Let it Grow

 Maramataka Atua Whakahaehae Our moon i tēnei rā is in Atua Whakahaehae; a time to come together as whānau and hapū, assess what has been done this maramataka and plan for what is needed to be done moving forward. A time of reflection before the high productive period that is coming our way. Me matua mōhio - Be knowing. An update on W's plants Sunflowers, swan plants and a mixed surprise of wild flowers are all starting to sprout! W and I were very excited to find these the other morning! We did three different techniques to start these little friends. The swanplant seeds were sown in a modified takeaway container. I poked holes in the bottom of one container used one lid as the tray and the covered with another lid. This created a mini greenhouse and I left these seeds to practically do their own thing. The mixed wildflowers I sprinkled on paper towels and then topped with soil. These seeds (along with the swanplants) are kept quite centrally in the lounge next to a sunny window a...

 Maramataka Mutuwhenua We are still in our closing down period, the time of completing tasks and preparing for days of rest. A time for planning the cycle ahead and reviewing what we have achieved in this past cycle. An unproductive day and a dark night, stay warm and cosy surrounded by good food, things you like and whānau. Me whai whakaaro! W and I are definitely on our right path for this, staying at home with only a small burst of running around in the backyard. I have also ticked off the first module of the plant health course so I am on track with this phase also. Visiting "the zoo" while completing pest activities More little critter learning This last section of this module was focused on Pest Identification and Control.  Personally I am only interested in the natural control of plant pests, why use something synthetic where nature provides natural answers (beneficial predators and plants). The use of predators, that I have used in the past, is Biological Control . Th...

Maramataka Māuri or Ōmutu A rest day, finish any of those last straggling tasks, take it easy. A time for reflecting upon our last moon cycle, the highs and the lows; look into your whakapapa, reconnect with yourself - sometimes more can be seen in these dark nights of our new moon. "Me whai whakaaro" (Be Mindful) New Course: Plant Health Module 1: Identifying pests (the good, the bad and the ugly) This is a fascinating new aspect to my horticulture learning journey. I am a fan of bugs - from afar, and am an active user of bug ID pages on offer here in Aotearoa. Bugs can be a nuisance but they are also hugely important to the function of our world. In nature we need these little guys for a huge range of mahi: Pollinators - These are our bees, beetles, butterflies even ants and flies. Without these hard workers our plants would suffer and would need to rely on humans to assist in pollination if they were to have a chance of survival. Undertakers - These are the bugs that get d...

Maramataka Our moon is in Orongonui which is a productive day to get out planting kai in the māra, it is also a good time if you fish to get out there and cash kaimoana. This time is also a good time to finish your assignments, complete that to do list in preparation for the dark moons and rest days. Me Pukumahi! - Be productive! Don't waste these high energy productive days, plan ahead and tick off those tasks! We have definitely taken advantage of these days and W and I have been out grounding ourselves in the māra most of this week; more on that below. Reflection of Plant and Soil Science In the near two weeks since my last post I have completed the first course/paper of the Horticulture Certificate through Otago Polytechnic and the TTAF government initiative for the COVID response here in Aoteraoa. If you are here in Aotearoa I highly recommend you research what is available to you through this TTAF funding, it is an amazing way to grow your skills and most is delivered online!...

Maramataka Rākaunui - we have our full moon again. Was totally on point as the preschooler was more keen to run up and down the hall last night when it was well past moe time but hei aha. According to my maramataka key (from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa studies) Rākaunui is a good time for fishing and planting, also clearly a high energy period - yesterday, today and tomorrow. It is a time to be industrious, schedule occasions around this time - note for next month... W eager to help with notes again Nutrients, Weathering and Cycles This module has really made me think about the vitamins and nutrients I am consuming personally and via fruit and vegetables. I try to eat a balanced diet and since I became a breastfeeder I take specific multivitamins also, reading about the vital nutrients our plant life need has really opened my eyes that I could be doing better for myself. We are so connected and similar with what our bodies need to function and grow properly with just like our plants do. If t...