Gardening by the maramataka

The term Pipiri is also used as a precursor for the cold season and represents the stars we will see following the current new moon or whiro on the 18th, and an indication of the true new lunar year for the maramataka. The longest night (or shortest day to some – remember we are celebrating the moon phases) or Hikumutu falls ahead of both Matariki and Puanga, and this indicates a period of rest which can be extended until the end of the Matariki cycle. The sowing of winter crops is continuous and the upcoming Matariki period is the best time to actually plant the seedlings for late winter consumption – therefore the sowing date will be around six weeks earlier than this. Certain crops embrace the longest night; it encourages flowering such as in many varieties of strawberries and most cane fruits. Other crops follow the solstice – for example, onions, shallots or peas – so plant accordingly.