The Eastern Field is an organically certified heritage seed-saving garden and plant nursery, dedicated to strengthening food security and seed sovereignty. Through gardening education, community connection, and sustainable practices, The Eastern Field empowers people to grow fresh, homegrown food and build resilient, self-sufficient communities.

Where it all began

From truly humble beginnings, The Eastern Field was founded by Jemma Ostenfeld in August 2022. The name itself, The Eastern Field, is a direct translation of her surname, reflecting a deep and personal connection to the land.

Jemma spent years travelling across New Zealand, learning from some of the country’s most respected gardening and horticulture experts. Along the way, she gathered invaluable wisdom and hands-on experience in organic and regenerative gardening practices, all grounded in a deep respect for the land.

Guided by this knowledge and a passion for cultivation, Jemma set out to strengthen seed security in Aotearoa by establishing a heritage seed library in the Bay of Plenty. What began in a hand-built 2x2m greenhouse in her WWOOFing host’s backyard in Rotorua has since grown into a half-acre garden and nursery in rural Whakatāne, where she continues to grow, preserve, and share heritage seeds.

Thanks to the incredible support of the local community, The Eastern Field has flourished into a thriving organically certified seed garden and plant nursery, proudly helping people across the Bay of Plenty grow their dream gardens.

Person holding a gourd bowl of heritage corn seeds

Philosophy

The Eastern Field’s philosophy is centred on honouring the seeds by preserving and strengthening their lineage; respecting the land by giving back more than what is taken; and empowering the people by reconnecting them with traditional knowledge and ways of being.

Through these guiding principles, The Eastern Field encourages a symbiotic partnership with the natural world, where people and plants thrive alongside each other.

Values

  • Community

    We prioritise supporting and encouraging the community to grow gardens by providing quality products and educational resources that connect people with their land, food, and sustainable gardening practices.

  • Quality

    We offer premium, in-season products, crafted by hand from locally sourced, ethical materials, paired with personalised guidance to help gardeners grow thriving edible gardens.

  • Reliability

    We provide a trustworthy, consistent source of heritage seeds and seedlings, helping gardeners grow abundant, productive backyards year after year.

  • Reciprocity

    Grounded in respect for nature, we give back by nurturing the land and the people, creating a thriving, symbiotic partnership that benefits the entire ecosystem.

Offerings

Hand holding a bundle of dried garlic in the air against a blurred natural background

Products

A carefully curated range of gardening essentials, including organically certified heritage seeds, seedlings, and seed raising mix, along with practical gardening guides, made to equip gardeners with the tools and knowledge to grow healthy, productive edible gardens.

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Two people working in a garden holding a bunch of freshly harvested carrots

Services

Professional gardening support, including personalised consultations, one-on-one coaching, and ongoing garden care, designed to help every gardener grow with confidence and create thriving edible gardens.

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Collaborations

The Eastern Field partners with Veg Babies, an organisation delivering seasonal, plastic-free seedling boxes designed for small-space, year-round gardening. As their dedicated grower, The Eastern Field supplies organically certified, heritage seedlings that help home gardeners grow fresh, nutrient-rich food while fostering community resilience and a stronger connection with the land.

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