Blog
Weekly tales from The Outpost.
Making joy
The world is a lot right now, so I took some time to create some joy in it.
November in the garden
It’s full-steam ahead on all your fresh summer faves.
Four reasons to dig up your compost bin
When was the last time you lifted up your compost bin to see what it’s been up to?
Paper wasps in New Zealand
Polistes paper wasps are introduced pests in New Zealand gardens. Or are they?
The New Zealand Whole Earth Catalogue
Why and how I collected the complete set of The New Zealand Whole Earth Catalogues.
Befores and afters
A look at how far we’ve come since we purchased The Outpost.
An update post
A collection of updates about eggs, chickens, worms, weather, and garlic.
Planting comfrey under fruit trees
Organic farmers know comfrey as a ‘dynamic accumulator’ – bringing deeply buried nutrients to the surface to feed my fruit trees.
Cleaning up my rusty tools
It’s pruning season but my tools are rusty and I can’t afford new ones. So I tried cleaning them up with vinegar.
How to make your own pruning paste
Pruning paste is helpful for keeping your fruit trees healthy after pruning.
Gardening equipment you won’t regret
Some of my favourite pieces of equipment for taking your garden to the next level.
Sponge-top pudding
Use your fruit harvests by making this simple comforting dessert on these dark winter nights.
Winter gardening in the Far North
It’s time to tidy the strawberries, plant garlic, and prepare for potatoes.
Eating water-glassed eggs
An attempt to avoid buying eggs as our chicken’s production drops off.
Tidying my garden shed
My garden shed is (once again) a mess! Time to tidy it up.
In-ground worm farming
This week I installed some new worm farms directly in the garden.
4 things to consider before buying fruit trees
You’ve finally got a place to plant fruit trees – but there’s dozens at the garden centre! Which one do you buy?
The International Year of Millets
The UN has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets, so I tried growing some millet.
Autumn garden update
As we hurtle towards winter, I’m working away in my garden to get it ready for next summer.
My first peanut harvest
My first peanut harvest is in!
Pam and Tommy
Six weeks ago we welcomed two new occupants in our zoo – Pam and Tommy.
Apple crumble
My favourite way to use our apple harvest.