Chemical-free market garden on small acreage showcases smart designs
953 Spring Flat Road, Spring Flat
Author: Jane Munro
Tom and Sharon have lived at their 10Ha property since 2005. In 2014 they made the decision to become market gardeners. Initially selling their chemical-free produce at local markets, the decision was soon made to diversify by using their surpluses to create small batches of chutneys, relishes, pickles and jams. These delicacies they now sell at a small shop on-site, as well as at the markets.
The property is situated on the north-facing slop with views towards Mount Knowles. In addition to their raised vegetable beds, there are also sheep, alpaca and chickens.
In the vegetable gardens they grow garlic, herbs, brassicas, silver beet, root vegetables, lettuce, beans, zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes and asparagus. Being chemical-free, they use companion planting and natural remedies to control pests including fruit fly. Caterpillars are removed by hand.
Tom and Sharon have developed a great understanding of how to manage a property of this size and will share their wealth of information and lessons learned from their experiences in scheduled talks and farm walks over the Gardens of Mudgee weekend. As well as information about plants and soil, you’ll learn about efficient watering, versatile garden bed and infrastructure construction, smart ways of reducing unnecessary labour and minimising cost of equipment, fencing and many other gems of information.
