Organic Farming at WattleWood Farm.

Organic farming started on WattleWood soon after being purchased in 2004. WattleWood was previously a dairy farm, this initially provided a great source of kraal manure from which to start making organic compost. Since then the diverse animals (horses,cattle,sheep,goats,geese,chickens) on the farm provide ample inputs into the organic gardens. Although not always possible we try to make as much of the organic inputs on the farm.

All manures are mixed with green leafed and dry material in layers to create a compost heap. This is wet during the building process and kept moist in dry weather. The result "Black Gold", dark rich compost which is used in our organic gardens.

Herbs are grown for a variety of reasons none more important than as an insect repellant. Here Southern wood, Tansy, Worm woods, Khakibos, rosemary,mints,garlic and chilli are all useful.

We are currently experimenting with earthworm farms to generate more fertilizer in the form of castings and earthworm tea to supplement requirements, also more intensive chicken farming to increase fertilizer production.

Currently we grow the farm vegetables, garlic, chilli's, beans and this year tomato's using organic methods.

Being a small organic farm we concentrate on providing quality ingredients to select producers of sauces and relishes.

This year we are planning on making sundried tomato's. We grow the tomato's (organic seed - germinated!!) organically, by using our own compost and fetilizers as well as other organic products.

The resultant crop will be sun dried with marjorum/origano leafs to give flavour. Both herbs are growing on the farm already. Once dried the sun dried tomato's will be packed into bottles with quality Olive oil, ready for market.