Organic NZ

Organic NZ is filled with info to live a healthier lifestyle - for you and the planet! Published by the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, working since 1941 for sustainable organic agricultural and good health. Topics range from home garden to large-scale success stories; eco-building; urban organics; genetic engineering & chemical issues; food matters & natural health.

Organic NZ

What’s in a name?

Community garden

Your Feedback

Future of OrganicNZ / Soil & Health NZ • Report from October Strategy Hui

GE webinar series

Cheeky Nude Gardening Calendar for 2024

Grants for local events

Progress on Organic Act

Campaigning against GE

So let’s talk about GE • Pro-GE lobbyists are saying we need to have a ‘mature’ conversation about genetic engineering. Originally they claimed it would solve world hunger, now they are claiming it will mitigate climate change. Philippa Jamieson logically and ‘maturely’ refutes their greenwashing.

GE conversations

‘Tis the season of bounty Organic gardening tips for making the most of your harvest • School holidays, trips to the beach, and a house full of visitors – all great fun – but not so helpful when it comes to finding time for a garden in full swing. Diana Noonan shares labour-saving techniques so you can keep on top of the garden chores while enjoying the summer and the culinary delights it produces.

Pick and choose!

Flower power

Rhythm of the cycles • Observing and understanding the rhythms of nature is the foundation of holistic natural gardening. Monique Macfarlane explains how timely applications of water and tonics can strengthen your plants this summer.

WIN great prizes with OrganicNZ • (All members of Soil & Health NZ at 31 January 2024 automatically entered.)

Dispersing the myths of Methane • Are burping cows really to blame for global warming? Dee Pignéguy delves into the source and cycle of methane to reveal that it is not so simplistic – and there are other culprits that should concern us more.

METHANE SINKS

THE ELEPHANT IN THE PADDOCK—THE MILITARY

GROUND RULES • Check out these online sources and you will find out what New Zealand farmers are being asked to do.

Insects in your garden Beneficial or bad? • Insects are a vital component of a spray-free garden. But which ones? Duncan Smith describes what various insects do, why you need them, and how to get them.

GREEN VEGETABLE BUGS • (Nezara viridula)

GRASS GRUBS • (Costelytra givini – formerly C. zealandica)

The wonders of water • It’s prolific, peculiar, fundamental, and all too often, unappreciated. Dr Charles Merfield marvels over the properties of banged-up stardust and explains why it is essential to life on Earth.

Going underground To the root of it all • Roots, the essential ‘engine room’ of a plant, is the determining factor of health and growth. But roots may not be where you expect. David Whyte delves down into how our trees behave underground.

CAUTION Water below • Tests are showing a high percentage of New Zealand’s ground water is contaminated at levels that pose a serious health risk. Rebecca Reider outlines the cause and potential solutions.

Elderberry Sambucus nigra • If a plant should have multiple uses to justify itself, the elder is overqualified. Anna-Marie Barnes describes the uses of this hardy and robust plant that is easy to tuck into every hedgerow or shelterbelt – even if just for the insects and birds.

How is this SPELT? • An ancient grain that’s enjoying a modern revival is being grown organically near Bulls in Manawat?. Theresa Sjöquist talked to Harry Russell-Bowen of Ratahi Farm about the benefits and challenges of growing...