Your Garden Coach NZ
Guiding keen new gardeners to become confident vegetable growers no matter the size of your garden or your skill level.We aim to share tips and tricks to help you grow healthy, nutrient-rich vegetables.Based in the Central Otago region of New Zealand.Happy gardening
S3 Ep 6
This Week on Your Garden Coach NZ
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<...
S3 Ep 5 Spinach
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 - h...
S3 Ep 4 Potatoes
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
S3 Ep 3 Blueberries and Raspberries
Right Plant, Right Place – Root Crops & Berries
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 ne...
Season 3 Episode 2
Episode Summary
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...
Season 3 Ep 1 Spring Equinox and a New Beginning
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
Autumn Season 2 Episode 28
🎉🌿 New Episode Out Now! 🌿🎉
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!
#New...
Autumn Season 2 Episode 27
🍂🎧 New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎧🍂
Brew yourself a cup of Warming Autumn Spiced Tea and settle in!
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 a...
Autumn Season 2 Episode 26
🌿 Let's Chat Gardens Over a Cup of Kawakawa Tea! 🌿
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 Co...Autumn Season 2 Episode 25
🎧 New Episode Out Now!
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 di...
Autumn Season 2 Episode 24
🎧 New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🌱
It's sowing and planting time, and we've got you covered with inspiration for your winter food garden
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 sho...
Autumn Season 2 Episode 23
🌿🎙️ This Week’s Podcast! 🎙️🌿
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
Seasonal listening tip: No matter where you are in the world...
Autumn Season 2 Episode 22
🌿🎙️ Today's Podcast Episode! 🎙️🌿
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
Support the show
Autumn Season 2 Episode 21
🌿🎙️ New Podcast Episode – Season 2, Episode 21! 🎙️🌿
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
Support the show
Season 2 Autumn Episode 20
🌿🎙️ New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎙️🌿
📅 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...
Autumn Season 2 Episode 19
🌿🎙️ New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎙️🌿
📅 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 po...
Season 2 Summer Episode 20
🌱🎙️ New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎙️🌱
Tasks for the week—what to sow and plant for the cooler season, the best vegetable varieties to grow, and why chives deserve a spot in your garden! 🌿✨
Plus, it's the perfect time to harvest & preserve your produce. 🍑🥒 Whether you're pickling, jamming, freezing, or cooking up ready-to-go meals, make the most of nature’s bounty while the sun shines! ☀️
📖 Tip: Keep a gardening diary! Your future self will thank you. 💚
🎧 Listen now: 'Your Garden Coach NZ' find us...
Summer Season 2 Episode 18
🌿✨ New Podcast Episode! ✨🌿
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! H...
Summer Season 2 Episode 17
🌱🎧 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎧🌱
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...
Summer Season 2 Episode 16
🌱🌶 New Podcast Alert! 🎙️
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...
Summer Season 2 Episode 15
This week is all about getting ahead with your next round of crops! Preparing for the next round of succession sowing and planting. Yes, it’s time to start thinking about those Winter crops—eek! 🥶
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, w...
Summer Season 2 Episode 14
🌻 We're back! 🎙️ After a refreshing summer break spent soaking up the sun, tending to our gardens, and making memories by the lake, it’s time to jump back into podcasting! 🌊🌸
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...
Spring Season 2 Episode 13
🌿 Episode Highlights:
🍵 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...
Spring Season 2 Episode 12
A little late this time as we had a few technical difficulties.
Not to worry - we sorted it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
🌿 Episode Highlights:
🍵 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...
Spring Season 2 Episode 12
🌸 Urban Beekeeping Buzz with Cormac Farrell! 🌸
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
Bonus Episode - An extended interview with Jess Herbert
🌟 Bonus Episode Alert! 🌟
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...
Spring Season 2 Episode 10
🌸 Wholefood Shopping at Its Best with Jesse Herbert! 🌸
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, additi...
Spring Season 2 Episode 9
🌸 Join the Community Garden Movement! 🌸
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 vibra...
Spring Season 2 Episode 8
🌿 Episode Highlights:
🍵 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
Spring Season 2 Episode 7
🌸 Let’s Plant the Seeds of Success this Spring! 🌸
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’r...
Spring Season 2 Episode 6
🌸 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 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...
Spring Season 2 Episode 5
🌸 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 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...
Spring Season 2 Episode 4
🌸 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 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! 🌻
🥕 <...
Spring Season 2 Episode 3
🌱 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: Descending Moon in the waning phase means it's time to sow root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes. 🌕🥕
🥧 Vegetable of the Week: Rhubar...
Spring Season 2 Episode 2
🌼 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-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 gre...
Spring Season 2 Episode 1
🌿 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 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 Chil...
Winter Episode 46
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
Seasonal listening tip: No matter where you are in the world, you can dip back into earlier episodes to match the season you’re in right now. Just loo...
Winter Episode 45
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 Stories', Paulette Whitney
Ali reviews her visit to Chateau de Courterolles in Burgundy. What a wonderful park/garden.
$20 Voucher from Kings Seeds winner this we...
Winter Episode 44
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 to our financial supporters. Your donations are helping us to bring this podcast to you each and every week.
Happy gardening
Ali and Jen
<...
Winter Episode 44
It's sowing and planting time until 16th August, though whilst some Kiwi gardeners are in full Spring sowing mode, those of us in the colder zones are taking things a little slower.
This week we find out more about the Cabbage, there are so many different varieties out there.
Ali reports from a gorgeous garden in Burgundy, France, aptly named L'Escargot Errant - The Wandering Snail. Burgundy is famous for its snails.
If you haven't planned your Spring and Summer garden - what are you waiting for - order your Kings Seed Catalog...
