Gardening
Kath Irvine - Radio Interview on Gardening after a Flood
- 27 February 2023
The Edible Backyard author Kath Irvine has uprooted and hit the road in a 12 metre long house truck. In this audio interview she's got some some tips on how to revive soil ravaged by summer weather extremes, plus she'll share the story of Whanganui's St Joseph's Garden where volunteers grow organic veggies for the local food bank. Kim and Kath also discuss Gardening After a Flood.
Building Resilience in Soils and Farming Systems
- 9 September 2022
Around the world we are seeing an increase in the amount of both Biotic and Abiotic Stress brought on by several factors particularly global warming. Biotic stress refers to increased insect and disease impact on crops and soil and abiotic stress is defined as the negative impact of non-living factors on living organisms in a specific environment.
Case study – Enhancing Root Mass using EMNZ Products
- 21 March 2022
What we wanted to achieve in this case study was to show the effectiveness of EM Foundation and EM Plant Stimulant at improving root density compared to a control.
Naturefarm: 20 Years
- 7 December 2021
Antioxidants and their Importance
- 15 March 2021
New Product: EM Amino
- 23 September 2020
EM Amino is a full spectrum L-Amino acid that is plant derived making it highly available to all agricultural crops. Its unique combination includes a range of beneficial biology, trace minerals, carbohydrates and enzymes. Plants gain their proteins from amino acids that are produced via complex biochemical processes that consume vast amounts of energy within the plant.
Secondary Metabolites: What are they and how they can impact your Soil
- 11 June 2020
The ability for microorganisms to produce and release various metabolites stimulating plant growth and favourable health is considered to an important factor in soil fertility.
How Soil Microbes Influence our Health
- 11 June 2020
Until more recently than most agricultural experts would like to admit, we thought of the soil as nothing more than a matrix to hold plants and minerals. But due to a few ground-breaking scientists, like EM founder Prof Dr Terou Higa, we have a better understanding of the bacteria and fungi that make up our microbiome, leading to breakthroughs in soil science. These breakthroughs have shown us
Spring into Summer in the Garden - Radio NZ interview
- 22 October 2019
Otaki-based organic gardener, Kath Irvine has been growing all the vegetables to feed her family of 6 for a couple of decades now. She gives advice to prepare for when the seasons change and how to get the best out of your garden.
New Product: Garden Fertiliser
- 26 October 2016
We are happy to announce that we have developed a brand new product for your garden. Combining the power of EM and a Fish Hydrolysate to give your garden the biological boost and all of the nutrients and trace elements it needs to thrive.
Why Soil Conditioning Is Important For Healthy Gardening
- 3 May 2016
A soil conditioner can be useful for improving soil structure and drainage. It can eliminate unpleasant smells in the home, improve water quality in aquariums and ponds, and accelerate composting. Organic soil inoculants are a type of bacteria that can be added to the soil. A healthy ecosystem will include hundreds of millions of beneficial microorganisms in each teaspoon of soil.
Growing a Healthier Garden
- 3 May 2016
How much time and hard work have you invested in your garden this growing season? As we approach the summer season, don’t let poor soil conditions undo your earlier efforts. Soil health has a direct link to plant health. Plants thrive and fail based on what is available in garden soil.
A Great School Garden Harvest
- 11 November 2015
Island Bay School in Wellington showcase some great Veges grown with EM
Waiheke Island Organic Gardeners Great Results
- 2 November 2015
Waiheke Island Organic Gardener Claire Mummery showcases her great results with EM.
Improve your Lawn and Remediate - Customer Video
- 8 September 2015
EMNZ customer Bernard Hall shares his experiences using EM (Effective Microorganisms) on his Lawn, in his Garden and also to remeidiate following the Earthquake
Microbial Inoculants - What, How and Why they can benefit your Garden
- 31 August 2015
Microbial inoculants are soil amendments that can be added to your soil to improve the overall quality of your soil, as well as enhance the growth of strong and healthy plants. Microbial inoculants are a blend of microorganisms that work with the soil and the soil life to improve it's fertility and health.
Germination Trials
- 28 August 2015
We are currently running some germination trials to show the impact the EM has when applied at sowing.
Interview with Agropolis Project Coordinator
- 15 July 2015
In the below video we interview Annelies the Agropolis project coordinator. She explains what Agropolis is, the purpose of the initiative, their challenges and how EM and Bokashi are helping the project.
Customer Creates Super Compost
- 5 June 2015
A video of Bernard Hall EMNZ customer about his experience using EM to enhance his compost and garden. Bernard has completely shunned using chemicals in his garden and uses EM and compost to provide all of the nutrients and soil health he needs with the additional bio-protection benefits. We also look at EM as a compost stimulant.
Tips for Keeping your Pond Clean
- 30 April 2015
Outdoor ponds and water gardens are a beautiful addition to any backyard. If you live in a warm climate, a water feature can substantially lower the temperature in your yard, and there is nothing more relaxing than lounging outside and listening to the sound of water on a hot summer day. Keeping your pond water clear and pristine, however, is difficult
How to Grow Nutrient Dense Food – A Beginner's Guide
- 26 March 2015
Nutrient dense food is the organic farmer’s Holy Grail. The key to achieving a nutrient dense harvest is making sure the plants have ready access to the nutrients themselves. This can be achieved by setting up the right ecology for your garden. If you are somewhat new to gardening, here are three highly effective strategies that you may not have considered.
How to Start an Organic Garden
- 2 March 2015
For a quick how-to on best practices in building and maintaining an organic garden, follow the following six steps.
Microbial Imbalances in the Soil
- 27 February 2015
Microbial communities work in synergy to out-compete antagonistic communities of microbes. This is a balance between "positive" and "negative" microbes. Many microbial species (the good ones) kill or inhibit bacteria, fungi and nematodes (the bad ones) that attack the root systems important for the exchange of valuable nutrients in the soil through competitive exclusion.
Sustainable Gardening
- 9 December 2014
More and more home gardeners are using organic practices with excellent results. The next logical step in gardening is to strive for sustainability. This is a philosophy aimed at the preservation of both healthy soil and precious resources. You want to grow organic crops that are good for your family, but you also want to take responsibility for the wellbeing of your land and family.
Using EM as a Foliar Spray
- 4 November 2014
Use EM as a foliar spray to increase growth and maintain the health in your plants. Research has demonstrated that applying nutrients through their leaves is a great way to increase micronutrients in plants to supplement deficiencies in the soil. EM can be applied the same way and mixed with plant nutrients for enhanced foliar fertilisation.
Improve Seed Germination with EM
- 17 October 2014
EMNZ products have a positive effect on soil fertility, creating an environment where a seed is more likely to germinate and thrive. This significantly increases the number of germinated seeds. It will also influence root growth positively which has an important role in nutrient uptake and the growth of the plant. In legumes, we see an increase in nodulation with applications of EM at sowing.
Starting and Maintaining Your Own Survival Garden
- 1 October 2014
These days, it seems like you have to sell your dietary soul to eat cheaply. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be costly...unless you grow your own! Yes, by establishing a "survival garden" loaded with all sorts of enduring fruits and vegetables, you can not only weather a financial storm, but a literal one as well.
Welcome to the Darkness
- 16 June 2014
Welcome to the darkest month of the Year. June is the first month of winter and although it is generally warmer than July we do get the occasional wet spell or frosty morning. The days are short and dreary which doesn’t promote enthusiasm to do much outside in your spare time, not that there is all that much too do in the garden.
Sustainable Food Production and Waste Control Seminars Hosted by EMNZ in June
- 15 May 2014
Don’t miss your chance to see an internationally renowned speaker near you. Dr Ravi Sangakkara will be visiting the upper North Island in early June to give a series of seminars on how our communities can grow healthy food sustainably while also reducing waste and our carbon footprint.
EMNZ to Present at Urban Farming Workshop in Christchurch Inner City
- 2 May 2014
Inconjuntion with ZingBokashi, EMNZ is proud to be supporting the Agropolis urban farming initiative. Specifically we are sharing our knowledge with the community group on composting and using EM to enhance their urban farm.
Autumn in the Garden
- 2 May 2014
We hope you are enjoying the change of season. Autumn is a fantastic season for the home gardener with crisp air, and long days, it is ideal for the jobs that need doing following summer. Autumn is a great time for planting a new lawn, planting trees and shrubs, and of course planting the vegetable garden for winter.
Peak Growing Time
- 15 January 2014
At this time of the New Year we are seeing peak growing periods for many of our favourite fruit and vegetables. Microorganisms still play a vital role in ensuring the health, strength and productivity of a plant.
How to get the Perfect Lawn without using Chemicals
- 3 December 2013
Instead of chemicals that can harm the environment, and even pose risks to the people enjoying their perfect lawn, an organic microbial inoculant known the world over as EM, deliver the same results with residual benefits to your garden. Our EM1 Garden is a blend of beneficial microorganisms that helps to create an optimal soil environment for a healthy, attractive lawn.