As the sun rises over the rolling hills of Te Mata, something is stirring beneath the surface. It’s part of a global groundswell that is helping to transform not only the way we grow our food and flowers, but also the very land on which we stand.
Across NZ and the globe, growers are turning to regenerative farming and organic practices, seeking not just sustainability, but abundance, resilience, and a deeper connection to the land. With this renewed focus, attention is now shifting to the soil itself as a living, breathing ecosystem—one teeming with microorganisms, fungi, minerals, and organic matter.
“We’re starting to go backwards to embrace a lot of ancient techniques that we once abandoned in favour of short-term higher yields and efficiency,” says Nicky Brzeska who owns a flower farm and syntropic food forest in Te Mata called CROP. “We’re now seeing growing communities – from backyard growers right through to large commercial operations – abandoning synthetic fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and planting of monocultures. Instead, there is a lot of talk about efficient composting, cover cropping, reduced tillage, our waterways, our own health – and now our soil health too.”
It is scientifically proven that what makes up our soil is a part of the plants in it too, and when we consume those plants, we’re effectively taking on that biome. So it makes sense that if we want to be healthy, and if we want productive plants, food or flowers, we must start with the soil.
“But focus on soil health does not come without challenges, and it’s just like parenting where there are so many different opinions and ways of doing things that it can be downright confusing,” says Nicky. “It’s essential to know what is actually in your soil, what it is lacking and what it needs and so a soil test is a great place to start,” she says.
However, anyone who has had a soil test will know that it’s not easy understanding what to do with the results. Recognising this gap – especially for backyard and small scale growers – Nicky is launching a hands-on workshop designed to demystify the science and art of soil tests.
“I’m going to be co-hosting this with a Whatawhata soil scientist who I’ve been working with since 2019 and we’re both pretty stoked to launch this in Raglan amongst like minded individuals. Although NZ has several soil consultants and organisations, these are not always accessible to smaller growers. So it will be useful to make connections with others and help equip individuals with a bit more knowledge so they can make a few decisions themselves on their own tests,” says Nicky.
One of the major benefits of understanding exactly what your soil profile is and what nutrients it needs is cost saving due to significantly less compost and amendments being spread unnecessarily. Nicky likens it to going to the doctor and strangely being prescribed a whole spread of ‘catch all’ meds – something is bound to work but the majority of the other products are unnecessary. “I’ve saved thousands of dollars on my property just being a bit more discreet about what I’m applying,” she adds.
The workshop is aimed at general gardeners, vege growers, flower farmers, or anyone with an orchard, a food forest, a paddock or a love for soil and getting your hands dirty. “The goal is to take the guess work out of what plants or paddocks need and to leave with a clearer picture of your soil’s health, as well as a mini action plan to help supercharge your growing. Raglan locals get a great discount too!”
Nicky established her wholesale operation, CROP, in 2018 and sells cut flower varieties that are hard for florists to get from traditional wholesalers. She sells to the four Raglan florists, and her “babies” can often be seen in the bouquets that can be purchased from around town. She also creates ‘Best in Bloom’ boxes for florists out of town and makes bouquets upon request using her spray-free flowers and foliage from the land. Nicky also planted a Food Forest two years ago in a Syntropic Agroforestry style, and, although it is still very early days, she has already been harvesting tamarillos, pepinos, apples, limes, guavas and even a handful of almonds.
To join the soil workshop, visit www.cropraglan.co.nz/workshops for more information and to book.
Sat 6 September 2025, 10am to 3pm
Discounted price for Raglan Locals ($200 discounted from $265, excluding Soil Test which you can order through CROP)
Workshop attendees can also get a discounted sauna, post workshop at Pumula Retreat, just 6 mins from CROP ($20).
