Posts

How is that spelt?

An ancient grain that’s enjoying a modern revival is being grown organically near Bulls in Manawatū. I talked to Harry Russell-Bowen of Ratahi Farm about the benefits and challenges of growing spelt. One of the many original species of wheat, spelt (Triticum spelta) is a cross between emmer wheat and goat grass. It’s grown today […]

Happy 35th birthday BioGro!

This year marks the significant milestone of 35 Years of certifying organic production for BioGro, New Zealand’s largest certifier. It’s also a milestone for organics. David Woods was part of BioGro’s inception. He says there were three main organic groups in New Zealand in the early 80s: the Soil and Health Association of New Zealand […]

Still Sprouting – Kings Seeds celebrates 40 years

Kings Seeds carries over a thousand varieties of seed. If you’re looking for something special, they probably have it. This year they celebrate 40 years in business. Owners, Barbara and green-fingered Gerard Martin, who grew flowers commercially through the 1990s In Levin were friends with Ross and Glenys King. The Kings had started Kings Herb […]

Walking the Talk – Wayne Walker

Profile long-time environmentalist and Soil & Health member, Wayne Walker Wayne Walker is these days an Auckland City councillor, but in the past he was a busy cog in the wheels of the Soil & Health Association’s magazine, Soil & Health (today, Organic NZ). Wayne joined Soil & Health in 1990 when editor Chris Wheeler […]

Sweeter than Wine – Organic Molasses

  Organic Molasses – Growing and Uses   For the first time in New Zealand, certified organic molasses has become available as a soil and foliage input. Previously, organic non-certified and standard molasses were acceptable as soil and foliage inputs in otherwise organic products because a consistent bulk organic supply didn’t exist. The new supply […]