Seed Library: Growing Seeds
Planting using maramataka
The Maramataka is the traditional Māori calendar. Like the Gregorian calendar, each year has 12 months, however, the Maramataka is based on lunar patterns. Months begin and conclude with the full moon.
Aligned with the moon's phases, particular days/nights hold either positive or negative implications for activities such as planting and harvesting.
You can learn more about Maramataka here:
- Maramataka Māori
Not specific to māra kai, Maramataka Māori guides whānau, educators, health workers and ethical businesses on how to use Maramataka to increase productivity and balance in everyday life. - Te Papa Blog
An excellent resource from Te Papa which discusses the Maramataka, it's months and its meaning - and provides a printable lunar calendar wheel for your personal use. - Maramataka Online
Canterbury based mental health organisation provides some great information and resources for whanau, including these resources on Maramataka. - Te Aka - When to plant and fish
A great audio clip from Te Matarēhua Wikiriwhi describing how Māori planted and fished according to the nights of the moon.
Growing in the Ōtepoti Dunedin climate
Dunedin is cold.
This means that we have a shorter growing season than other parts of the country.
Some plants which grow outdoors elsewhere need a little extra warmth down in these parts!
Some of the bigger growers need to be in a greenhouse (or a large conservatory), but some of the herbs will be fine on a sunny windowsill.
| Basil Happy in a pot on your windowsill.  |
Chilli's Happy in a bigger pot in your sunroom/greenhouse  |
| Capsicum Happy in a bigger pot in your sunroom/greenhouse.  |
Eggplant Happy in a bigger pot in your sunroom/greenhouse.  |
| Cucumbers Need A LOT of space. These would only be happy in a bigger greenhouse.  |
Tomatoes Most varieties need A LOT of space. These would only be happy in a bigger greenhouse. You may be able to get away with a sunroom if you get a bush or dwarf variety.  |