Crop QT

13/06/2025

Thinning and w**ding carrots is one of those simple but essential jobs in an edible garden. Without it, roots stay small, twisted, or compete too much for water, light, and nutrients.

It’s about giving each plant enough space to do what it’s meant to do — grow strong, healthy, and full of flavour.

All those thinnings don’t go to waste — they’re great as a garnish, in stocks, or straight into a salad. Nothing wasted, everything valued.

15/05/2025

Fresh Herbs Available Now….Matakana and surrounds

Basil – $4.00 per bunch
Parsley – $4.00 per bunch
Rosemary – $3.00 per bunch
Grab a mix of all 3 for $10

Grown with care, no sprays, and harvested fresh today.

Message for orders and collection – limited bunches available

04/02/2025

27/01/2025

When is a w**d really a w**d?

The term “w**d” is often defined as a plant growing in an undesirable place—but does it have to be that simple? In my garden, many of my so-called “w**ds” are actually edible and play a vital role in creating a thriving polyculture, all ready for harvest.

Soil is never meant to be bare. It’s always trying to recover or re-cover itself and it does so by sending out plants to help cover and protect it. In annual beds, we might see w**ds as a nuisance, but instead of battling them, we can turn them into allies. By using compost as mulch or planting ground covers, we not only keep the soil protected but also enrich it with nutrients. This leads to healthier plants, and ultimately, healthier food.

This beds has a good layer of compost but crops from previous years are still germinating and growing add to harvest.

Shiso
Nz spinach
Purslane
Chickw**d

03/11/2024

Asian leaf varieties are super hardy and very fast growing. Making the perfect spring greens to stand up to the confusing temperatures of the central Otago climate.

Komatsuna
Mizuna Red Kingdom
Mizuna Japonica

12/10/2024

Such a satisfying part of the job. Raising healthy seedlings, giving plants the best start possible and speeding up the process of garden to plate.

Mizuna - Brassica rapa var. japonica

16/09/2024

It’s the time of year to get things in the ground. Have questions about timings or what to plant when? Come join horticulturalist Tim Baker for a morning learning how to propagate and sow seeds for the spring season ahead.

You will learn the tips and tricks of the trade including;

Seed sowing for transplants
Direct sowing
Potting mediums
Multi sowing, thinning and pricking out
Timings
Environment
Watering
Spacings
Potting and more...

Plus take home the seeds you learn to sow as well as some seedlings ready to transplant straight into your garden.

Be prepared to get your hands dirty!

$35 per ticket (includes morning tea).

https://events.humanitix.com/spring-seed-sowing-workshop

10/09/2024

Winter to Spring in Queenstown is a game of patience.

18/08/2024

Mountain life

09/08/2024

Allium fistulosum var. Tokyo

09/05/2024

Season 1 up at the Mount Dewar garden is slowly fading out, with growth noticeably slowing down on this beautifully carved piece of mountain side. We still have lots to learn about this little micro-climate, with lots to focus on over the next few months to prepare for the longer warmer days ahead. I am super excited and humbled by this project with and am looking forward to see what the winter brings.

05/05/2024

Amazing opportunity!!

It is not even winter yet, but we are already thinking about next season... and we're looking to add a full time intern to the team!

Are you or someone you know looking to learn about small scale market gardening? This is your chance!

Come work with us 45 minutes south of Queenstown in Northern Southland.

Welcome Rock Gardens is a small scale, bio-intensive, no-till, market garden that uses organic growing methods.

We mainly supply restaurants, shops, caterers and private chefs around Queenstown and Southland. We also do one weekly market in Frankton.

You will be working directly with the owner/operator and will learn everything from seed to sale that you will need to know to maybe start your own business.

On-farm accommodation will be provided with all bills paid and a weekly living stipend to keep you going on your off-day adventures. There may also be other opportunities to earn extra money with other non-market garden jobs around the farm.

No experience required, but a passion for organics and local foods is a must!

Residency or a valid visa through the entire season required. Sorry, we cannot offer sponsorship or visa help.

For more info, message us through here, Instagram or email at welcomerockgardens@gmail.com