Lyndhurst-Hill Micro Farm: A New Way to Nourish Our Community
Ever looked at a trailer full of horse poo and thought,
“Now that’s a heap of opportunity?”
Well, you should! This “brown gold” behind our trusty tractor is about to be transformed into lush, organic veggies.
Keep reading to find out how micro-farming in Dayboro turns muck into miracles.
If you’re interested in sustainable living and supporting local agriculture, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s blog, I am going to talk about micro-farming in Dayboro and why it’s something our community should be championing.
From the delicious taste of freshly picked vegetables, keeping a rural look and feel, to the impact on our wallets and food prices, the benefits are clear as a bell.
So let’s get cracking!
The Philosophy Behind Micro Farming
Alright, so let’s chat about the philosophy behind micro-farming. To me, it’s not just about growing a few veggies in the backyard; it’s a whole lifestyle shift. It’s a commitment to sustainability, to treating our Mother Earth with the respect she deserves. Surely the goal is to reduce the money outflow and if all works out reverse it by money inflow.
On my micro-farm, I focus on using organic methods, recycling water where possible, and making compost from kitchen waste and local horse manure. It’s about taking small steps that, collectively, have a big impact on the environment and our local community. Keep the price of veggies well below what you pay for them in Coles or Woolies, and have it fresh.
It’s incredible to see a plot of land transform into a food source that sustains not just my family but also my friends and neighbours. I plan to expand the growing of vegetables, running one or two cows in our little rural paradise. Turning shit into food. Green stuff goes in, veggie food is coming out and they produce meat in the middle. It is a miracle.
Rolling Up the Sleeves:
The Efforts Required
Now, don’t let the word “micro” fool ya. Microfarming is small-scale, but it’s not a small effort. I’m constantly learning, whether it’s about crop rotation, natural pest control, or optimal harvesting times.
It’s crucial to plan ahead and be ready to adapt. Weather can be a mate or a foe; critters are always lurking, and don’t even get me started on soil pH levels.
There’s a lot to juggle, but boy, the satisfaction of harvesting your first tomato or pulling out a gigantic ginger from the earth you’ve nurtured is incomparable. It is good for the soul and even better for the mind.
Time Spent on Typical Micro Farming Tasks
| Task | Hours per Week |
|---|---|
| Soil Preparation | 5 |
| Planting | 3 |
| Watering | 7 |
| Weeding | 6 |
| Harvesting | 4 |
| Total | 25 |
Why Should Our Community Support Micro Farming?
Micro-farms are typically more sustainable than large-scale, commercial farms. They use less water, generate less waste, and have a smaller carbon footprint. Supporting microfarming also means fewer food miles, which is tops for reducing our environmental impact.
With the craving for centralisation, centralise people, centralise farming and centralise this and that, we really should start focusing on DE-centralisation as it is the true answer for our environmental issues. Fortunately, in our area, more and more seed-to-plate/farm-to-plate initiatives are popping up.
Freshness & Quality
You’ve never tasted anything as fresh as vegetables straight from a micro-farm. You know exactly where your food is coming from, and you can even meet the farmers growing it.
The Freshness Factor
There’s something magical about waking up in the morning and stepping out into your own little farming paradise. The dew is still fresh on the leaves, and the air is crisp. You can pluck a tomato right off the vine for your brekkie, wash it under the tap, and pop it into your mouth.
That burst of flavour is something you just can’t get from a tomato that’s been sitting in a truck or on a supermarket shelf for who knows how long. It’s like eating sunshine.
In conventional farming, produce is often harvested before it’s fully ripe to withstand the rigours of shipping and storage. But in micro-farming, you harvest only what you need, when you need it. This means that fruits and veggies can ripen naturally, providing you with more nutrients and a whole lot more flavour.
Quality You Can Count On
Beyond the joy of eating something so fresh is the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where your food comes from. There are no mysterious pesticides or synthetic fertilisers here; just good old-fashioned compost and natural pest control methods like ladybirds and lacewings. It’s food the way nature intended, full of vitamins and free from harmful chemicals.
You might have heard the term ‘farm-to-table (seed-to-plate)‘ but on a micro-farm, it’s more like ‘farm-to-fork-in-five-minutes.’ It’s knowing that the basil in your pesto was growing happily in the sun just a few moments before, or that the carrots in your stew haven’t been languishing in cold storage for weeks.
And don’t get me started on the vibrant colours! A freshly picked strawberry is so red you’d think it’s blushing, and the greens—my God, the greens!—are as vivid as a summer’s day. You eat with your eyes first, they say, and in this case, your eyes are in for a feast.
The freshness and quality of produce from my micro farm remind me every day why I do what I do. It’s not just about dodging the rising food prices or being self-sufficient.
It’s about living a life that’s richer in experiences, richer in health, and richer in flavour. It’s about getting back to the roots—literally—and appreciating the simple joys that come from tilling the earth and harvesting its bounty.
Economic Benefits and How It Works
When we talk about the economy, we often think of big—markets, global trends, and corporate profits. But I reckon the economic benefits of micro-farming, particularly for the local estate or even Dayboro residents, are a crucial part of the story that needs more attention.
Micro-Farm Benefits
First off, micro-farming helps stabilise local food prices. By growing food in your community, we cut out the middlemen and reduce transportation costs. This means less overhead and more savings for you. Not only do you get more bang for your buck, but you also get the peace of mind of investing in your community. Plus, supporting local micro farms is an excellent way to stimulate the local economy.
The great thing about my micro-farm is that it allows for some cost certainty. Given the increasing volatility in food prices, knowing that you have a local, consistent source for your produce can be comforting. And because the farm is right here in the community, it’s straightforward to see what you’re buying—you can even see it growing!
Why Choose Local Veggies?
Let’s be honest. The quality and freshness we’ve already talked about are reasons enough to buy from a micro-farm. But if you’re still on the fence, consider this—by choosing a local micro-farm, you’re taking a stand for a more sustainable future. You’re directly contributing to a business model that values people over profits and soil health over shortcuts. And as if that’s not enough, you’ll enjoy the unique flavours and textures that only come from vegetables grown with care and passion. It’s a win-win, really!
How It Works
1. I Grow Food: I take care of everything from seed to harvest, nurturing the plants in a chemical-free, sustainable environment.
2. Advertise What’s Ready: I’ll let you know once the veggies are ready for harvest. You’ll be the first to know what’s ripe and ready: juicy tomatoes or crisp lettuce. (I am terrible in growing tomatoes though…)
3. You Order What You Like: Browse through the advertised produce and order what you’d like. Maybe some fresh basil for that pasta dish you’ve been craving or some luscious strawberries for dessert?
4. Email Confirmation: After placing your order, you’ll receive an email confirmation that provides all the details you’ll need for pickup.
5. Come and Pick Up: We’re not offering Reko rings yet, so you’ll have to come and pick up your fresh produce directly from the farm. Trust me; it’s worth the trip!
There you have it—the economic benefits of micro-farming and why my veggies are the ones you should be filling your basket with. So, are you ready to jump on board and enjoy what locally grown, lovingly-tended produce has to offer?
I’m telling ya, once you go micro, you won’t go back!
At the moment, we only produce small and supporting three families on a regular basis. We are about to double the micro-farm in size due to the requests, so help me to make that possible.
The Benefits of Organically FREE THE POO.
Nutrient-Rich
Organic methods enrich the soil, leading to nutrient-dense produce. This means you’re getting more vitamins and minerals in every bite.
No Synthetic Chemicals
Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and GMOs. This is not just good for you, but it’s also good for the earth.
Better Taste
Many people swear by the taste of organic produce, claiming it’s richer and more flavourful. If you haven’t tried it yourself, now’s your chance.
I do take things seriously, and when it comes to horse manure for the garden, I hot compost it for about three months, which will get rid of all the things that are not natural.