Brittany Stembridge

Most people who join Return to the Māra think they're signing up to learn techniques. Seed sowing, composting, soil biology, the seven things we spend our workshops on. And they do learn those things. But almost without exception, what people tell us changed most by the end of the season isn't a skill. It's something quieter than that. They've started trusting themselves. One woman who went through the course last season told us, honestly, "Before the course I felt like I was stumbling...

There's a moment most growers remember. The first time you eat something you grew yourself and it actually tastes like something. That's usually the hook. Everything after that is just learning how to keep it going. If you're thinking about starting a small organic garden, here's what we'd tell you if you came out to the farm and asked us while we walked around the garden. Start with the soil, not the plants It's tempting to go straight to seedlings and seed packets. But the truth is, your...

There's a new movement taking shape in New Zealand, and we think it's long overdue. Young Organic Growers Aotearoa - YOGA -is launching this June, and we're proud to be part of it. YOGA is bringing together the next generation of organic and regenerative growers across Aotearoa. Whether you're a seasoned producer, a home gardener, or just someone who cares deeply about where food comes from and how it's grown, this community is for you. The Launch: Midwinter Sociale at Monavale Organic...