Companion planting
An introduction to the real scientific principles behind the idea of companion planting.
The garden in winter 2025
A wander around the garden highlights in winter 2025.
May in the garden
Winter planting begins, and it’s time to start tidying up your patch from the summer months.
April in the garden
Establishing winter brassica, securing seed garlic, tiding up strawberries, and harvesting pip fruit.
March in the garden
Planting begins for cooler months and harvest continues for summer crops. Time to prune the stone fruit too.
February in the garden
Summer crops come in thick and need storing. Seed saving for next year begins while your earlier plantings continue.
January in the garden
In January, the biggest task is usually dealing with pests. Also, planting leeks.
September in the garden
Heading into spring the garden jobs begin to build up. Find out what needs doing in September.
White Cabbage Butterfly
A deep dive into white butterfly—one of the most common and destructive pests in Kiwi gardens.
August in the garden
We’re at the tail-end of winter rolling towards spring, and things are heating back up.
July in the garden
Winter might be upon us, but there’s still plenty to do in the garden.
June in the garden
Winter doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in the garden. Find out what needs doing, and what can be planted in June.
Winter gardening in the Far North
It’s time to tidy the strawberries, plant garlic, and prepare for potatoes.
Autumn garden update
As we hurtle towards winter, I’m working away in my garden to get it ready for next summer.
Getting over garden overwhelm
Gaining a focus on turning around the garden for another season.
About Kat
Kat is a gardener and purrveyor of Kat's Nip. Most Sundays she writes about her life on her lifestyle block in Te Hiku (Far North), New Zealand.
