Gardening for Wellness & Joy: White Strawberries

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment If you’ve ever looked at a beautiful plant and thought, I’d love one of those , you might not need to buy one. You might just need to take a cutting. In this episode of White Strawberries, we’re getting into the wonderfully simple world of plant propagation — how to take cuttings and turn a small piece of an existing plant into a whole new plant. I talk about taking cuttings from deciduous trees like figs, grapes and elderberries, why waiting until the leaves have dropped can be the perfect time, and how to recognise the leaf nodes where roots and new growth will form. We also get into the slightly geekier side of cuttings, including cloning, diversity, grafted fruit trees, rooting hormones and why some plants have a much higher “take rate” than others. And if you’ve received one of my fig cuttings in the mail, there are a few tips for getting it safely into soil and giving it the best chance of growing. 🌱 What You’ll Discover How to take hardwood cuttings from deciduous plants Why figs, grapes and hydrangeas are so easy to propagate How to identify leaf nodes Where to place leaf nodes when planting a cutting Why cuttings are clones of the parent plant Why diversity still matters when propagating When rooting hormone can help How to take cuttings from evergreen plants Whether you need pots, special soil or fancy propagation equipment How taking cuttings can help us share abundance within our communities 🔗 Free Cuttings Guide I’ve created a free PDF with the basics of taking and growing cuttings: Download the free Cuttings PDF Take a walk around your neighbourhood, look at what’s growing, ask a friend for a cutting — and have a play. You might be surprised by just how many new plants you can grow for free. Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment There are some funny reels at the moment about not showing the one you love how much you spend on plants! But it doesn't have to be like that. In this episode, I talk with regenerative grower and educator Levi Brinsdon-Hall about the power of seeds, propagation and food forests. We explore why growing from seed is such an important skill for gardeners, how a tiny seed can become the beginning of abundance, and why creating a diverse ecosystem is about so much more than simply growing food for ourselves. Levi shares his approach to starting a food forest, the importance of observation, and how working with plants over time teaches us about our own landscapes. In this episode we talk about: 🌱 Why learning to grow from seed gives you independence as a gardener 🌱 The difference between buying plants and learning propagation 🌱 How seeds create abundance and resilience 🌱 Why flowers and “non-food” plants are essential in a healthy ecosystem 🌱 Starting a food forest from year zero 🌱 Using observation to understand what your land needs 🌱 Building soil health through diversity and living plants You can find Levi all over socials! Including -LinkedIn -Instagram To follow Levi resourcing 1000 young growers and their schools and families with free resource packs, visit deliciousrevolution.nz. Levi recommends looking at the history of your land's use. If you're in Auckland, NZ, this is where you find that. Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Bird flu has arrived in New Zealand, and if you keep backyard chickens, ducks or other poultry, you may be wondering what this actually means for your flock. In this episode of White Strawberries, we talk about H5N1 bird flu and what backyard poultry keepers need to know. We look at how this strain differs from the bird flu you may have heard about previously, what symptoms to watch for in chickens, ducks and wild birds, and why biosecurity matters even if your birds normally free-range. We get practical about protecting your flock: keeping wild birds and rodents away from feed, preventing access to potentially contaminated water and droppings, and why simply putting up bird netting may not be enough. We also talk about what to do if you need to temporarily confine free-range chickens, whether chickens can survive H5N1, when veterinary care is important, and what happens if birds have been exposed. This isn't about panic or pretending we can eliminate every risk. It's about understanding the risks and giving your flock the best chance possible. 🌱 What You'll Discover What makes H5N1 different from previous bird flu concerns Signs and symptoms of bird flu in chickens, ducks and wild birds Practical ways to reduce exposure to wild birds and rodents Why contaminated water and droppings can be a concern How to protect free-range chickens Whether chickens can survive H5N1 When veterinary care may be needed What happens to exposed chickens Practical biosecurity steps for backyard poultry keepers Other Episodes with Sez the Vet on chickens can be found HERE. Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment What if your garden could give you more time, more health, and more connection — instead of becoming another job? Welcome to White Strawberries: Gardening for Wellness and Joy. This podcast explores how growing food, flowers, and gardens can support a healthier, more connected life. Join Sam as she shares what’s working in her own garden and conversations with growers, authors, and gardeners who are creating more resilient, nature-connected ways of living. Whether you want to grow your own food, create a flower-filled space, grow herbs, or simply reconnect with nature, you’re in the right place. A garden should support your life — not take it over. May your garden be abundant and your strawberries white. Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Asparagus is one of the most boujee perennial crops to put into your S&P 500—( perennial garden investment portfolio ) but getting it right starts long before the first harvest. In this episode of White Strawberries , I walk you through everything you need to know about planting asparagus crowns, preparing the perfect soil, and creating a bed that will produce for decades- and also not doing any of things and giving a go anyway... 👌 I also share how I'm establishing asparagus in my own food forest. Whether you're planting your very first crowns or adding asparagus to an established garden, this episode will help you create a productive patch that keeps rewarding you year after year. 🌱 What You'll Discover Why most gardeners choose crowns instead of growing from seed How to prepare an asparagus bed that lasts for decades The soil conditions asparagus loves Traditional trench planting versus modern no-dig methods When to harvest—and when to leave your plants alone How many asparagus plants you need to feed your family 🔗 Resources Mentioned Grounded Waitlist 🎧 Previous White Strawberries Episodes Mentioned Animal Manure in the Garden Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment What if the best mulch isn't something you buy or wheel around the garden—but something that's already growing? In this conversation with Kath Irvine , author of The Edible Backyard , we explore the science and practical application of living mulch . Instead of constantly importing straw, compost, or woodchips, Kath explains how diverse, living plants can protect the soil, feed soil biology, reduce weeds, build resilience, and ultimately create a healthier garden with less work. We discuss why diversity matters, how plant roots feed soil microbes, why chopping plants can be better than pulling them out, and how to introduce living mulch into both vegetable gardens and orchards. We also tackle some of the difficult realities of gardening—including invasive weeds, compost overuse, and when there may not be a perfect solution. If you're aiming for a low-input, high-output garden that works more like nature, this episode will challenge many of the gardening "rules" we've been taught. 🌱 What You'll Discover What living mulch is and how it differs from traditional mulch Why plant diversity creates healthier, more resilient soil How living roots feed soil biology through photosynthesis Practical ways to introduce living mulch into vegetable gardens Creating productive orchards with perennial companion plants Why "chop and drop" often beats pulling weeds The surprising downside of using too much compost Choosing and saving seeds for diverse living mulch mixes Managing difficult weeds without becoming overwhelmed Why observation may be the most important gardening skill of all 📚 References & Resources Mentioned The Edible Backyard — Kath Irvine Homegrown Fruit — Kath Irvine Kath Irvine's website Referenced Dr Christine Jones' work on soil biology and plant diversity The Jena Experiment (Germany) — biodiversity and ecosystem resilience 🎧 Previous White Strawberries Episodes You Might Enjoy Mulch and Ground Covers | Mastering the Garden Companion Planting: Figs, Grapes, Olives & Companions | Mastering the Garden Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment What does it take to transform a bare paddock into a thriving food forest? In this episode of White Strawberries, I’m joined by Jo Duff, co-founder of Kahikatea Farm, who shares the lessons she has learned after more than 20 years developing a three-acre food forest in Aotearoa New Zealand. Jo and her family started with bare land — no water, driveway, or buildings — and slowly designed a productive ecosystem using permaculture principles, observation, and experimentation. We discuss passive irrigation using swales, designing for dry climates, growing plants suited to your conditions, and why Jo would plant more densely if she was starting again. 🌱 What You’ll Discover How a bare paddock became a three-acre food forest Why observation should come before planting How swales can capture rainfall and support tree growth The importance of planting for function: biomass, fertility, food, medicine and habitat Why food forests are about creating a place to live, not just growing food Lessons Jo would apply if she started again Jo also shares some of the plants that have worked well in her Hawke’s Bay climate, including comfrey, prickly pear, tree lucerne, globe artichokes and other multifunctional plants. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Kahikatea Farm – Food Forest Nursery, Plants & Educatio n Kahikatea Farm plants mentioned in this episode: Peaches Dwarf Peach Prickly Pear (Opuntia / Nopales) Thornless Prickly Pear Comfrey (biomass plant) Russian Comfrey Lemon Sorrel Globe Artichoke (biomass plant) Cardoon (biomass plant) Willows (woody biomass) Examples include Willow ‘Hiwinui’ and Willow ‘Tangoio’ Tree Lucerne / Tagasaste (biomass and nitrogen fixer) Alder (nitrogen-fixing tree) Chinese Alder Yuccas Buttercup Bush / Senna Eucalyptus (support species / biomass) Explore all Kahikatea Farm plants Certified Organic Nursery – edible, useful and food forest plants Join Kahikatea Farm for some onsite education. Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Sam missed an episode! Why? Taking time to pause, reflect, and reset is just as important in life as it is in the garden 🌱 In this personal episode of White Strawberries , I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast after nearly a year of consistent episodes. From humble beginnings (yes… five downloads and my mum falling asleep 😅) to growing a global audience, this episode dives into what’s working, what’s been surprisingly hard, and what’s coming next. With the lead-up to Matariki, I’m stepping into a seasonal reset — reflecting on the past six months and intentionally designing the next phase of this podcast, my courses, and how I support you. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build something from scratch — or you’re on your own journey of growth — this one’s for you. 🌱 What You’ll Discover What I’ve learned after 45 podcast episodes Real podcast growth stats The hidden complexity of email lists, websites, and automation Why I’m taking a month off and what I’m resetting The vision behind my Grounded gardening course I've reduced my grocery bill while eating high-quality food Why growing your own food is becoming more important than ever How you can shape future episodes through Q&A and voice messages 🔗 References & Resources Mentioned Grounded Course (coming soon) White Strawberries Podcast Website (in progress) 🎧 Previous White Strawberries Episodes You Might Enjoy Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment 🌱 Before you plant another single tree, there’s one step that can save you years of frustration: observation. In this Mastering the Garden episode of White Strawberries , I walk you through how to understand your land before you grow — from mapping shade and wind to testing soil, water movement, and frost patterns. Using real examples (including why my mum’s feijoas fruit weeks before mine just 12 minutes away), we explore how small environmental differences shape what thrives — and what struggles. This episode is your practical guide to working with your land instead of against it, using simple, often free tests to build a resilient, abundant garden. 🌿 If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have a “green thumb,” this might be the missing piece. 🌱 What You’ll Discover How to map shade across seasons and use it to your advantage What wind patterns reveal about plant placement and disease risk How frost moves through your land — and how to work with it Simple ways to observe water flow, drainage, and waterlogging Easy at-home soil tests (including structure and moisture checks) How weeds can give clues about your soil conditions Why climate zones (like USDA) are helpful — but limited 🔗 References & Resources Mentioned Permaculture Research Soil Test Handbook — by Chris Trump & collaborators iNaturalist (plant identification app) Seek by iNaturalist (child-friendly version) 🎧 Previous White Strawberries Episodes Referred to How I Saved My Garden from Summer Storms, Flooding and Wind (Episode 37). Look it up on your platform 🤗 Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Should we be using pesticides on our fruit trees? And if not… what do we do instead? In this episode of White Strawberries , I’m joined by Matthew Priestley , whose work and thinking around ecological systems challenges and encourages us to rethink how we respond to pests in our orchards🌿 We explore what’s really going on when pests and disease show up, and why reaching for sprays might be missing the bigger picture. From airflow (including opening up a “wind tunnel”) to soil health, tree nutrition, and system design, this conversation is all about working with your ecosystem instead of against it. If you’re growing fruit trees and wondering how to manage pests without pesticides, this episode offers a practical, grounded alternative rooted in science, observation, resilience, and long-term thinking. What You’ll Discover Should you use pesticides on fruit trees—or avoid them altogether? What pests and disease are actually telling you How airflow and pruning reduce pressure naturally for some fruit trees Why soil health and tree nutrition are foundational How systems evolve as your trees grow and mature What to do instead of spraying (organic and non organic pesticides) Find Matthew on the BrotherWood site here and on Socials here. Some of Matthew's favourite resources: Products he mentioned (He has no affiliation with these): Hortitech Foliar Protect Hydrolysed Fish Wood Vinegar Book recommendations: Michael Phillips, The Holistic Orchard Nicole Masters, For The Love of Soil Education/Inspiration: Permadynamics, permaculture based training, PDCs and short courses Elaine Ingham - Soil food web Matt powers - Regerating soil Paul Stamets - Fungi If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love your support: ⭐ Jump into your podcast app and leave a rating & review 💌 Send me a question or share your thoughts 🌱 Tell me what’s happening in your garden right now 🔗 Connect with Me 📍 Website: whitestrawberriespodcast.com 📸 Instagram: @whitestrawberriespodcast May your strawberries be white and your soil full of carbon 🌱 Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Discover how to design a garden that produces fruit all year long using the power of guilds. In this episode of White Strawberries, I dive into the concept of plant guilds—groups of plants, animals, and insects that support one another—and how they can transform your orchard or food forest into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. Learn why harvest gaps happen, even in productive gardens, and how understanding guild relationships ensures consistent yields, healthier plants, and richer soil. From observing microclimates to layering fruit trees with companion plants, this episode is packed with practical strategies for gardeners who want abundance without the stress. What You’ll Discover / Key Points: Why gardens often have unintentional harvest gaps and how guilds solve this problem The role of companion planting and supportive guild members in fruit production Practical steps for designing a guild-based orchard or food forest How observation and seasonal rhythms guide planting decisions Ways to enhance soil fertility, plant health, and biodiversity through guilds References & Links: 📄🌳Fruit Trees Year- Round Free Resources. Previous White Strawberries episodes you might enjoy: Mediterranean Guild Gardening: Figs, Grapes, Olives & Companions | Mastering the Garden Permaculture: Explained | With Dr. Sez the Vet White Strawberries: How They Inspired This Podcast | Sparking Joy – Subtropical and Topicals in a Cold Climate | With Steve Fawcett from Tropo 🌱 Keywords: fruit guilds, perennial gardening, year-round harvest, companion planting, food forest Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment I'm uploading this episode for a second time because it is mushroomy gold!! In this earthy and enthusiastic episode, I chat with Sarah Williams—permaculture gardener, mushroom grower, and the green-fingered soul behind Sarah’s Green Acres—about growing wine cap mushrooms , also known as burgundy mushrooms or garden giants. We explore: How to grow them in a food forest or permaculture orchard Why yours might not be fruiting yet (ahem, speaking from experience!) Cooking, freezing, and eating them—especially if you're cutting back on meat Why they’re hard to find in shops, and why that's exactly why we should grow them Their role in nutrient cycling, soil health, and lazy gardening magic Plus, we spiral delightfully into tangents about refractometers, bitter greens, the spray-heavy brassica world, and why we sometimes avoid testing our soil (just in case it bursts our bubble). If you’ve ever wanted to grow something that tastes amazing , supports your soil, and you can’t find at the supermarket—this episode is for you. ✨ Want us to dive deeper into mushrooms, logs, bags, or bitterness? Let me know! 📸 Find me @whitestrawberriespodcast 🌱 Follow Sarah on Instagram at @sarahsgreenacres Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Autumn is a busy, beautiful season in the garden, and what you plant now will feed you all winter. In this episode of White Strawberries, I share practical tips for creating a winter garden that thrives in a temperate climate. 🥕🌸 Whether you’re gardening for wellness, flavor, or sustainability, this episode gives you actionable ideas to set your winter garden up for success. What You’ll Discover: The two essential rules for a successful winter garden: timing and plant hardiness How to plan succession planting for continuous harvest over winter Nitrogen-fixing crops that enrich the soil while feeding you Which perennials and annuals are best for temperate winter climates Tips for saving seeds to build a resilient, microclimate-friendly garden Flowers and crops that bring both joy and nutrition this season References & Links: Nitrogen 101: Transforms Your Garden | Mastering the Garden More Perennials, Less Hustle | Sparking Joy 🌱 Keywords: autumn gardening, winter harvest, succession planting, nitrogen-fixing crops, perennials Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment In this episode Maria- kitchen gardening pro- and Sam explore the magic of fermentation and how it can transform your kitchen and your health. From homemade apple cider vinegar to quick kefir ferments, Maria shares her practical tips for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. We dive into the science behind fermentation, how to safely use homegrown or supermarket apples, and ways to preserve and enjoy vegetables and fruits year-round. Whether you want to improve gut health, reduce food waste, or simply add flavor and nutrition to your meals, fermentation is a simple skill anyone can master. Learn how to create brined vegetables, kefir-infused fruits, and other delicious ferments with minimal equipment and maximum results. What You’ll Discover: How apple cider vinegar fermentation works in two stages Easy starter ferments: water kefir, coconut kefir, and vegetables Safe jar sterilization and storage practices Reducing sugar while preserving fruit and vegetable harvests How fermentation can boost gut microbial diversity and reduce inflammation References & Links: Wild Fermentation by Sandor Katz Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status (PubMed) Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Sprouting and soaking might be some of the simplest — and most forgotten — kitchen skills we have 🌱 In this conversation, I sit down with my dear friend Maria to chew the fat ( and the nut! ) on soaking grains, sprouting seeds, activating nuts, and why our ancestors prepared food this way for thousands of years. We explore antinutrients, phytic acid, lectins, and why traditional preparation methods can improve digestibility and nutrient bioavailability. From broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane to soaking pulses with salt and grains with a splash of acid, this episode blends practical kitchen rhythms with grounded nutritional science. We also talk omega-3s, chia gels, linseed eggs, and the difference between sprouts and microgreens — because they are not the same. This episode covers: sprouting seeds, soaking beans, activating nuts, reducing antinutrients, broccoli sprouts, omega-3 balance, and traditional food preparation. During this episode we're looking at my (Sam's) new Sprouting Kit from Kings Seeds. You can check that out, along with their range of organic sprouting seeds, here: King’s Seeds (NZ) – Organic sprouting seeds & starter kits Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment 🌱 In this episode we explore how the diet and wellness practices of Brian Johnson — who aims to optimise health and longevity — intersect with what we can grow in our own gardens. From legumes to berries, brassicas to nuts, Sam breaks down practical tips for growing for longevity. Discover what’s feasible in your garden, when to plant, and how to save seeds, all inspired by Johnson’s “don’t die” food guide and anti-aging meals. What You’ll Discover The kinds of things Brian Johnson eats within his 5 hour food window. How to grow legumes (peas, broad beans, lentils) year-round for protein Which berries (blueberries, blackcurrants, native berries) deliver high polyphenols and longevity compounds Growing and using garlic, ginger, and turmeric for flavor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits How brassicas (cabbage, kale, cauliflower) contribute sulforaphane and support cellular health Practical insights on cultivating walnuts, olive oil, and citrus in New Zealand climates The role of fermented foods and plant-based proteins like hemp and pea in a nutrient-rich garden-to-table lifestyle References & Resources Mentioned Nutty Pudding Recipe (Brian Johnson’s protocol) Longevity Meal with Lentils (Brian Johnson’s protocol) Koanga Institute – Heirloom & Heritage Seeds Previous White Strawberries Episodes: What to Grow When: Timing Your Veges Right | Mastering the Garden Nitrogen 101: Transforms Your Garden | Mastering the Garde n Mediterranean Guild Gardening: Figs, Grapes, Olives & Companions | Mastering the Garden Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment 💚 The waitlist is open: Find Information on the Grounded Course here A friend once asked me how I could justify spending 10 hours a week in the garden. That question stuck with me. In this episode of White Strawberries, I explore the research behind the Blue Zones — the regions identified by Dan Buettner where people live the longest, healthiest lives — and filter those findings through the lens of gardening. This isn’t a double-blind clinical trial. But it is a fascinating look at lifestyle patterns that consistently show up in long-lived communities: natural movement, plant-based eating, nervous system regulation, strong social ties, and purpose. And when you look closely… gardening sits right in the middle of it all. 🌱 What You’ll Discover What the original Blue Zones are and why they matter Why “move naturally” may be more powerful than gym workouts How gardening supports longevity through functional movement The role of beans, sourdough, fermented foods, and modest animal protein Why daily stress reduction rituals matter for brain health How purpose (ikigai) and family connection impact lifespan Whether wine at five is really about wine — or community 📚 Referenced Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner Official website: https://www.bluezones.com 🎧 Previous White Strawberries Episodes Mentioned Mediterranean Guild Gardening: Figs, Grapes, Olives & Companions | Mastering the Garden Dirty Dozen Guide: Nutrition, Pesticides & Biodiversity | Mastering the Garden Chickens in the Garden | With Dr. Sez the Vet Nitrogen 101: Transforms Your Garden | Mastering the Garden Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Looking to make the most of your garden or property without selling your harvest? In this episode of White Strawberries , I share five creative side hustles you can start right at home. From hosting garden tours and beehives to earning carbon credits, leasing land, or renting out a minor dwelling, these ideas can help offset costs, invest in your property, and even bring in a little extra cash. I cover practical tips, real-life examples from New Zealand, and legal considerations so you can get started with confidence. Perfect for gardeners, landowners, and anyone curious about turning their property into a rewarding side hustle. Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment This summer has been brutal for gardeners — relentless rain, flooding, fallen trees, fungal disease, and damaging winds arriving right in the middle of the growing season. I want to share with you five practical techniques that genuinely saved my garden during extreme summer weather. These aren’t idealised systems or expensive upgrades — they’re real-world responses to waterlogged soil, wind stress, and disease pressure in a changing climate. This is about observing your space honestly, responding early, and growing with the climate you have — not the one you planned for . 🌱 What You’ll Discover The five simple changes that helped my garden survive summer storms Why dead mulch and living ground cover work better together How swales protect roots by controlling water movement The correct way to stake trees so wind strengthens instead of kills them How fungal disease, wind, and waterlogging are connected Why plant diversity is your best insurance policy 🛠️ The Five Garden-Saving Techniques Mulching deeply with dead organic matter Mulching with living ground covers Digging swales and paths to direct excess water Tying trees correctly for high-wind conditions Creating raised growing areas through soil and path design 🎧 Previous White Strawberries Episodes Mentioned Mulch, Wanted, Dead or Alive | Mastering the Garden Why Raised Veggie Beds Burn Out Beginner Gardeners | Mastering the Garden 📚 Books & Resources Referenced The Permaculture Home Garden — Linda Woodrow 🌿 Join the new Waitlist!! Grounded — a live, four-week online workshop for intermediate gardeners reimagining their space for joy, wellness, and resilience 👉 https://whitestrawberriespodcast.com/grounded 101 Gardening — a beginner-friendly introduction to growing for joy and wellness 👉 https://whitestrawberries.com/101gardening 🌦️ Final Thought Climate-resilient gardening isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things differently . Observe closely, respond early, and let the land show you what it needs. Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.

Ask a Question or Leave a Comment Annual raised beds often feel productive at first… and then stop thriving. We talk about the hidden workload of annuals, why potting mixes run out of nutrients, add toxicity to our soil and how lack of biodiversity can lead to pests and frustration. This isn’t an anti–raised bed rant. There are things they do well. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” and your garden still isn’t feeding you — this episode will help you understand why, and what small shifts actually make gardening easier. 🌱 In this episode, we explore: Annuals vs perennials (and why annuals are more work) Why raised beds look great… then struggle Potting mixes, wetting agents, and soil life Biodiversity, predators, and pest pressure Simple ways to build healthier, lower-stress garden beds If you’d like a visual of how I build a sandwich bed, DM me “Sandwich Bed” on Instagram or Facebook and I’ll send it through. 🔗 Previous White Strawberries Episodes Mentioned Help! My Garden Isn’t Thriving | Mastering the Garden The Secret to Thriving Roses | Sparking Joy Run until the 18th of August 2026 Supercharge Your Garden 🪴 30 cuttings / mix of 15 varieties of plants- Sent out September only Ask a Question – Submit a gardening question for a future episode. About Sam – Learn more about the host of White Strawberries. Support the Podcast – Buy Sam a Cuppa to help keep new episodes coming.