Send us a text 🌸 Spring is in the Air! 🌸 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 y…

Send us a text 🌸 Spring is Here, and Your Garden is Ready to Thrive! 🌸 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 …

Send us a text 🌸 Spring is Springing! 🌸 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 …

Send us a text 🌱 Spring Season 2, Episode 3 is Live! 🎧 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: De…

Send us a text 🌼 Spring Season 2, Episode 2 is LIVE! 🎧 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-ima…

Send us a text 🌿 Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1! 🌿 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 talk…

Send us a text Wow, we've completed our 1st year of Podcasting. Spring Episodes, Series 2 start next week and we are refreshing our content for you to enjoy. 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 Please follow our …

Are you ready for some football? In this episode, I talk with Steve Fence, Head Football Coach @New Egypt High School. We chart Coach Fence's 26 year coaching journey from its inception when he stopped by a football practice at his alma mater, his climb up the coaching ladder from a volunteer to becoming a head coach, delegating responsibilities am…

Send us a text It's good to be home, but wow what a wonderful trip. So good to be back in the studio with Jen. Tomatoes are the talk of gardeners right now - when to get them started?? And other useful information. Yarrow and Mint Tea, dried and stored last season. Moon Calendar - Waxing Moon - Root Crop sowing NOW Book 'Broccoli and Other Love Sto…

Send us a text Stinging nettle tea - it's so good for you. Cultivate 17th to 20th August. Sow Root Crops 21-22 then again28th & 29th We talk about cabbages this week. Book reference "Secrets of Longevity" Dr Maoshing Ni Ali reports from L'Escargot Errant - The Wandering Snail Winner of this week's $20 Voucher Bronwyn @bees.picton.garden Huge thanks…

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Goldsmith, Head Men's Basketball Coach at The College of New Jersey. Since taking over the TCNJ program Coach Goldsmith has delivered two NJAC Championships in 2020 and this past season. The 2020 championship was the first one for the program since the 1998 season. Coach Goldsmith details his experiences winnin…

Send us a text Thank you for joining us again for your weekly dose of gardening chat. 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 un…

Send us a text This week we continue our glass house topic, and we discuss the Walipini 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 …

Send us a text Spring sowing is beginning around the country, We will take a look at some early options. 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 f…

Send us a text It's hard to believe were are releasing episode 40. This time last year the podcast was alive only in my mind. We have been delighted so many of you are enjoying our weekly garden updates. A huge thank you to those of you who are contributing to the costs. If you are in a position to help visit Buzzsprout.com - Your Garden Coach, (or…

In this episode, I chop it up with Nick Scalzo, Head Softball Coach at Marlboro High School. Nick is coming off a state championship in 2023 and a Sectional Title in 2024. Coach Scalzo talks about growing up playing "stoop ball" in Brooklyn, NY; coaching underneath his mentor Don Panzarella @South Plainfield; decision-making in high pressure, high …

In this episode, I catch up with New Egypt High School alum and Vanderbilt University Football Special Teams Analyst, Shane Gallant. Shane details his rise from student manager at Bowling Green State University, to being on staff at Washington State and Mississippi State with the late, legendary college football coach Mike Leach. While at MSU their…

Send us a text It appears that over Winter our Episode releases each week are a little later than anticipated. Let's roll with that for the time being. A full episode this week updating your current winter tasks, yes there is plenty to keep you motivated and enjoying the benefits of being in the garden even if winter days are shorter (and cooler). …

Send us a text Happy Winter Solstice, by the time you are listening to this episode (late again), you will be on the right side of the season, heading straight towards Spring. On the other hand, here in France, where Summer is yet to arrive, we've received incredible quantities of rain every day. We fitted actual floodgates at a friends house this …

Send us a text Once again we apologise for the delay in releasing this episode. We will try harder. 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…

Send us a text Apologies once again for the delay in uploading the podcast - I am definitely on French time. Another RHS Chelsea report today. Hope you enjoy it. Stay warm, but do get your hands in the dirt as often as you can, it will make you feel good. Ali Support the show You can contact us at coach@yourgardencoach.nz Please follow our Instagra…

Send us a text A special report from RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week. Ali was incredibly fortunate to be invited into one of the Show Gardens to interview the designers. What a surreal experience to be recording the very talented Dido Milne and Sophie Parmenter in the garden they designed for The National Autistic Society. An enveloping, safe and…

Send us a text Hello listeners, I am currently in transit and technology is getting the better of me. I've finally managed to upload this week's podcast but... I cant get my notes to update you on what is in the podcast. So, you will have a lovely surprise. Hoping to update this blurb when I get settled in France. In the meantime, happy listening a…

Send us a text This week, by popular request, we give some tips on what to record in your diaries to make the most of your observations and assist with forward planning. We have two guests this week, Phoebe Atkinson from @nga_kaupeka, Phoebe is a founding member of the Secret Gardens of Aotearoa group and the strength behind the very successful For…

Send us a text Rosehip and Pine needle foraged tea 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 p…

Send us a text Tea - Kānuka A New Zealand Native 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 …

Send us a text A busy week this week… Lots of Autumn tasks coming up. 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 fab…

Send us a text We enjoy a cup of Dried Yarrow and Mint tea today - it’s a winner, Jen loves it. 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. …

Send us a text Postgraduate Researcher Daniellé du Plooy shares with us her studies into The Future of Food Systems in Aotearoa New Zealand and the role of key stakeholders’ in shaping that future. Daniellé aims to highlight the diversity of values, opportunities, visions and concerns about the future of food in NZ, Danilellé has so much valuable k…

Send us a text What a week for competitions woohoo! 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 whe…

Send us a text In this week's episode: 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 compet…

Send us a text I might take a moment to thank our listeners for joining us each week and for the lovely feedback you give us. 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 epis…

Send us a text Podcast Episode 24 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 ide…

Send us a text It’s Autumn, and there's lots happening in the garden and kitchen. 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 ar…

Send us a text Robert Owen is a delight to listen to, a gentleman beekeeper. With a PhD in Varroa, and having been a beekeeper for 25 years, Robert is a mine of common sense beekeeping advice. Roberts publishers, Exile Publishing, have kindly donated a copy of ‘Honey Bee Pests and Diseases’ - A Complete Guide to Prevention and Management. Detailed …

Send us a text This week we enjoyed talking with Keren Mackay, aka The Professional Country Woman. 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 del…

Send us a text Hamish from Seacliff Organics @seaclifforganics 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 fa…

Send us a text Are you still confused about gardening by the moon? Let’s talk a bit about why we promote this age-old practice. 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 whole…

Send us a text Today we discuss Soil Testing and soil amending. A fascinating subject, we barely scratch the surface of the topic but we will have a follow-up discussion with Hamish from Seacliff Organics later in the month. 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…

Send us a text Podcast Episode 17 now available 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 a…

Send us a text A soothing Chamomile Tea to enjoy whilst listening to Jen and Ali ramble on about - Bitter lettuce issues Seed germination tests Vegetable of the week - Cucumber What is happening in the garden this week Windfall apples - don't waste them Book of the Week - Herbs - Herb Gardening from the Ground Up - Sal Gilbertie & Larry Sheehan Ins…

Send us a text In today's episode 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, vegetab…

Send us a text Happy New Year to our lovely listeners. Gosh, it’s hot, gardening is happening early in the morning and after dinner these days, definitely not during the day. 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 do…

Send us a text We wish our listeners a very Merry Christmas and a happy start to the New Year. Many listeners have told us they will be binge-listening to catch up on our podcasts. Do remember to listen to the most recent podcast first. Stats show You Garden Coach is now in the top 25% of podcast ‘tune-ins’ in New Zealand - for this, we thank you a…

Send us a text Foraged Tea - today we try Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) which grows abundantly in our district. I think I've found a new favourite. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, and if surgery is coming up. 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 …

Send us a text Feeding the soil that feeds your tomatoes - we learn how to make homemade tomato fertiliser. 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 (a…

Send us a text Episode 10 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…

Send us a text 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 yo…

Send us a text 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 N…

Send us a text 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 …