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Every month, on a specially selected day, we open our doors to nature enthusiasts for a unique group adventure. At just $100 per person, this 2–3 hour tour takes you deep into the heart of our farm. You'll wander along trails lined with vibrant food forests and discover water conservation systems that power our sustainable practices. As you explore, our experienced guides will share the innovative techniques behind our permaculture approach. This isn’t just a walk through the farm—it’s an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as composting, planting, and harvesting, while also sampling seasonal produce freshly picked from our fields. Each moment is designed to deepen your understanding of sustainable living, leaving you with actionable insights and a newfound appreciation for regenerative agriculture. Limited spots ensure that each guest enjoys an intimate, interactive experience that celebrates the true spirit of nature. Inclusions: Guided Exploration: Discover our food forests, water systems, and sustainable landscapes with an expert guide who explains the fundamentals of permaculture in simple terms. Hands-On Activities: Take part in practical activities such as composting, planting, and harvesting that show you how sustainable practices work in real life. Educational Insights: Learn about the core principles of regenerative agriculture and sustainable living through engaging explanations and real-world examples. Seasonal Refreshments: Enjoy light, farm-fresh snacks and beverages that highlight the natural bounty of our produce. Community Connection: Experience a shared journey with fellow nature enthusiasts in an interactive group setting that fosters learning and conversation. We can't wait to see you here!

Full Food Forest Tour: An In-Depth Permaculture Experience Pricing & Additional Details This is our Full Farm Tour which covers the grounds from swales 1 to 15, That is the whole swale system and this can take up to 4 hours, We recommend you take the time to understand your Physical capabilities before booking this farm tour. Adults: 17+ $80 Children 10-16: $20 Children under 10: Free Family Pass: $180 Family of four | 2 children paid any more are free For those ready to dive deeper into the world of permaculture, our Full Food Forest Tour offers an extended four-hour journey through the entirety of our farm. This tour takes you beyond the basics, guiding you through all of our swales, down to where we raise our animals, and, if time permits, we'll explore our orchard, where you can experience a variety of fruit trees and perennial plants. This tour is designed for those with a higher level of fitness, as it includes more challenging terrain and steeper inclines. Participants should be comfortable walking for longer periods and navigating hilly landscapes. You’ll gain insight into our holistic farming practices, animal integration, and the vital role each part of the farm plays in our sustainable ecosystem. Tour Difficulty & Fitness Level The Full Food Forest Tour is for more experienced walkers, as it covers rough terrain and includes walking back up hillsides. We recommend participants have a moderate to high fitness level to fully enjoy this experience. Refreshments will be provided after the tour, and you'll have the opportunity to discuss permaculture practices, ask questions, and purchase products like our herbal salves, tallow soap, and more.

Mushroom Cultivation Workshop – Unlock the secrets to growing your own gourmet mushrooms with our hands-on, full-day workshop! Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring fungi farmer, this immersive experience will teach you everything you need to know about mushroom cultivation using plugs and timber. What You’ll Learn: • Preparing and inoculating timber with mushroom plugs • The mushroom lifecycle and optimal growing conditions • Tips for maintaining and harvesting your mushrooms • Differences between cultivation methods like logs vs. sawdust spawn What’s Included: • All tools and materials provided • A take-home inoculated log to grow your own mushrooms • Light refreshments and snacks from the farm • Expert guidance in a scenic permaculture setting Join us for a fun and educational day on the farm and leave with the skills and confidence to start your mushroom-growing journey. Location: Girvan, NSW Duration: Full day Cost: $200 Spaces are limited – Book now to secure your spot!

Banana Plant Care: What to Do After Your Banana Plant Fruits Banana plants only fruit once Banana plants are a fantastic addition to any permaculture farm or home garden, offering a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit. Proper banana tree care and banana plant maintenance are essential to ensure healthy growth and sustained productivity. Understanding how to care for banana plants will help gardeners maximize their yields and keep their banana grove thriving. However, many people don’t realize that after a banana plant fruits, it won’t produce again. Instead, it’s time to chop it down and make way for the next generation of growth. Here’s a guide to what to do once your banana plant has fruited to keep your banana grove thriving. Why Do You Need to Cut Down a Banana Plant After Fruiting? Banana plants are monocarpic, meaning they only produce fruit once in their lifetime. Understanding the banana plant lifecycle is essential for maintaining a productive grove. After fruiting, the main stem will not regrow, and new growth must come from suckers. Many gardeners wonder, 'Do banana plants regrow after fruiting?' The answer is no—the original stem will die, but proper sucker management ensures continuous fruit production. Once the main stem (or “pseudostem”) has borne fruit, it will begin to die back. Leaving it in place can attract pests and diseases, plus it will no longer contribute to the productivity of your banana patch. Cutting it down allows new suckers (pups) to take over, ensuring continuous fruit production.   Additionally, the old pseudostem can become a breeding ground for pests such as banana weevils and fungal infections like Panama disease (*Fusarium oxysporum*). By promptly removing the spent stem, you reduce the risk of disease transmission to the remaining healthy plants. Furthermore, decomposing banana stems can create excess moisture buildup in humid climates, which can encourage rot and unwanted fungal growth in the banana patch.   Banana plants also require significant nutrients to thrive. Providing the best fertilizer for banana plants and understanding how to feed banana trees is essential for maintaining strong growth and high fruit yields. Keeping an old, unproductive pseudostem diverts essential nutrients from younger, more viable plants. By removing it, you ensure that available nutrients go to the new generation of suckers, promoting vigorous growth and better fruit yields.   (Source: University of Florida IFAS Extension, "Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape"; FAO, "Banana Diseases and Management Strategies") When to Cut Down a Banana Plant Cutting it down after fruiting is essential for healthy regrowth and a thriving banana grove The best time to remove the old banana plant is after the fruit has fully ripened and been harvested. You’ll notice the leaves starting to yellow, signaling that the plant is reaching the end of its life cycle. At this point, you can safely remove the main stem.   It is important to ensure that you have selected a healthy sucker to replace the old plant before cutting it down. This guarantees a continuous cycle of fruit production. If a strong pup is not yet established, you may want to delay cutting the old stem until a suitable replacement is growing well.   (Source: Purdue University Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, "Banana - Musa spp.") How to Properly Cut Down a Banana Plant A harvested banana plant will not fruit again and should be removed 1. Gather Your Tools – You’ll need a sharp machete, pruning saw, or a large knife, as well as gloves for protection. 2. Start at the Base – Make a clean cut as close to the ground as possible. Since banana plants store a lot of water, they can be quite heavy, so be cautious when cutting. 3. Chop it into Sections – Instead of discarding the whole plant, chop it into manageable pieces. 4. Leave the Roots Intact – The underground rhizome (corm) will continue to send up new shoots (suckers), ensuring ongoing banana production. 5. Dispose or Reuse the Stem – The cut stem can be repurposed in various ways instead of being discarded.   (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, "Sustainable Banana Production Practices") What to Do with the Chopped Banana Plant Proper maintenance prevents pests and diseases in banana groves Banana plants are packed with moisture and nutrients, making them an excellent resource for your garden: - Mulch – Chop the stem and leaves into smaller pieces and spread them around your banana patch or food forest as nutrient-rich mulch. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add organic matter to the soil. - Compost – Add pieces to your compost pile to boost moisture content and accelerate decomposition. The fibrous material from banana plants breaks down quickly, enriching the compost with potassium and other nutrients. - Animal Feed – Some livestock, like chickens, ducks, and pigs, enjoy banana stems and leaves as a treat. Banana plants contain a high water content and some essential minerals that benefit farm animals. - Natural Fertilizer – In some cases, banana stems can be used to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer by soaking chopped sections in water for a few days and then using the water to irrigate plants. - Craft and Utility Uses – The fibrous parts of banana stems can be used for weaving, making rope, or even as biodegradable plates in some traditional practices.   (Source: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, "Banana Farming and Sustainable Practices")   Selecting the Best Sucker for Future Growth Chopped banana stems make excellent mulch for the garden After removing the fruited banana stem, selecting the right sucker (also called a pup) is crucial for future productivity. Understanding how to choose the best banana sucker ensures strong plant growth and continued fruit production. Proper banana plant propagation techniques can also improve yields and maintain a healthy grove. Here’s what to look for: - Strong Growth – Choose a sucker that is at least half the height of the original plant and has a thick, healthy base. - Sword Suckers Over Water Suckers – Sword suckers have narrow, pointed leaves and grow closer to the base of the mother plant, making them a better choice for future fruiting plants. Water suckers have broad leaves and often result in weaker plants. - Proper Spacing – Avoid keeping too many suckers growing in one cluster. Ideally, you should maintain only one or two strong pups per mature plant to prevent overcrowding. - Remove Weaker Suckers – Thin out any smaller or unhealthy suckers so that the strongest one can develop fully and take over fruiting. Final Tips for Healthy Banana Plant Growth Nutrient-rich soil supports vigorous banana plant growth. - Keep the area well-mulched and maintain moisture levels, as bananas thrive in humid, nutrient-rich environments. - Feed banana plants regularly with compost, manure, or organic fertilizers to ensure vigorous growth and high fruit yield. - Space plants properly to allow for good airflow and prevent disease. Avoid planting banana trees too close together to prevent competition for nutrients. - Remove dead leaves and spent stems to maintain a tidy and productive banana patch. - Watch for pests such as banana weevils, aphids, and nematodes, and take appropriate organic pest control measures if needed. Common banana plant pests can cause serious damage if not managed properly. To prevent banana weevils, consider using mulch to deter egg-laying and regularly inspecting the base of plants for larvae. Organic neem oil and beneficial nematodes can also help keep infestations under control.   By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure that your banana plants continue to thrive, providing you with a continuous supply of fresh fruit while enriching your garden’s ecosystem. Happy growing!   (Additional Reading: University of Hawaii CTAHR, "Banana Cultivation and Management"; FAO, "Banana Pest and Disease Control") Try This Banana Recipe Want to make the most of your banana harvest? Check out James' video on how to make delicious banana chicken fritters: Watch the Video Making Green Banana & Chicken Fritters with Honey Mustard dipping sauce! Download the full recipe here:

Unique Australian Native the Davidson Plum: A Journey Through Its Life, Importance, and Unforgettable Taste The Unique Beauty of the Davidson Plum Davidson plums growing on the trunk of the tree Deep in Australia’s lush rainforests, the Davidson Plum stands out as one of the country's most striking native fruits. With its deep purple skin and brilliant crimson flesh , this tangy delight has been valued for centuries. Once a staple in Indigenous bush food, it is now a sought-after ingredient in gourmet kitchens. Recently, we filmed a taste test of the season’s first Davidson Plums on our farm. Let’s just say… it was an experience! 😳 Watch the full video on YouTube to see our honest reaction—these early plums packed a tart punch! Meet the Davidson Plum: What Makes It Special? Unripe Davidson Plum The term Davidson Plum refers to three different species native to Australia: Davidsonia pruriens – Found in Far North Queensland , also known as "Ooray." Davidsonia jerseyana – Grows in northern NSW , sometimes called the Mullumbimby Plum. Davidsonia johnsonii – A rare species in subtropical NSW rainforests. Despite their differences, all three species share the same intensely sour yet uniquely flavourful profile. This makes them a fascinating fruit to explore. The Life Cycle: From Seed to Fruit Like many rainforest fruits, Davidson Plums rely on birds, bats, and other wildlife to disperse their seeds. The growth process is slow but rewarding. 1. Seed Germination & Early Growth Seeds can take weeks (sometimes months) to sprout. They require moist, well-draining soil and a warm, humid environment. 2. Maturity & Flowering Trees reach fruiting maturity in 3–5 years . Flowers grow directly on the trunk ( cauliflory ), a rare and unique feature! 3. Fruiting & Harvest The plums grow in clusters on the tree’s trunk. Ripe fruit measures 2–7 cm in diameter. The timing of harvest is crucial —too early, and the fruit is overwhelmingly sour! In our taste test video , we learned this the hard way! 😅 The first plums of the season were extremely sour and astringent , likely due to being knocked off the tree too early by wind. As the season progresses, bigger, juicier, and slightly sweeter fruit will develop. The new growth on the Davidson Plum is gorgeous The Davidson Plum’s Role in Nature An Essential Rainforest Species Provides food for birds, bats, and insects . Enriches rainforest soil with fallen fruit. Plays a crucial role in rainforest regeneration. A Rich Cultural History Indigenous Australians have used Davidson Plums for thousands of years . Traditionally eaten raw, in drinks, or dried for travel. Also used in bush medicine for digestive and skin health . Why is the Davidson Plum So Popular Today? Modern chefs love Davidson Plums for their bold, tangy flavor and stunning deep magenta color . They’re now a key ingredient in various dishes, including: Jams & preserves 🫙 Sauces & chutneys 🍽️ Desserts like sorbets & cheesecakes 🍰 Fermented drinks like kombucha & craft beer 🍹 Growing & Conserving Davidson Plums Flowering Davidson plum Davidson Plums thrive in tropical to subtropical climates . They prefer: Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter. Regular watering but good drainage. Partial shade for young plants. Unfortunately, some species, like Davidsonia jerseyana , are endangered due to habitat loss. Thus, sustainable farming, conservation efforts, and responsible harvesting are crucial for protecting this unique fruit for future generations. Delicious Recipes Featuring Davidson Plum 1. Davidson Plum Jam Creating your own jam with Davidson plums is simple. Combine the plums with sugar and lemon juice. Simmer until thickened, then jar up your delicious creation! 2. Davidson Plum Sorbet For a refreshing treat, blend ripe Davidson plums with sugar and lemon juice. Freeze the mixture to create a delectable sorbet that captures the plum's vibrant flavor. 3. Davidson Plum Sauce for Meats This tangy sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats. Simmer Davidson plum pulp with vinegar and spices for a sweet and sour burst that enhances any dish. Final Thoughts The Davidson Plum is more than just a tart fruit—it’s a piece of Australia’s rich biodiversity, history, and culinary heritage . Whether you’re growing it, tasting it, or creating recipes, this unique native fruit offers a fascinating journey from rainforest to plate. Thank you for joining us on this Davidson Plum adventure! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to watch our full YouTube video , book a farm tour , or browse our online shop for more farm-fresh goodness. watch the YouTube video where we finally get to taste the Davidson Plum. Not what we were expecting! 🌱 Until next time, keep growing, exploring, and enjoying nature’s harvest! 🌱 Cheers, Andrea

Permaculture is a holistic design philosophy that integrates nature’s patterns and principles into sustainable agriculture and living systems. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we’ve embraced these principles to create a flourishing system that not only feeds us but also regenerates the land. By incorporating permanent, sustainable agriculture methods and innovative water management systems like swales, we’ve developed a landscape that thrives year-round. The 12 Principles of Permaculture Developed by David Holmgren, the 12 principles of permaculture provide a framework for designing resilient and sustainable systems. Here’s an overview of each principle and how we apply them at Vast Harvest Permaculture: Observe and Interact: Before planting or building, we spend time observing the land’s natural patterns—sunlight, wind, water flow, and soil health. By understanding our environment, we design systems that work with nature rather than against it. Catch and Store Energy: Solar panels on our farm generate renewable energy. We use swales to capture and store rainwater, ensuring a steady water supply for dry periods. Obtain a Yield: Every element in our system—from chickens to fruit trees—provides a yield, whether it’s food, fertilizer, or shade. Our permaculture garden produces vegetables, herbs, and perennial crops that sustain us year-round. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback: We monitor our systems regularly and make adjustments as needed. For example, if a crop underperforms, we evaluate its location or soil needs. Feedback from nature guides us to improve and adapt. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services: Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. Our livestock—such as chickens—provide eggs, pest control, and natural fertilizer. Produce No Waste: Nothing goes to waste on our farm. Food scraps feed the chickens, while pruned branches are used as mulch or added to hugelkultur beds. Greywater is reused for irrigation. Design from Patterns to Details: We observe large-scale patterns such as wind direction and water flow before focusing on specific plant placements or garden layouts. For instance, our contour-aligned swales reflect the natural shape of the hillside. Integrate Rather than Segregate: Companion planting combines crops like tomatoes and basil for mutual benefit. Our systems integrate livestock, plants, and natural habitats, fostering biodiversity. Use Small and Slow Solutions: Starting with manageable projects allows us to refine systems before scaling up. Slow solutions, such as building soil health over time, lead to long-lasting results. Use and Value Diversity: We grow a wide range of crops, from native plants to exotic perennials, reducing the risk of crop failure. Biodiversity attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while deterring pests. Use Edges and Value the Marginal: The edges of our swales and ponds are planted with species that thrive in moist conditions, maximizing productivity. Marginal areas are used for wildflowers that support pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Creatively Use and Respond to Change: As climate patterns shift, we adapt by selecting drought-resistant crops and improving water storage. Flexibility ensures our systems remain resilient. Swale Systems: Efficient Water Management One of the most transformative practices at Vast Harvest Permaculture is our swale system. Swales are shallow, level ditches dug along the contour of a hillside to capture and distribute rainwater. Here’s how they work and why they’re essential: Following Contours for Water Distribution: Swales are dug level along the natural contours of a hillside, ensuring that water moves slowly and evenly across the landscape. By following the contours, swales prevent runoff and erosion, allowing rainwater to seep into the soil rather than flow away. Benefits of Swales: Water Storage:  During heavy rains, swales capture water and allow it to infiltrate the soil, recharging groundwater reserves. Improved Soil Health:  Moist soil around swales promotes microbial activity and plant growth. Erosion Control:  Swales reduce the impact of rain on exposed soil, preventing loss of valuable topsoil. Integration with Planting: At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we plant trees, shrubs, and ground covers along the berms (raised mounds) of our swales. Deep-rooted plants like fruit trees stabilize the soil and draw up nutrients, while ground covers prevent weeds and retain moisture. Case Study: Hillside Swale System: On one of our steeper slopes, we installed a series of swales spaced about 5 meters apart. After a season of rainfall, we noticed significant improvements in water retention and plant growth. Native grasses and legumes planted on the berms have thrived, enriching the soil with nitrogen and organic matter. Permanent Sustainable Agriculture in Action Our commitment to permanent, sustainable agriculture is evident in every aspect of Vast Harvest Permaculture. Here are some key practices that keep our system thriving: Perennial Crops: Unlike annual crops, perennials like fruit trees, asparagus, and artichokes require less maintenance and improve soil health over time. These crops form the backbone of our food production. Integrated Livestock Systems: Chickens, ducks, and sheep are integrated into our permaculture design. They provide food, manage pests, and fertilize the soil. Rotational grazing ensures pastures remain healthy and productive. Hugelkultur Beds: We build hugelkultur beds by layering logs, branches, and organic matter. These raised beds retain moisture, improve drainage, and slowly release nutrients. Polyculture Gardens: Polyculture systems mimic natural ecosystems by growing multiple species together. This reduces pests, weeds, and the need for chemical inputs. Native Plants: Incorporating native plants supports local wildlife, conserves water, and reduces maintenance requirements. The Power of Permaculture At Vast Harvest Permaculture, the 12 principles guide every decision we make, from planting trees to managing water. By working with nature and embracing techniques like swale systems, we’ve created a resilient, sustainable farm that nourishes both people and the planet. Whether you’re starting your first garden or managing a large property, these principles can help you design a thriving permaculture system that stands the test of time. Let’s grow together, learn from the land, and leave a legacy of abundance for future generations. We invite you to come out to Vast Harvest Permaculture Farm for a tour. See our systems in action, learn about sustainable agriculture, and discover how you can apply these principles to your own land. Experience firsthand the beauty and functionality of a thriving permaculture system—we’d love to share our journey with you!