable Memory Card and Flash Card games!

💡 Gardening Tips:

• Prepare for the Root Crop Growing Phase—why not try sowing Burdock Takinagawa Long this season?
• Keep your windowsill gardening thriving with pea shoots and microgreens.
• Try a new container gardening idea—plant Corn and Dwarf Beans in a half wine barrel for a compact yet productive setup.
• Gardening Wisdom: Direct sow Pak Choi and Bok Choi to avoid bolting!

📖 Book of the Week: Urban Beekeeping by Cormac Farrell—a great read for anyone interested in beekeeping in urban settings. 🐝

🌬️ With spring winds picking up, don’t forget to check your plant supports!

✨ Support the Show: Love the podcast? Help us grow by donating here: Support Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

🌸 Happy gardening! 🌸

— Jen & Ali

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week on Your Garden Coach NZ, we’re all about keeping your garden thriving through spring. 🌱 Listen on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🛏️ Main Topic: A Crop Rotation Refresher! Keep your garden beds healthy and productive. 🌱 Plus, learn how gardening by the moon can boost your results—Waxing moon = rising moon, perfect for growing leafy greens and above-ground crops. 🌙

🐝 Wasp Management: Peter Visser is back to talk about wasps. Are they actually beneficial for your garden, or should you keep them at bay? Find out more! 🐝

📔 Garden Diary Tips: We offer helpful prompts to make your garden diary more effective—track your progress like a pro!

🌳 Orchard Update: What’s happening in the orchard, and what tasks should be on your radar for fruit trees this spring?

🥬 Vegetable of the Week: Dwarf Beans—when to plant, how to sow, plus care and companion planting tips to help your beans thrive. 🌱

📚 Book of the Week: The No-Dig Gardening Handbook by Charles Dowding, your go-to guide for simplifying gardening and improving your soil.

💬 Listener Love: A big thank you to all our lovely listeners who’ve written in with updates on their garden journeys! And a special thanks to those supporting us with monthly donations to help cover our podcasting costs—we are so grateful! 💚

✨ Support Us: Love the show? You can support us via Buzzsprout. 

🌸 Happy Spring Gardening! 🌸

— Ali & Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this week’s episode of Your Garden Coach NZ, we’re covering Spring tasks and expert tips to help your garden bloom.
🌱 Listen now on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

👧 Gardening with Children (Part 5): This week, we’re thrilled to have Anita Croft from Growing Kiwi Gardeners join us! 🌻 Anita shares her incredible Early Childhood Gardening programmes—teaching kids to grow, explore, and fall in love with nature. You don’t want to miss this! 🌱

🌸 Apple & Pear Blossom Time: Along with the blossoms comes the threat of Codling moth! 🐛 Peter Visser from Key Industries joins us with expert advice to protect your trees.

🍵 Tea of the Week: Try the refreshing Spring Awakening Blend to keep you energized while you work in the garden!

🛠️ Tasks of the Week: Time to cultivate your soil in preparation for the next big planting phase—get ready between 5th-15th October! 🌿

🌞 Heat Lovers & Summer Fruiting Plants: Central Otago and the cooler regions, it’s almost time to sow! Those with glasshouses will have already started their heatlovers. We’re here to help you choose the best varieties for a successful season. 🍅🌶️

🥒 Vegetable of the Week: Cucumber—where did it originate, and how can you grow a bumper crop this season? We’ve got all the tips!

📚 Book of the Week: Diddly Squat by Jeremy Clarkson—named after his farm that produces, well, not much. It’s a hilarious must-read! 🚜

✨ Support Us: Love the show? You can support us here: Support Your Garden Coach NZ 🙏

🌸 Happy Spring Gardening! 🌸

— Ali & Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this week's episode of Your Garden Coach NZ, we’re diving into the joys of sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings. 🌱 Catch us on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

🌷 Episode Highlights:

🌷 Special Guest: We chat with Luke Gardener from Longbush Cottage about his stunning Tulip Festival and the most gorgeous glasshouses available in New Zealand! 🏡💐

👧 Gardening with Children (Part 4): Continuing our series on empowering little gardeners, with tips to get them even more involved! 🌻

🥕 Vegetable of the Week: Parsnip! Plus, discover the best companion plants for growing healthy carrots. 🥕

🌳 The Orchard: It’s bursting with life—but beware, coddling moths are on their way! 🐛 Learn how to protect your fruit trees.

📚 Book of the Week: Grow Fruit by Alan Buckingham—a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guide to growing fruit successfully. 🍏📖

🌼 Happy Gardening! 🌼

#SpringGardening #TulipFestival #Glasshouses #GardeningWithKids #ParsnipPower #OrchardCare #YourGardenCoachNZ #GrowYourOwnFood

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week on Your Garden Coach NZ,  some essential tips for a thriving spring garden.
🌸 Catch us on Buzzsprout, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🌾 Mastering Mulch: Learn how to mulch like a pro—your plants will love you, and those weeds won’t stand a chance! 🌱

🌘 Garden Tasks: Descending Moon in the waning phase means it's time to sow root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes. 🌕🥕

🥧 Vegetable of the Week: Rhubarb—a fabulous perennial that adds tang to your desserts. Wait, we call it a fruit, don’t we? But it’s actually a vegetable - confusing! 🍓

👧 Gardening with Children (Part 3): This week, we’re talking about fostering independence by letting the kids take the lead in the garden. 🌻

🌳 The Orchard: Tips for feeding your new fruit trees to help them thrive.

🎉 Congratulations to Johanna from Invercargill: Winner of this week's giveaway—Drawn to the Garden by Caroline Quentin! 🎨🌿

📚 Book of the Week: The Plant Society by Jason Chongue—a must-read for every plant enthusiast! 🌿📖

🌼 Happy Gardening! 🌼

#SpringGardening #MasteringMulch #RootCrops #RhubarbLove #GardeningWithKids #YourGardenCoachNZ #GrowYourOwnFood #theplantsocietyau

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Catch us on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for this week's gardening goodness! 🌱

🌿 Episode Highlights:

🏡 Planting Your Glasshouse: Got a new glasshouse and not sure where to start? We've got tips to help you! 🍅🥒

👧 Gardening with Children (Part 2): Learn how gardening can build self-image and empower kids. 🌻

🥬 What's Harvesting in NZ? Find out what's in season right now!

🌾 Foraging Focus: It's time to hunt for Nettles, Chickweed, and Cleavers—nutrient-packed wild greens!

🌱 Windowsill & Container Gardening: Fresh ideas to get you started.

📅 Garden Planner: Sow and plant until the 15th, then it's time to cultivate. With our recent Spring rainfall, weeding just got easier!

🐞 Companion Planting Tips: Attract beneficial insects and control pests naturally.

🎉 Congrats to Brooke O’Connor: Winner of this week's Kings Seeds voucher!

🥗 Vegetable of the Week: Spring Leafy Greens!

📚 Book of the Week: The Compost Coach by Kate Flood.

🪱 Worm Wee: Myth or Truth? We uncover the answer!

💚 Tune in now and grow with us!  🌼

#GardeningPodcast #SpringGardening #OrganicGardening #YourGardenCoachNZ #ForagingFun #GrowYourOwnFood

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Jen and I originally set out to create a year’s worth of gardening podcasts, packed with tips and tricks for beginner gardeners and the skills we’ve picked up along the way. But thanks to your incredible support, we’re thrilled to keep going! 🎉

This season, expect fresh advice, inspiring guest talks, and maybe even a few local workshops! 🧑‍🌾

In today’s episode: ✨ We revisit our reasons for gardening by the moon. ✨ Begin a 5-part series on Gardening with Children — a topic close to my heart as a former Early Childhood Educator. Today’s focus: "Sowing the Seeds of Well-Being." ✨ Spotlight on @thegrizzlyforager — we love their posts! ✨ Veg of the Week: Peas! Tips on sowing and caring for them. ✨ Book feature: Futureproof Your Garden by Angus Stewart and Emma Stewart. ✨ Giveaway Alert! Caroline Quentin’s Drawn To The Garden is up for grabs! Enter by emailing us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz — winner announced on September 17th!

🌱 And a huge congratulations to Sam from @Clairesmaraintamakimakaurau, winner of the Kings Seeds Voucher! Sam’s beautiful story touched our hearts — tending her late mother Claire’s garden, a place filled with love and memories. 💚

Happy gardening, Ali & Jen 🌼

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week Asparagus is in the limelight.

Root Crop Sowing on 28th & 29th August.

Happy gardening,

Ali and Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week - Container gardening, a great way to start your early gardening - close to the house so you can keep an eye on things, and get back into the swing of checking on your veggies each day. 

We will take a closer look at the Spring Onion, an underrated and under appreciated tasty addition to your meals.

Ali reports from another French garden Chateau de Lantilly

Web details - https://www.bourgogne-tourisme.com/sit/parc-et-jardin-potager-du-chateau-de-lantilly-

 A beautiful and inspiring garden. Photos on our instagram and FB pages.

Tea - Lemon verbena

It’s Sowing and planting time.

Companion planting suggestions for healthy soil and plants.

Book - Abundant Garden by Niva and Yotam Kay Also look for their book Abundant Kitchen for seriously good recipes.

@saminthegarden won our Kings Seeds Voucher this week Congratulations Sam (from Southland)

Happy gardening

Ali and Jen 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Tasks this week - prep your soil in readiness for sowing and planting 

Sow your Root Crops 30th & 31st July

Veg of the week - Peas

Tea is Lemon Verbena - consider adding these seeds to your list.

Happy Gardening
Jen and Ali

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Ever thought about extending your season with a greenhouse, glasshouse, tunnel house or Walaipini? We have some suggestions to help you decide which would suit you best.

 Book of the Week - The Englishman’s Country - a collection of musings, my favourite is from Vita Sackville-West

You have one more week to enter the competition for the Tiny Zen Garden from Little Hill Lawrence @littlehilllawrence Thanks again to Alisa for offering her beautiful work to one of our lucky listeners.

We also thank Charlotte and the team at Kings Seeds @kingsseedsnz for their weekly $20 voucher. Remember to tag @yourgardencoach and @kingsseedsnz for your chance to win. 

Have you received your brand new Catalogue yet? I can’t wait to view the new seed varieties, Charlotte advises there are over 100, totalling over 1000 options for us keen gardeners. 

Have fun in your garden - it is definitely my very happy place.

Happy gardening,

Ali and Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

This week we take a look at the moon calendar. It’s’ sowing and planting time and we have a few suggestions for your vegetable and flower gardens.

Ali visited Eltham Palace and grounds just after visiting RHS Chelsea, this garden is definitely one to visit if you find yourself in London. 

Boyhood home to King Henry VIII. The Palace was modernised in the 1930’s in Art Deco style.

Congratulations to our $20 Kings Seed Voucher winner. Emma Wood.

If you have a minute the link below will take you to the Eltham Palace website.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/eltham-palace-and-gardens/

A helpful tip if you are a gardener or into history, and traveling to the UK The Heritage New Zealand Card (about $50) gets you into every National Trust and English Heritage property and Gardens for Free! 

Normal entry fees range from £10 to £30. 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Dandelion root tea is the flavour of the day - actually it’s more a coffee substitute, will Jen like this one??

Barren period until 2nd June then its Root crops 3rd & 4th… Keep planting bulbs for Spring colour.

The winter crops are being harvested now, the last of the pumpkins, Jerusalem Artichokes and NZ Yams. Plus your winter greens, Kale, spinach, winter lettuce.

Micro greens are very fashionable, and so easy to grow on your window sill.

Book of the Week - My Garden World, Monty Don - an audio version for me as I am travelling and as we only tale carry on luggage there is no room for books (actually I am hand delivering a copy of Secret Gardens of Aotearoa by Jane Mahoney and Sophie Bannan, to a friend in France - so I do have one book with me)

Congratulations to Sandie Jordan, Sandie won this weeks @kingsseedsnz voucher. 

And our very popular competition for the SustainaGrow Prize pack has been won by Rachel Chamberlain - Rachel said she loves the podcast - it starts her gardening day on Thursday’s nicely. 

https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/Gardens/2024/national-autistic-society-garden

https://cskarchitects.co.uk/

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Erin Allison from Harvest Homegrown gives us a snapshot of her Hāwea Market Garden - she also teaches us how to grow micro-greens . @harvesthomegrown book your spot at Erin's Winter Workshop now.

We draw the winner of the 2nd NZ Bulbs Competition - huge thanks to Paul and Gemma for supporting our podcast.

Cultivate 8th & 9th May

Sow and plant from 10th - 20th May

Book - How to store your Home-grown produce - John and Val Harrison

The Money Saving Gardener @anya_the_garden_fairy How to take cuttings and multiply your plants for free.

Instagram account of the week and winner of the $20 @kingsseedsnz voucher - @beeleave.world Congratulations Lizzie, and thank you to Charlotte and the Kings Seeds Team

And for the-pet lovers, we interview Adam Ross and discover his fabulous new pet food @naturallypawsome.nz ask for a sample by emailing Adam via the website www.naturallypawsome.com   adam@naturallypawsome.com

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Three gardening periods this week

Barron - 1st-3rd May - avoid planting. “Spoil your soil with goodness”

Sow Root Crops 4th & 5th

In temperate climates sow radish, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, and try ginger too. 

In frosty zones sow radish, swedes Jerusalem artichoke, and turnips.

Cultivate period 6th - 9th Just do a few odd jobs - store away hoses and protect water timers if you intend leaving them in situ over winter, they will explode if frost gets to them, so cover with a box or some sacks.

We update you on your winter compost methods.

Windowsill gardening - guide to growing micro-greens

Main topic - New Zealand growing Zones

Be sure to post your garden photos on Instagram and Facebook and tag both @yourgardencoach.nz & @kingsseedsnz for your chance to win a $20 voucher from Kings Seeds every week.

We draw the @nzbulbs competition this Friday 3rd May EARLY! so get your entry in before 7am Friday.

Happy gardening everyone 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We welcome back the very talented Leah Evans @mrs.evans.garden Leah gives us a Snapshot of her Autumn garden and she has some inspiring wisdom for us.

Tea - Lemon balm and Sage - a favourite of ours.

NZ Bulbs have partnered with us for the 2nd of 3 Bulb Giveaways - Enter this fabulous competition (open to NZ residents only, Drawn on 3rd May, winner announced in Episode 32) email your entry to coach@yourgardencoach.nz with the answer to the Elephant Garlic question.

Check out @clausdalby for bulb planting inspiration then order your bulbs from @nzbulbs Huge thanks to Paul and Gemma at NZ Bulbs for their generous gift pack

This week in the garden - 

Cultivate - 24th & 25th

Sow Root Crops 26th & 27th

Barren period 28th - 3rd May

Garlic - a little bit of knowledge shared. Get planting on 26th and 27th for a bumper crop 

Jerusalem Artichokes, ready after the first frost. We give you the heads up to reduce the farts… Such an easy vegetable garden perennial. 

see www.healthifyme.com/blog/jerusalem-artichoke

Glossary - Polyculture - A Symphony of Diversity in your garden.

Book Botany for Gardeners By Geoff Hodge Allen and Unwin publishers @allenandunwin

Instagram of the Week and winner of the $20 Kings Seeds voucher @theocallaghanclann what a fabulously colourful vegetable garden!

www.gardenmyths.com - pine needles

Happy gardening 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Dr Compost joins us for a chat about… composting! He’s a mine of information and has a few ideas to help Jen get started with composing.

Take a look at Ben’s Socials @dr_compost & Dr Compost on fb, Ben talks about Bokashi composting in his latest video.

We learn about two lesser-known Vitamins G & G. That’s right, Gratitude and Green, we take stock of just how beneficial being grateful and spending time outside is for our health.
Vegetable of the Week is Micro-greens.

Our new segment is ‘Snapshot’.  This is the spot where we connect with gardeners across the nation to uncover their latest endeavours and gardening adventures. 

This week kicks off with us talking to Dr Compost, Ben Elms.

We announce our winner of the weekly $20 Gift Voucher from Kings Seeds.

Shelley Franks @mumofarainbow 

And the Winner of the Gubba Moon Calendar Clock is….. Kate Grantley-Hogg, Congratulations to our winners, and huge thanks to our sponsors.

Sowing and Planting time - what should we be planting now?

Book of the Week - Your Well-being Garden and RHS publication.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Danilellé has so much valuable knowledge to share, so we sat back and gave her free rein to open our eyes and minds to her relevant and important subject matter.

We take a look at Autumn tasks in your 4 bed crop rotation system.

Braised Beds - the benefits and downsides 

Tea - Goldenrod

What to Sow and Plant in this phase of the moon.

Espaliered fruit trees, what you need to know.

Instagram of the week and winner of the $20 @kingsseedsnz voucher is Sarah from @mynzgarden to take a look at her Instagram account and support her gardening adventures.

Jen gets the giggles about Egyptian Walking Onions

Happy Gardening Ali and Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

The winner of our Kings Seeds Seasonal Gift Pack is Rebecca Teonea

The NZ Bulbs Pack goes to Linda- Marie Stokke

And the $20 Weekly Gift Voucher from Kings goes to Rachel Chamberlain 

Congratulations to you all, and huge thanks to Kings Seeds and NZ Bulbs

Yarrow Tea today - We dried the flowers when they were in peak bloom and have stored two jars for use over winter.

Jobs for the Week - so much information on this week's podcast - let’s get the garden looking great before winter.

Vegetable of the Week Broad Beans 

Xeriscaping plant of the Week Marlborough Rock Daisy - Pachystegia

Glossary Term - Dioecious

Garden Myths Website www.gardenmyths.com/coffee-grounds-garden-safe

Competition this week Gubba Moon Calendar Clock @gubbagardenstorenz You will need to listen to the podcast to find out the question, then email coach@yourgardencoach.nz to enter. Thank you to the team at Gubba for their kind gift.

Questions from YGC Listeners - Sandie asked about Lemon Verbena

Instagram account of the Week @teainapinkcup Rachel was the winner of our $20 Kings Seed voucher. Take a look at this “Real Gardener of New Zealand” Rachel has some fabulous images from her stunning garden.

Happy Gardening

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Beetroot - grow lots, it's so good for your blood. We focus on this vegetable today.

We talk to Paul Hoek from NZ Bulbs, what a delight, Paul tells us everything we need to know to grow gorgeous Spring bulbs. It’s ordering time for bulbs. Paul has a wonderful gift pack for us to give away in this week's competition.

Jane Wrigglesowrth’s Tummy-Taming Tea was supposed to be our tea of the week but time ran out! That’s life! So we talk about it as we drink my favourite Sage Tea.

NOTE: Yotam grows 365 ONIONS not CARROTS!! - my mind wandered as I was recording!

Books - The Everyday Herbalist by Jane Wrigglesworth her tea recipe is on page 164. If you haven’t got this book yet, What are you waiting for?

The Abundant Gardener by Yotam and Niva Kay. This book is always open on my desk, so much lovely information.

We update you on the task for this week in your garden if you follow the moons phases as a guide.

Kings Seeds Seasonal Prize Pack competition closes on 1st April. 

Enter our weekly Kings Seeds competetion to win a 40 Voucher - all you need to do is post a photo of something in your garden (good or sad) and sage @kingsseedsnz and @yourgardencoack_nz 

Happy Gardening

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Each message is welcomed and helps us to write the stories you’d like us to tell. Please keep your emails coming. 

Building this gardening community is heartwarming and very fulfilling. You are appreciated.

In this weeks episode we talk to Charlotte from Kings Seeds. A family-owned small business, run with expertise and passion. We’ve discovered our values align well with Charlotte and her team. We both aim to bring encouragement and support to home gardeners.

Charlotte gives us a few suggestions as to what seeds we can start both in the vegetable and flower garden, some of her favourite flowers, and we have a competition for you. A Seasonal Gift basket that Kings Seeds have put together for us. Be sure to listen and enter.

Also, Kings Seeds are offering a $20 gift voucher every week.

Our vegetable of the week is the humble onion - fairly easy to grow and much appreciated in most home-cooked meals. Discover how you can feed your onions so they, in turn, can feed you.

It’s Autumn Equinox today 20th March, at precisely 4.06pm - What is the Autumn Equinox? and how can you celebrate this special event? 

Tea of the week Rose, Lavender, and Cardamom, a relaxing tea.

Sow and plant until 22nd then cultivate your soil, add lots of lovely nutrients to replenish those that have fed your summer vegetables.

Time to plant Brassicas, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Broccoli.

Cauliflower, Celery, lettuce, silverbeet, snow peas on your windowsill, and the last sowing of Spring onions for the season.

Book of the week - The Allergy-Fighting Garden, how to create a garden for those who suffer with allergies

Victoria from Cromwell asked how we care for herbs over winter…

Glossary - Evapotranspiration, the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere.

Be sure to enjoy your garden tasks and reap the many rewards.

Happy gardening

Ali and Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

What a week! - The Wanaka A&P Show was a huge success, Jen and Ali won a few prizes in the Home Industries Sections Including 1st Place for our Scarecrows.

This week we talk about Wildlife in the Autumn Garden

We bust some Tomato Myths

And we have quite a long list of jobs this week.

The Moon is Waxing which is ideal sowing and planting time.

So make yourself a cup of Ginger and Lemongrass tea and let’s get learning.

Glossary term - Cold Frame - a place to grow winter food if you don’t have a glasshouse.

Book - Zero Waste by Ben Raskin - Wanaka Public Library book

Instagram Account of the Week - @kingsseeds You love the new look and it’s packed with information.

Winner of the Honey Bee Pests and Diseases book by the very lovely Robert Owen, is…Di from Lake Hawea. 

Happy Gardening 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Harvesting is in full swing, pickling, preserving, and so much fresh produce to share.

Autumn tasks include mulching, and choosing bulbs for Spring colour, always a favourite pastime. Keeping those roses going - deadheading and removing any diseased leaves from the area.

Your pumpkins will need plenty of water, and mound up those Yams to keep the sun off the tubers.

Collect good quality seeds and store them carefully - remember to label them. And drop some into your local seed library.

ROOT CROP sowing 6th & 7th March. Radishes, carrots, onions and spring onions.

And give your fruit trees an end-of-season prune.

From the 8th - 11th March It's 'cultivate' time - make lots of lovely compost, and add nutrient-rich organic matter to your beds in readiness for sowing and planting.

We talk a bit about Rose care.

We share the benefits of growing Marigolds as a cover crop.

Thank you to the lovely listeners who write in with their feedback - we appreciate you.

Glossary - Nematode

Book - ‘The Last Garden of England’ Julia Kelly recommended by Meriam

Instagram account of the Week @clausdarby for all your bulb inspiration.

Have a great week - Happy Gardening

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Roberts publishers, Exile Publishing, have kindly donated a copy of ‘Honey Bee Pests and Diseases’ - A Complete Guide to Prevention and Management. Detailed chapters, illustrated with numerous photographs and diagrams, as well as other health-related problems a bee colony might face. An easy-to-comprehend, ‘must-have’ book for both the home and professional bee-keeper.

We catch up on the Moon Calendar tasks for this week. Root Crops sowing on 28th February, the last chance to sow before winter.

What to do with the dribble of milk left in your carton? A great source of calcium for your plants.

Veg of the Week is Pak Choi Green Ace F1 from @kingsseeds 

Book of the Week ‘Soil’, by Matthew Evans ‘A love letter to Mother Earth’

We answer Berit’s garden questions - what do we do with volunteer plants?

Instagram Account of the Week @saintclairflowers beautiful arrangements with prints available. Do take a look.

‘Oley’ tomatoes from Heritage Food Crops Research Centre feature once again - they are delicious.

Happy Gardening

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Keren designed a wonderful Crop Rotation Poster that Ali has been referring to for about 10 years - it’s a gem

Keren has kindly gifted a poster to one of our listeners - Listen in to hear how you can win.

Jen and Ali enjoyed fresh apple tea - this delicious drink made with fresh apple juice, a splash of lemon juice, and topped up with boiling water was absolutely delicious. Ideal on a cooler morning.

How can Epsom Salts help in the garden?

Gardening by the Moon - this week we are busy sowing and planting above-ground vegetables.

 Xeriscaping plant to add to your dry garden - Perovskia - Russian Sage, this is a beautiful addition to your garden

Happy Gardening

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

joins us and talks all about the variety of products we can add to improve our soil.

We mentioned the book - 'The Intelligent Gardener' by Steve Soloman

Seed libraries - all you need to know 

Garden tasks this week - Sowing and Planting for winter crops.

Tea - Bee balm… not one of our favourites

Chelsea chop - Jen discovers this is not a dance move!

Vegetable of the week - Kohlrabi

Green - Early White Vienna, Grand Duke & Green Duke

Purple - Purple Vienna, Early Purple Vienna & Purple Azure

We highlight a Xeriscaping plant - Curry Plant / Helichrysum italicum

Pest plants in the Otago region and what to do if you discover any (contact biosecurtiy@orc.govt.nz  

orc.govt.nz/pesthub 

Auckland Seed Saving Society (see Facebook for more details)

Happy Gardening

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Liz Buggs joins us to talk about the Wanaka A&P Show schedule - Do get involved with your local A&P Show, they are a wonderful annual event that reminds us of the benefits of getting together as a community in a very wholesome way.

'Edible Flowers' that brighten our plates and tastebuds, is our main topic this week.

Our Tea of choice today is Lemon balm with a dash of basil - a relaxing/calming brew

For each cup you will need the top growth of both lemon balm and basil - about 6-8 pairs of leaves. Add to a teapot with boiling water and this recipe calls for a long steep of about 15 minutes so employ your tea cosy.

Garden happenings, 6th & 7th Root crop direct sowing

8th-11th Cultivate period.

12th onwards Sowing and planting above-ground fruiting vegetables.

Army Worm Moth and what to do when you find them.

Book - Which Native Plant Can I Grow Here - Andrew Crowe

We introduce a new segment LISTENERS QUESTIONS - Shelley from the Far North wrote to us with a question about purple beans and how to freeze them.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Garden tasks this week - we are in the Barren Period until the 6th & 7th when it’s the ideal time to direct sowing root crops.

Todays Tea is a 'blend', suited to enjoying after a big meal, as a digestif

1 tsp dried mint leaves

1 tsp fennel seeds

1 tsp dried ginger root (I used fresh and it was lovely) Also very tasty served iced.

Add boiling water and steep for 8-10 mins

Our Vegetable of the week is the Tokyo Turnip

Glossary Term - Cultivar - A cultivar is a kind of cultivated plant that growers have selected for desired genetic traits and which retains those traits when propagated. the reason for this is to develop certain characteristics for example productivity, growth rate, beauty (flowers), and resistance to certain diseases. The term Variety is also used interchangeably with cultivar.

Book - RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Your Wellbeing Garden - How to make your garden good for you. 

Happy Gardening 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

A little late uploading this time so the dates are slightly off (apologies - Life got in the way) 

Today we talk about water retention in your Summer garden - water restrictions are now in place here in Central Otago, we find out how to make the most of every available drop (and Ali gets a bit grumpy at the excessive irrigation mismanagement around here!)

We enjoy a raspberry leaf tea using leaves from Jen's abundant raspberry patch.

Cultivate phase of the moon Calendar - what are our garden tasks?

Root Crop Sowing on 29th and 30th January

Vegetable of the week is Silverbeet/Swiss chard - what’s the difference?

Instagram account of the Week - @blue_borage

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We interview  Erin Allison, Grower, and owner/operator of Harvest Homegrown in Hawea. Erin generously shares a wealth of vegetable-growing knowledge gained over the last eight years growing food for her weekly subscribers.

Erin talks about her regular hands-on workshops where attendees learn season-relevant, vegetable garden tasks and tricks

Our tea of the day is delicious, refreshing, Sage - so easy to pick a few leaves of this year-round perennial.

We’re in the Cultivate period of the moon calendar until the 13th, then from the 14th of January, it's all go with seed sowing and seedling transplanting.

Windowsill gardening - remember to succession sow your micro sprouts 

Our Vegetable of the week is Garlic - how could we manage without this wonderful staple

Book of the Week - Erin recommends her favourite Winter Vegetable gardening book - The Winter Harvest Handbook by Eliot Coleman A very informative guide but do remember it's aimed at Northern Hemisphere gardening so you will have to adjust the months.

Instagram of the week @harvesthomegrown

Glossary - angustifolium - The numerous long narrow leaves scattered along stems (Latin for narrow-leaved). Example Lavender 

We catch up with Raych from Auckland as she updates us with the most recent ‘find’ in her garden - we love garden bloopers and ‘funnies’ so keep them coming.

Thank you for your lovely feedback, which is very much appreciated.

Happy Gardening   
Jen and Ali

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Our big concern here in Central Otago is WATERING!!! We’re parched and any rain we have been receiving has barely wet the surface. This is why we MULCH liberally, it really does help retain moisture around the roots.

In today's episode - 

We enjoy a simple cup of Lemon Tea, lemons always uplift my mood, even just to look at them.

We talk about this week's garden tasks - What was that about fish scraps?…

Plan for sowing root crops on 8th & 9th January.

Propagation by layering is a technique to grow new plants from existing plants in your garden.

Are you renting and are a wanna-be gardener - we can help… Container gardening is not as tricky as you might think.

One of my favourite books - this week we talk about The Dry Garden by Beth Chatto When water becomes precious you’ll find wonderful ideas for Xeriscaping (dry gardening) in this book.

Take a look at the @bethchattogardens account on Instagram for more information.

Congratulations to Claire for winning the beautiful Garden Journal by @madison_coulter_artist This 10-year journal will bring clarity and purpose to your gardening.

Happy gardening, 

Ali and Jen

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Stats show You Garden Coach is now in the top 25% of podcast ‘tune-ins’ in New Zealand - for this, we thank you all. Do keep sharing our Instagram and FB posts to “Grow” the listener base - thank you.

More Foraged Tea, this week the Mullein is looking beautiful growing in the wild and it’s peak picking time for tea and medicine.

Madison Coulter talks to us about relocating to NZ from Canada, her fine art, passion for growing her own food. She tells us all about her beautiful Journal

Madison has kindly gifted a Garden Journal to one of our listeners - email us to enter the competition.

It’s Sowing and Planting time - lots of plants going into the ground now just remember to keep everything well watered and fed.

Our main topic Perennial Herbs - ideal for the new gardener and cook.

Instagram account of the week -@madison_coulter_artist

Check out her unbelievable pet portraits.

Book - Madison Coulter - Garden Journal

https://madisoncoulterfineart.com/products/presale-a-gardeners-journal-10-year-record-book-journal

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

We talk about this week's garden jobs - be sure to listen to the most current episode first. From the 15th of December, we are back into sowing and panting.

Our vegetable of the week is Kale

When to take cuttings  - we all love free plants

Our guest this week is the lovely Jane Wrigglesworth - her new book The Everyday Herbalist is an absolute must-have in your library and contains detailed information on 30 herbs - Jane would have liked to include 60 herbs (hopefully there's another book in the pipeline).

So much practical advice on how to make teas, tinctures, balms, ointments, poultices, and much more. 

You will be amazed at how easy it i to make natural cleaning products too.

The Glossary this week is all about the botanical names for colours.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Garden happenings for this week according to the moon calendar.

Aphids - what do we do about them?

Instagram account of the week - @she.grows.stuff 

Glossary - Cloche - a bell-shaped cover that protects your seedlings from birds and rabbits (and dogs).

The not-so-secret life of goats - little troublemakers! 

We draw the ‘Hands In The Dirt’ Book giveaway - congratulations Raych Foye 

And, we keep you up to date with the Noticeboard.

All this over a cup of Rose Petal and Vanilla tea.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

 
In todays episode:
- Elderflower Tea
- Does birdsong stimulate plant growth?

And we talk with the wonderful Leah Evans about her first book 'Hands in the Dirt' - there's a competition to win a copy. 

Garden Happenings this week
-succession planting
-catmint mosquito repellant
-cabbage white butterflies
-tomato care

Vegetable of the week - Globe Artichoke

Glossary - Floiar Feeding

We draw the winners of the Secret Gardens of Aotearoa book 

and the winner of the potato giveaway from Mege Mitre 10 Wanaka

Recipe for Pickled Radishes

• 4 bunches red radishes
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2½ tablespoons cane sugar
• 1 tablespoons sea salt
• ½ teaspoon mixed peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds

Thinly slice the radishes (or halve them, if you prefer), and divide between about 4 jars.

 The amount of radishes and brine used may vary based on the size and shape of your jars and how you slice your radishes.

Heat the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve, about 1 minute. Pour the brine over the radishes, then stir in the peppercorns and mustard seeds. Let cool and chill until ready to use. Pickled radish slices will be ready to eat in about 1 hour, radish halves are best when pickled overnight.
Store in the fridge

Artichoke Pizza from Nadia Lim - no link on the internet but you'll find the recipe in Nadia's book Fresh Start and it's delicious

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Today we talk to Jane Mahoney, Jane, along with her daughter Sophie Bannan has written a beautiful book 'Secret Gardens of Aotearoa. Ali has a personal attachment to this book as her garden, Crosshill, features along with eleven other New Zealand gardens. Stunning photography, and plenty of tips from humble home gardeners. We know you'll love it as much as we do.

We have a copy to giveaway - listen to the podcast for the question you need to answer and enter by emailing coach@yourgardencoach.nz

Garden tasks this week - Planting and sowing then from 26th it's tidy-up time.

We take a look at the potato - everything you need to know to grow a great crop.

And we announce the winner of our first book giveaway.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Today we talk about - 

Borage Tea

What are Cucurbits?

Square Meter Gardening

We have the privilege of talking to Yotam and Niva Kay from Pākaraka Permaculture

Book - One Magic Square - Lolo Houbein

Our very first Giveaway book - The Abundant Gardener published by Allen and Unwin

Listen to the podcast for competition details (open to NZ listeners only - sorry) send your answers to coach@yourgardencoach.nz

Glossary - Biointensive - A method of organic gardening that focuses on growing a lot of food in a small space. This method focuses on the quality of your homemade soils via amendments, and crops supporting each other

Instagram account of the week - @pakaraka_permaculture

Recipe - Zucchini and Corn Fritter

https://www.recipecommunity.com.au/side-dishes-recipes/corn-and-zucchini-fritters/rkxqt5yi-0ed31-841965-cfcd2-ie5php48

Huge thanks to everyone who attended the ‘Secret Gardens of Aotearoa’ book launch at Crosshill Garden, the weather was perfect, and it was wonderful to see 75 avid gardeners wandering around the garden. We will plan another Garden Party because this one was so much fun.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this episode, we discuss Square Foot Gardening 

We share recipes for Weed Tea Fertiliser and Compost Tea fertiliser.

Todays tea is made from spring Hawthorn leaves and blossom

It’s Root Crop sowing time on 9th & 10th November 2023

Jen tells us just how many seeds the sunflower can produce on each head.

Book - Square Foot Gardening - Mel Bartholomew

Instagram account of the week @forageandfeast

There’s still time to get tickets for the Secret Gardens Book Launch at Ali’s garden this Sunday 12th November 2023

https://events.humanitix.com/secret-gardens-of-aotearoa-book-launch-garden-party-at-crosshill-garden

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this episode, we place the spotlight on Leeks

 What on earth is Hugelkultur?

 And it’s Tomato Time…

 We take a look at 

Garden tasks this week

Gardening by the Moon Calendar

Glossary Term – Square Foot Gardening

How to buy your tickets for the ‘Secret Gardens of Aotearoa’ book launch at Crosshill Garden 

https://humanitix.com/nz/search?skipPrefillLocation=true&query=Secret+Gardens+&locationQuery=Wānaka&lat=-44.6942992&lng=169.1417356&plId=ChIJby3suR1G1akR4MF5hIbvAAU

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this episode we talk about - 

• Garden tasks this week - planting time
• Spinach - growing notes
• Food Forests and the Layering System
• Codling Moth treatment for fruit trees
• Companion Planting

Garden Tea recipe - Lemon balm, rosemary, ginger and lemon. 

Book of the Week The Joy of Gardening Lynda Hallinan

Glossary - Hugelkulture - Mound or Hill Culture gardening. We’ll go into more detail next week.

Instagram account of the week - sustainable_garden_project

The Tui Garden Planting Calendar 

https://tuigarden.co.nz/planting-calendar

Visit Ali’s garden  - book a 1½ hour hosted garden tour via 

https://secretgardens.co.nz/garden/crosshill-garden/

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this episode, we talk about-

•  Companion planting
• Sow and plant phase of the moon 
• What does Perennial mean?
• Where and how do I sow seeds?
• And we talk once again to Jess and Anna - Two Sisters, One Garden about their Deep Scratch Composting technique and how they employ the hens to do all the hard work.

Book of the Week Rebel Gardening by Alessandro Vitale
Instagram of the week @_spicymoustache_

Tea - Mint, nice, and simple - just pick about 10 leaves per cup and add boiling water. try experimenting with other seeds, leaves, and flowers to create your very own special blend, but do let us know your favourites.

Local Events Pop along to Grow Wanaka on Outlet Road or Hawea Food Forest on Domain Road, Hawea Flat this Saturday. They both have working bees from 10am-12 Learn, grow, socialise, and take some time to ground yourself after your busy week. 

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

In this episode, we talk to Jess and Anna, Two sisters, One garden in Hawea Flat

We’ll take a look at:

• Garden tasks this week
• Gardening by the Moon Calendar
• Tips for growing great carrots
• Chop and Drop

Book of the week - Hands in the Dirt: Grow your own Kai - Leah Evans. Publisher Allen & Unwin

Instagram account of the week @mrs.evan.garden

Glossary - 

Dibber - A dibber is a long, stick-like tool used to make holes for seeds and seedlings to make sure they are sufficiently buried in the soil without damage. The width of a dibber will vary and thinner dibbers are best suited to sowing seeds and cuttings, while planting small bulbs requires a thicker tool. They usually have a measure along the side.

Widger - 

A widger is a small, metal instrument shaped like a spatula, It’s used to lift out seedlings and rooted cuttings with minimal damage – it is inserted into the growing medium so it scoops under the delicate roots and pushes them up from below, rather than them being pulled from above. 

Today's ‘Garden Tea’ recipe - Dandelion Tea recipe on our Instagram page 

Carrot Pesto - wash carrot tops and dry off a little. Add to blender with olive oil, pine or walnuts, parmesan or vegan cheese and blend - no quantities here - just involve your tastebuds in the process.

Carrot skin snack - wash then peel carrots into a bowl, add a splash of olive oil a salt, mix well, place on a baking tray, pop into a warm oven, and crisp - don’t burn! They will store (so I’m told) in an airtight jar, but in my house, they are eaten immediately.

You can find us @yourgardencoach_nz

http://yourgardencoach.nz   Still under construction but we’re working on it.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

• Garden tasks this week - Sowing Root Crops
• Grouping your vegetables into ‘families’ in order to create a 4 Bed, Crop Rotation Plan. This method helps prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil, keeps your soil healthy, and in turn each ‘family’ prepares the soil for the next rotation
• Perennial Vegetable Beds - crops that stay in the same garden bed each year.
• We look at the dreaded Spring Stinging Nettles - they are wonderfully nutritious in many recipes

Book of the week - New Zealand Gardener Annual Garden Diary - An annual ‘must have’.

Glossary - Crop rotation

Todays “garden Tea’ recipe - Calendula and Mint 
Combine and store in an airtight jar - and remember to label the ingredients
1 ½ cups dried mint
½ cup dried calendula petals
½ cup fennel seeds
¼ cup dried ginger root
Honey to sweeten (otional)

Add 1 teaspoon of your blend per person to a tea pot, with boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain into a china cup (of course) and enjoy.

   Instagram accounts of the week - @yourgardencoach_nz  @crosshill_garden

Local garden events - 'Grow Wānaka’ Saturday working bee See details - Grow Wānaka on Facebook

http://yourgardencoach.nz  Still under construction but we’re working on it.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz

Welcome to the very first episode of Your Garden Coach. 

In this ‘Introduction’ episode we will give an overview of what we aim to achieve in our series. 

A garden podcast dedicated to beginner and intermediate gardeners who are keen to learn how to grow healthy, nutritious vegetables for their family.

• We will discover what the term ‘Kitchen Garden’ means. 
• How we begin to understand our individual vegetable requirements. 
• A sample of a wide variety of vegetable growing methods.
• A selection of tools we will need.
• And we will talk a little about collecting ingredients for your homemade compost.

Support the show

You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz and follow us on socials @yourgardencoachnz