Dec 2024
The smell of the seaside hangs in the air at Grow Something – a sure sign they’ve been busy brewing fish hydrolysate!
The transition to regenerative management is a leap of faith. Farmers must change longstanding practices and mindsets before seeing results which, understandably, can be daunting. We are stoked that Grow Something has trusted the process and hit the ground running.
Since the project kick-off in October, farmer Karen tells us operations have been more efficient and required less physical labour. Previous tilling practices to dig holes for organic-certified fertiliser are no longer required, replaced with applying compost tea and bio-active plant nutrients directly with a hose/watering can. And improvements in the plants’ condition are also slowly beginning to show, giving the farm confidence to grow more crops than in previous years.
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![Tomato plot with weeds]()
One of the biggest obstacles they are facing is gathering mulch, as quality sources are scarce, and large orders might be too much for them to handle.
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![Seed germination tent with buckets of bio-active plant nutrient ferments]()
They recently received an air pump from Organic Farmula (we love when the community comes together!) and have begun to make their own compost tea along with bio-active plant nutrients made earlier, applying them at least weekly.
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![2 Purple cabbages]()
To our surprise, Karen mentioned the application of the two nutrient brews made a significant impact on their Brassicaceae crops, which other farms are still struggling with. Fewer pests can be seen, and they look more robust.
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We present to you the guardians of Grow Something, Spot and Pointy. These two rascals used to dig up organic-certified fertilisers and cause operational headaches. Now with water-based nutrient solutions, less time is needed for discipline.
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![Seed treatment on a bed of soil]()
Another of our grantee farm trying out seed inoculation recommended by our local appointed advisor.
