Sparking Joy: Perennial Vegetables for Harvesting over Winter.
In this episode of White Strawberries, I dig into the unsung heroes of the vegetable garden: perennials! You’ll learn about my three favourite edible roots — yacón, Jerusalem artichokes, and oca (NZ yams) — and the leafy perennials I would grow even if I only had 1m2 of garden bed: Sorrel, perpetual spinach, Welsh onions, and chives.These plants are weedy in the best way, nutrient-dense, and perfect for gardeners who want to reduce the time and effort they spend in their garden, so they can do other things (probably more gardening! ;) )... 🌱 In this episode:Why yacón, oca, and Jerusalem artichokes are great for your belly and your garden How to plant, harvest, and eat these unusual root cropsThe leafy greens that survive — and even thrive — through cold seasons with minimal effort. Why we don't see these perennials in super market chains.🧺 Giveaway!Want to try growing yacón, oca, or Jerusalem artichokes yourself?I'm giving some away! If you're in Aotearoa, check out @whitestrawberriespodcast on Instagram or Facebook for giveaway details.🏵️🌿💗 What do you think? Let me know what perennial you’re excited to grow! Tag me on Instagram @whitestrawberriespodcast or join the chat on Facebook: White Strawberries Podcast.
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Musings: Nitrogen; what is it and why should I care?
🌱 What is nitrogen actually and when we know what it is why does it matter? In this solo episode of White Strawberries, I ditch the edits (full disclosure I took the "um's" out) and go full conversation mode to unpack something that is made overly complicated sometimes: nitrogen. 🧪 We explore: • What nitrogen really is • How to tell if a plant is nitrogen-rich—or ready to mulch • Composting ratios made simple • "Humanure" • Why fresh arborist mulch is awesome for paths and terrible for your garden bed • Why I'm growing a wisteria tree in the middle of my central garden bed🌸 Whether you're into hot composting, lazy mulching, or dreaming up a nitrogen-fixing forest floor—this one’s a musing that won’t get too sciency. Just soil-loving honesty from one curious gardener to another.📸 See the wisteria-in-the-garden @whitestrawberriespodcast on Instagram and Facebook
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Conversation: Water protocols With Sofee D.
💧 🌦️ If you’ve ever looked at a garden hose like it was made of gold—this one’s for you.In this episode of White Strawberries, I have a conversation with Sophie, a Zero Waste Educator, about the messy magic of water in the garden. From buckets of bathwater to rainwater you wish you could store, we share what it’s really like managing water—whether you live in a tiny house on a large amount of land, or a suburban backyard, this ones for you.🚿 We explore: • Why water is your biggest limiting factor—and how to work with it • What happens when you skip the septic and start bucketing bathwater • Real-life greywater setups (that actually work for food forests!) • Why winter rain can be too much—and how to trap moisture for summer • The water–BRIX–soil connection: better watering, better nutrients • Small-scale systems that suit urban and rural gardeners alike🏡 Tiny homes, suburban gardens, and big garden dreams all welcome in this splashy, honest water chat.📸 See how we do it @whitestrawberriespodcast
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Sparking Joy! Hydrangeas.
In this Spark Joy episode, we dive into the wonderful world of hydrangeas — one of New Zealand’s most beloved perennial shrubs, known for their stunning blooms and versatility.As I recorded this in the height of summer, hydrangeas were truly sparking joy in my garden. Now, as winter sets in, it’s the perfect time to prune your hydrangeas, take cuttings to propagate, plant new hydrangeas, and feed your existing plants. Plus, if you’re looking to adjust your soil’s pH for the best color and health, now’s the moment to get to work!Hydrangeas also have a special place in permaculture gardens, helping create microclimates and supporting beneficial insects.Let’s celebrate this beautiful shrub and share tips to keep your hydrangeas thriving year-round.🌿 Connect and find images of my hydrangeas 📷 Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcast Facebook: White Strawberries PodcastMay your garden be abundant, your strawberries white, and your curiosity never-ending!
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Conversation: Pruning, Cuttings & a Not-So-Happy Lemon Tree (Q&A with Becks)
In today’s Q&A-style episode, I chat with Becks, who’s growing food on a small urban section packed with subtropical and Mediterranean microclimates. We talk through her real-life garden dilemmas—from a wayward apple tree branch and overachieving feijoas, to pruning grapevines and getting citrus trees back on track.We cover: 🍏 How to prune an espaliered apple tree 🍇 When and how to cut back grapevines 🌱 How to take a cutting and get it growing 🍋 What to do when your lemon tree looks sad and wobbly 🪴 Why feijoas fruit like mad—and how to prune them to suit your spaceIf you’ve ever wondered how to shape your trees, take a cutting, or diagnose citrus struggles, this one’s for you.✨ Bonus: I've shared a visual demo of nodes, cuttings, and branches over on socials. 📸 Follow @whitestrawberriespodcast on Instagram and Facebook to see more!Until next time—may your strawberries be white and your worms happy.
Welcome to White Strawberries, the podcast where gardening meets health and adventure, and sustainability feels joyful—not stressful.I’m Sam, a permaculture gardener, educator, explorer on a mission to share the joy of growing and living well with the land. In each episode, we explore how to garden with purpose and laziness (I mean efficiency), curiosity, and fun. Eating a diversity of life giving foods in order to live our best in our current seasons. I get to have conversations with experts in their fields around all things nature. I know you'll learn something, and I will too!May your strawberries be white and your curiosity never ending. 🌱 Let's connect on Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcast 📘 Join the conversation on Facebook: White Strawberries Podcast
South Africa