Monthly Archives: July 2014

Reader tips and a question from the UK

A few weeks back we extolled the virtues of backyard chickens. However, the Auckland Council has just released proposed controls for livestock in urban areas: keeping more than six chickens, a rooster, ducks, geese, a goat, or a sheep will require a licence! The message is clear – check with your local council first, before […]

Winter cooking

The winter chill has set in so oily rag households have the wood burning stoves stoked up and the slow cookers brewing warm winter meals.   An oily rag family up north said although the power was out for three days during a recent storm they cooked delicious low-cost meals on top of their wood […]

Kids money

Its school holidays and a time to give young ones even more attention than they already receive. An excellent letter has prompted us to think about kid’s money.   Stephanie writes, “Let kids save for their own college fund by encouraging them from a very early age to earn money by getting paid for what […]

Beautiful broccoli

The NZ Herald recently ran an article celebrating the health properties of broccoli. It’s fair to say that broccoli is a staple for the oily rag garden. It’s easy to grow, provides all year round, and it’s easy to use in the kitchen. On top of it all, it’s good for you!   The article […]