🌱 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

💧 🌦️ 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

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 Podcast

May your garden be abundant, your strawberries white, and your curiosity never-ending!