Wild Foraging – What I Enjoy
Gosh, I must have eyes like a hawk! It makes my husband laugh when I’m driving and suddenly spot something—“Did she just freeze?” Nope, I’m froozing or shrooming! That’s my slang for foraging and mushrooming while on the move—whether I’m behind the wheel or riding shotgun.
Boysenberries: Big Harvests, Low Effort – A True “Bang for Your Buck”.
Boysenberries are one of those classic New Zealand summer treasures—big, juicy, sweet-tart berries that thrive in our climate and reward even a small backyard with incredible harvests. Whether you’re growing on a lifestyle block or tucking a row along a fence in town, boysenberries are one of the easiest and most productive berries you can grow. Here’s how to plant, care for, and enjoy this generous berry bush in your NZ garden. 🌱 Why Grow Boysenberries? Huge yields from j
Does Tallow Soap Harm a Septic Tank? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
During one of my recent soapmaking workshops, a lovely participant shared that her plumber advised never to let fat go down the sink because it’s on a septic tank. A fair concern — and one I hear often. But here’s the good news: Tallow soap is completely safe for septic systems. Let’s walk through this in a simple, homestead-friendly way. To boost the post’s SEO, include a keyword in the title. 🌿 Soapmaking 101: What Actually Happens to the Oils? When we make soap, the oils
Growing Blueberries at Home: Planting, Feeding & Caring for These Little Powerhouses
Blueberries are one of those wonderful plants that happily earn their place in any homestead garden. They’re beautiful, productive, nutrient-dense, and surprisingly easy to grow once you understand what they like. Whether you’ve got a small suburban backyard or a full homestead block, a couple of blueberry bushes can keep you in fresh, juicy fruit throughout summer—and give you enough extra for freezing, preserving, or baking. Here’s everything you need to know to plant and c
"Stink" & "True Cost"
“If you’re interested in living more consciously, two documentaries I recommend are Stink! and The True Cost. Stink! looks at the hidden chemicals in everyday products and why transparency matters, while The True Cost exposes the real impact of fast fashion on people and the planet. Both offer a powerful reminder to question what we buy and choose more mindfully.”
Preserving & Canning: A Simple Way to Save Money, Reduce Waste, and Eat Well All Year
There’s something incredibly satisfying about lining jars on the pantry shelf—each one a small snapshot of a season, a harvest, or a bargain you couldn’t pass up. Whether you grow your own food or stock up when produce is cheap and abundant, preserving and canning are beautiful, practical skills that help you build a more resilient and healthy home. In our fast-paced world, these old-fashioned skills are becoming relevant again. And the truth is: anyone can learn them. Why Pr
The Life Cycle of a Ladybug: Nature’s Little Garden Guardians
If you’ve been out in the garden lately and spotted clusters of bright red beetles or tiny alligator-shaped larvae, congratulations—you’ve got ladybugs! These little helpers are one of the best organic pest-control allies we can have. I’ve had quite a few appear naturally this season, and I’ve even added to the workforce by purchasing extra ladybug eggs from Bioforce , a fantastic New Zealand company supporting home gardeners and growers. Whether you’re growing roses, veggies
🌱 Companion Planting in New Zealand
Grow healthier plants, boost your harvests, and create a resilient, chemical-free garden . Companion planting is one of the oldest gardening traditions — pairing certain plants together so they support each other. In New Zealand’s unique climate, where we garden through four seasons, sudden cold snaps, and a huge range of pests (whitefly, aphids, cabbage butterflies, psyllids, slugs, and more), companion planting becomes an incredibly useful tool. Whether you grow in pots, ra
🌿 12 Shade-Loving Vegetables to Grow (Only Need Up to 4 Hours of Sun!)
Perfect for small gardens, side yards, patios, and cool NZ climates Not every gardener has a sun-soaked backyard — and that’s perfectly fine. Many edible plants actually prefer cooler conditions and grow just as well (or better!) in partial shade . Whether your garden gets morning light only, dappled shade under trees, or just a few hours of sunshine a day, you can still grow a thriving harvest. Here are 12 easy vegetables (and herbs) from your list that grow beautifully in
Radishes: The Fastest, Freshest Crop in Your Garden
If you’re looking for a crop that’s delicious, reliable, and incredibly fast to grow, radishes are your new best friend. They’re one of the easiest vegetables for beginners, a great way to fill gaps between slow-growing crops, and a surprisingly versatile addition to the kitchen. Whether eaten fresh, pickled, roasted, or tossed into salads, radishes add a crisp, peppery freshness that brightens any meal. Let’s dive into how to grow them, what varieties to try, how to pair the
