Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Country Life: Spray-Free Vegetables From Suncakes Gardens
Gianina Schwanecke, for Country Life
Rows of colourful vegetables line this plot of land just on the outskirts of Hamilton.
For more than 10 years David Ruan has been growing vegetables which he sells at the local farmers' markets under the name, Suncakes Gardens, a nod to his Chinese heritage.
"In Chinese tradition, there is a Mooncake Festival, usually between late September and early October, that is Spring in New Zealand - a good time for a new growing season," he told Country Life.
"The colourful fresh product in the garden are like cakes relying on solar energy, and Suncakes is a good analogy to Mooncakes."
Ruan came to New Zealand from China almost 20 years ago, where he studied horticulture at university and later worked helping growers - mostly with rice crops and fruit like oranges.
His university research focussed on different methods for plum protection, including biological controls.
"They introduce beneficial insects, fungi which control the bugs you don't want."
Up until last year he was growing certified organic vegetables but found this costly, switching instead to spray-free growing while still following organic principles including making his own compost.
Ruan acknowledged it wasn't always suitable for larger scale growers but was keen to try it out on his own land when he moved to New Zealand.
He said larger growers tend to focus on just a few crops, but on a smaller plot of just 2.5-hectares, he grows a more diverse mix and rotates them regularly.
"My plan is to introduce more varieties."
His wife helps with tending the garden, as does his daughter and one of his friends when it comes time to bring in the harvest.
Meanwhile his son helps with packing the vegetables to be sold at the farmers' markets in Cambridge and Hamilton.
Ruan said he found growing very "peaceful and relaxing" but one of the other highlights was the many market customers who had become friends.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On Children’s Book Classics - The Moomins
Nelson City Council: Mayor Welcomes Auditor-General Decision Not To Prosecute Councillor
Johnnie Freeland: Ko Tātou Tātou - Climate Action In Aotearoa Begins With Relationship
Zero Waste Network Aotearoa: Container Return Scheme Bill Would Double Recycling Rates And Put Money Back In Households
Wellington City Council: Statement From The Wellington Mayoral Forum On Options For Regional Governance Reform
MUNZ: TAIC Report On Kaitaki Incident Gives Shocking Picture Of Decline Of NZ Maritime Infrastructure
Greenpeace: New Climate Report Yet More Reason To Reduce Dairy Herd
