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You are here: Home / Archives for Organic farming

April 14, 2020 by Ronni Martin

Growing microgreens at home

By Jody Wall, NSCF Site Co-ordinator.

In recent years microgreens have moved from the fancy plates of high-end restaurants to the garages and greenhouses of gardeners around the world. These little greens have made their way into the hearts, and into the regular diets, of millions of people. They are versatile and relatively easy to grow. With a quick turnaround time and small space requirement, they have become a go to crop for small market growers everywhere. I started growing microgreens to supplement my market garden income. It proved such a great business I made the business decision to cease the market garden and concentrate on just microgreens. Such is their economic potential. However, most people should be able to grow microgreens at home with few problems. With a small amount of practice and patience, the correct seed choice and irrigation techniques,  you will be on your way to enjoying fresh home grown greens.

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Setting up for growing microgreens

To start with, you need space, somewhere protected from swings in temperature, especially to the hot side. Also, it should be somewhere that you will visit every day. In Permaculture terms, microgreens are a zone 1 type crop. Many people use a garage, or if you have a large enough laundry you can use it. I use my existing Titan Shed. It is uninsulated, and I live in Queensland, so temperature control is a real issue. Gumtree is a great place to find cheap, second-hand, metal shelving to hold the seed trays.

You will need space for twice your estimated the weekly consumption. One area for this week’s crop, one area for those you are growing for next week. Most microgreens will give you a second shoot if you leave them in the soil. This also works to keep them fresher longer. With practise you will learn which varieties grow too much during the second week, and need to be cut at the right time. Leaving some varieties lets them get lanky, and stringy. My lovely partner’s favourite are snow pea shoots. These are a hardy, quick growing type. They come in a few varieties, but all tasted pretty similar to me.

As part of your setup, especially consider ventilation in the space. If it has anything less than a reasonably constant airflow, I would strongly recommend installing pedestal fans to push air across your sprouted microgreens. The density of growth makes microgreens particularly susceptible to stem rot, an evil fungus that will destroy trays of microgreens in a few hours. Maintaining airflow is an almost foolproof method of avoiding this issue. Pedestal fans are cheap and use minimal electricity. So they are a very efficient method of ventilating your growing area. Of course, there is the option of an insulated and climate-controlled room, but that is more in the advanced microgreens production field.

After you have set up the growing space you will need trays. I have found the standard nursery seedling trays work best. Around 200mm x 300mm is best as any larger and the tray becomes too large to handle, and the microgreens too difficult to cut. I would start with four trays: two for this week and two for next week. Wash the trays the same as you would for new seedlings.

Most green vegetable seed can be used to produce microgreens. Also popular are alfalfa, amaranth, beetroot, chinese cabbage,cress, dill, barleygass and oatgrass, peas, radish and sunflower.

 

Growing instructions

This is the the fun part. It is a fairly simple process and will be familiar to those that have grown seedlings before.

  1. Fill the trays using a seed raising mix, or a finely sieved potting mix. Some of the trays have a mesh patterned bottom to allow water drainage. I lay down a sheet of chux to keep the potting mix from falling through. You can also buy riggy didge microgreen trays. In my experience, they are expensive, and unnecessary. I use solid floor trays as well, just remember to drill holes in their bases to allow water to drain.
  2. Many microgreens seeds are pinhead size. Using too coarse a potting mix causes the seed to fall into areas of the mix that do not allow them to grow. This is a waste of seed, and of the area in your tray. I use a combination of worm farm tailings and a cheap seedling mix. The important thing to remember is that the seeds will not be drawing on any nutrients in the soil. They will only live long enough to use the nutrient that comes packaged in the seed itself. I use worm tailings because my next use of the growing medium is to fertilise my second-year trees that I transplanted. This is an important consideration. You do not really get to reuse the growing medium, the soil. It will be matted with root structure from cut microgreens. It is far too time consuming to remove all the roots in it. Either compost the soil or reuse it on a larger plant that will not be bothered by the decomposing roots.
  3. Scrape any excess soil off, then tamp down the soil in the trays until it is firm but not compacted.
  4. Pre-water the soil before placing seeds in the trays. I sit my trays in water for 5 mins before seeding. If the trays have good drainage, this will help to ensure an even watering across the tray. As I will discuss later, this is also the method I use to water my microgreens with daily.
  5. Sprinkle seeds liberally over the surface of the seedling mix. Remember the point is to have dense, compact growth. This goes against the instincts of a seedling grower, but it produces the results you want. I use a tablespoon. I have found my hands just do not do the same job. Just imagine you are sprinkling sugar on your breakfast cereal. The seed should be a single layer thick, with seeds almost touching.
  6. Softly moisten the seeds. I use a new pump poison sprayer, or a small spray bottle also works. Obviously new or very, very clean.
  7. Cover the seeds with a light sprinkle of soil. Or for many of the bigger seeds, I use boards cut to the size of the tray. These have the advantage of ensuring darkness, keeping vermin off, and trapping a small amount of moisture.
  8. Important. I know it’s difficult. It’s new life. It’s a new project. You will do this every week. So, enjoy the anticipation.
  9. After a couple of days, literally, the boards will start to rise up as the mass of seedlings pushes against them. Now is the time to uncover the trays.
  10. Mist water the seedlings, or use an ebb and flow irrigation technique. The real danger for microgreens is root stem fungus infection. They can be perfect one day but dead the next morning. To combat this, you will need constant airflow . Easy to do with a pedestal fan rotating over the trays, and irrigating from the soil up, rather than constantly wetting the leaves and stems with overhead watering.
  11. To harvest your microgreens, trim off desired quantity using a very sharp long blade. Grasp the microgreens firmly around the stems and cut as close to the soil as possible. Try to avoid scissors, as the crossing of the blades bruises the stems, and starts the plant rotting immediately. I keep them in the fridge. I’ve found they stay fresh for up to a week.

Filed Under: Farming, Nursery Tagged With: info, Organic farming, Organic Gardening, Useful Information

March 26, 2020 by Desi Achilleos

Northey St Organic Farmers Market STAYS OPEN EVERY SUNDAY

Northey St Organic Farmers Market will be open every Sunday to provide fresh organic produce in an open air environment.

Due to tighter government regulations on farmers market numbers and social distancing, we will only have two entrances into the market on Sunday in order to regulate numbers and monitoring social distancing for everyone’s health. We ask that you please take these regulations seriously, leave your dogs at home and limit the number of people from a household attending to one where possible. Please ask any vulnerable neighbours if you can shop for them.

The City Farm Nursery will only be open Friday to Sunday, and only accepting payment through tap on cards this week. 

We have an online store where you can order Nursery Products and Organic Food Boxes for pick up great for those vulnerable in the community, so they don’t miss our on stock. Food Boxes can also be delivered. Check out the online store here: https://northey-street-city-farm.myshopify.com/

We value your support and understanding in these times and we send out our love to the global community for good health, recovery and for the earth’s regeneration.

Please take care and apart from essential shopping, where possible #stayhome

Filed Under: Organic Farmers Market Tagged With: online orders, organic farmers market, Organic farming, organic produce, Sustainability

May 2, 2018 by Ronni Martin

May – Thank a Farmer Month

It’s Thank a Farmer Month during May, so we’re going to introduce you to some of our local farmers who sell at our Sunday Organic Market. This month, say thanks to the farmers who produce the food that keeps us alive!

Meet Anika Wulff from Spring Lakes Farm in Churchable, which is west of Brisbane, between Gatton and the Wivenhoe Dam.

What is your favorite thing to eat right now?

Sweet potato cooked in ghee with kimchi cucumber pickle.

When and how did you make the decision to become a farmer?

Back in 2012 when my Mum passed away. We were unhappy with our seemingly perfect life in Perth and we knew we only had once chance at life – so it’s best to make the most of it. We both wanted wide open spaces, to be our own boss, and had an intrinsic aversion to chemicals – so organic farming it was!

 

What’s the most surprising thing about farming?

It’s way harder than we thought. There are many things to figure out / juggle and it seems to change each season. We have had to learn about growing, business, mother nature, the market, all at once – and make enough money to make it through to the next season, each and every season. It’s been a steep, very steep, learning curve.

Why is organic food important?

Because it is the purest form of nourishment provided to us by Mother Nature. It embodies respect for our bodies and our environment.

Where do you see the future of farming? What do you hope for it?

Growth in the small scale farming scene. More people being enticed into the lifestyle, to contribute to the food system. I want to see more people involved and more people caring about their food and their environment.

Filed Under: Organic Farmers Market Tagged With: Events, organic farmers market, Organic farming

May 2, 2018 by Desi Achilleos

May E-News

Every month we publish a free newsletter which lets people know what is happening at the farm. To subscribe fill in your email HERE To read May’s E-News CLICK HERE  

Filed Under: eNews Tagged With: edible nursery, NSCF, Organic farming, Organic Markets, permaculture

January 30, 2018 by Ronni Martin

Veganic Farmers at NSCF markets

 

An interview with Kim Accardi, Northey Street stall holder and vegan farmer.

Check out Kim Accardi and Chris Spencer’s sensational preserves and seasonal produce at the Northey Street City Farm Markets every Sunday from 6.30 to 11 am.

How did your love of Organics start?
My love for animals and nature was where it all began. The more I learnt about conservation, horticulture and cruelty free living, the more interested I became in organics. I began researching the effects of pesticides and herbicides not long after I became interested in gardening. Herbicides such as glyphosate and the effects they have, not only on the environment but also potentially to our own health and the health of our families and furry friends. I had always made sure my own garden and home grown veggies were pesticide free so I believe it was a natural transition into organics. Permaculture was what really sucked me in. I loved the concept of strategic planting to supply nutrients and to control pests.

Tell us more about your veganic farming methods, and are there any other Vegan Farms in operation that you know of?
Our objective is to grow produce with the least harm, not only to the environment but to all animals. This means we do not use any animal manure, blood and bone, eggshells, fish emulsion, etc.

Key aspects to successful Veganic farming are: careful planning of annual ‘bed’ rotation, green manures, cover crops, weed tea, bull kelp and lots and lots of compost! We use companion planting and other methods to repel pests rather than killing them. A lot of thought goes into the best way we can handle various pests with the least harm, such as attracting natural predators, creating barriers or planting decoys. Veganic methods are quite common in most vegan backyards, however I don’t believe veganics is seen as ‘cost effective’ on a large scale. It certainly is more time intensive and a lot more hard work and planning, but well worth it.
All of the products we make and sell (Jams, Sauces, Chutney, etc) are all 100% vegan too of course.

What’s a typical week look like for you?
As we have such a wide variety of fruit trees and crops, no week is ever the same. Strawberry and mango seasons are very busy for us as they are our biggest crops, however we put a lot of hard work in all year round, pruning, watering, making compost, feeding the soil, maintaining and expanding our conservation and re-vegetation areas. As they say, a farmer’s work is never done! Then comes cooking all tasty products we take to market, in which hours can fly by with sometimes minimal result. We have 3 beautiful dogs, a cat and loads of wildlife that all enjoy and need our attention too. Before you know it…it’s 3am Sunday and we’re up and packing the vehicles for Market day.

What’s your favourite thing about Northey Street City Farm Markets?

I love how excited our customers get about our produce and other products! It is really great to be able to communicate directly with the customer and answer any questions they may have, whilst also providing us with feedback. I also love the atmosphere and the community feel that Northey Street City Farm has.

If you could get the population of Australia to all do one thing, what would it be? 
That one is a no brainier for both of us. Take the time to meet your meat and get to know them for who they are. Cuddle a lamb, watch a calf prance around like a puppy or get smooched by a piglet. Research the meat and dairy industry and then follow your heart 

Filed Under: Farming, Organic Farmers Market Tagged With: NSCF, Organic farming, Organic Markets, Sunday Organic Markets

December 7, 2017 by Ronni Martin

NSCF Organic Farmers Market stallholder wins award

 

Jean, Laclan and Adrian Tiller with the Best Organic Retailer of the Year Award.

Sherwood Rd Organic Meats is still celebrating their win – Best Organic Retailer 2018 at the Australian Certified Organics Awards in Adelaide last month! One of our regular long-term Organic Farmers Market stallholders, Jean Tiller, said “We wear our “Bud Logo” with pride these days more than ever”.

Market Co-ordinator, Camilla Tulley, interviewed Jean recently:

1) What time are you up on a Sunday?

Our van is loaded Saturday, so 4am – probably considered a sleep-in to others.

2) What’s your fav stall?

COFFEE or any stall that sells caffeine.

3) Favourite market snacks?

Apples from our wonderful neighbour, Di! @charlwoodorganic

4) How many hours do you work a week?

I help out my sister, Amy who co-owns the shop with our dad – Adrian – the Farmer! I alternate with the lovely Lisa – who many would know as the Duck Farmer! I work in disability services during the week.

5) Best thing about Northey Street Organic Farmers Markets?

We have been at Northey Street since 2012 – before we even owned a butcher shop. At the time we sold our Organic Lamb/Hogget/Mutton/Goat delivered direct to doors. So, the best thing for sure is getting to know our amazing CUSTOMERS! We are so lucky to have the nicest, most appreciative shoppers to share a laugh with every Sunday! Also, I get to bring my son Lachy who absolutely loves helping out!

6) Why Organics?

My family (who produce our meats) wouldn’t have it any other way! Dad (Adrian) reacts badly to chemicals and, contrary to what he was taught at Ag College, believes them to be completely unnecessary. Our farm has been Certified Organic for many years – we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Thank you  and Congratulations Jean, Lachlan and Adrian – and rest of The Tiller Family

Sherwood Rd. Organic Meats

Australian Certified Organics

 

 

Filed Under: Organic Farmers Market Tagged With: NSCF, organic, organic farmers market, Organic farming

November 8, 2017 by Desi Achilleos

November E-News

Every month at the Farm we publish a monthly newsletter to let everyone know what is happening at the Farm.

November E-News Here

If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter and receive a monthly e-news as an email SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE HERE.

Filed Under: eNews Tagged With: E-news, NSCF, organic, Organic farming, permaculture, Urban Farming

August 29, 2017 by Desi Achilleos

Growing in the City Series

Get growing in your garden, mind and body with a series of 8 workshops led by Northey Street City Farm experts. Weekly topics including Living lightly (Reduce your footprint), Microgardening and companion planting, Bush Tucker, Compost in the City and much more.

Book in for one session or commit to all 8 to turbo-charge your sustainability revolution! With a focus on inner city balconies and suburban back yards, these workshops will get you producing your own food in next to no time.

To book CLICK HERE

Filed Under: Permaculture Education Tagged With: Organic farming, Organic Gardening, permaculture

August 8, 2017 by NSCF

NSCF August E-News

Northey Street City Farm produces a FREE monthly E-Newsletter to let everyone know what is happening at the farm. You can subscribe HERE. To read our E-News for August CLICK HERE.

Filed Under: eNews Tagged With: Organic farming, permaculture, Permaculture Design Course

June 29, 2017 by Ronni Martin

New View Farmers

Interview with Camilla Tulley – NSCF Markets Co-ordinator

Holly and Justin from New View Farm run a 5-acre project east of Stanthorpe. They are regenerating the site from pine forestry, using permaculture principles to grow fruit and flowers. They also rent a market garden from another Granite Belt grower Undercliffe Dave. Here they grow produce with other Granite Belt farmers to sell collectively at Northey St. Markets.  Holly and Justin’s interest in growing started with their involvement with the Queensland Herb Society, a local Brisbane group, who hold their meetings around the corner from the Farm at the Albion Peace Center. Around the same time, they started shopping at Northey Street Organic Farmers Market and Holly completed our two-week intensive Permaculture Design Certificate. The high school sweethearts got married in 2012 and spent their honeymoon WWOOFing around Canada meeting awesome farmers, homesteaders and viewing garden projects. They came back inspired and ready to start their own organic farm.

Holly and Justin, tell us about your menu collaboration with head chef Glen Barratt from Wild Canary bistro at Brookfield? I’ve been following his passion for locally grown produce!

Glen is keen supporter of farmers’ markets, local produce and permaculture, and we also share a passion for unusual and unique foods! His restaurant has its own veggie garden where he grows many things to use in dishes. He invited us to speak at his producer’s lunch, a six-course degustation featuring produce from the Granite Belt Organic Growers!

What are your thoughts on shopping at big supermarkets vs a farmer’s market such as Northey St. Organic Farmers Market?

There are lots of benefits to shopping at a market – more of the produce is local, it’s much fresher and you know exactly who you are supporting through purchasing it. There’s also much more variety available! A good market still has the diversity of a supermarket – we can get meat, fish, dairy, fresh produce and dry goods. We think Northey St Organic Farmers Market is more exciting because we can also get homewares, beauty care, clothing, chocolate and natural therapies!

Supermarkets expect farmers to provide ever higher quality produce for less and less money, despite the many difficulties in growing. They don’t support locally grown either and have a crazy desire to wrap everything in plastic!

Agreed. Have you noticed any shifts in attitudes towards natural/organic farming over the time you’ve been growing and selling at the Northey St. Organic Farmers Market?

Yes, there is a definite trend towards a desire for natural foods which is evident in many facets of life right now. The prevalence of healthier eating depicted in the media, the rise in alternative eating choices through new diets, and the increase of organic products available in the supermarkets, shows that people are paying more attention to what they are eating right now.

As well, we have noticed an increase in patrons at the markets who are interested in knowing where and how their food is grown, and even who the farmer is. We believe that farmers are starting to get the support and recognition they deserve.

What would you say the main challenges of farming are for you?

The weather is getting more variable and it’s much harder to predict what is going to happen. Some of the farmers of past generations, that have been farming for 40 years, remember a time when you could rely on the forecast. People can advise on weather trends in the region to some degree, but even that isn’t always correct. For example, you used to be able to expect that frost would happen around Anzac Day each year and this year we only had a really light first frost at the end of May, a whole month later.

We do what we can when the sun is shining, and when it’s not we plant, plant and plant! And sometimes we just have to work in the cold muddy, rain! That’s just what farming is really! 🙂

Our next biggest challenge is efficiency! It’s something we are getting a lot better at. There’s a fine line between financially viable and a huge waste of time. We came into farming with some plant growing experience but no farming or market experience, so the learning curve has been pretty steep. We try to be fast learners! And the online farming community really helps us, giving us ideas on how to organize and innovate, find info on varieties and cool tools to get. It’s great having instant feedback on how the season is going for other farmers too, so you can be aware of certain pests doing the rounds etc. It all helps us become more resilient farms.

What about the pros of living the farming life?

We think the biggest pro is that we live abundantly! We love having a rainbow of delicious, nutritious food at each meal and we love being able to share that with our customers, especially through a place like Northey St. Organic Farmers Market.

Another pro would be the connection with nature. We get to work out in the fresh air, surrounded by the plants and animals each day. You really get to experience each season.

Love your work Holly and Justin, I am so impressed by your enthusiasm and dedication to ethical farming. Thanks for your time!

Visit the Granite Belt Growers stall at Northey St. Organic Farmers Markets! They are there every Sunday 6am-11am. 

You can follow Holly and Justin’s farming adventures on Instagram @new_view_farm

You can find more information on the Queensland Herb Society here: www.qldherbsociety.org.au

You can find Glen Barratt through: https://wildcanary.com.au

 

Filed Under: Farming, Organic Farmers Market Tagged With: organic farmers market, Organic farming

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