ORGANIC STANDARDS
We carefully adhere to organic practices, as outlined below. We view organics as a sensible and sustainable means of horticulture, and wouldn’t do it any other way! We are always refining and developing our farming techniques to improve our product in a way that maintains soil and ecological health.
We have been fully certified with Organic Farm New Zealand (OFNZ) until February 2023.
SOIL MAINTENANCE
Many of our practices are based around adding organic matter, improving microorganism activity, soil nutrition and nutrient availability.
GREEN MANURING
As mentioned above, green manure crops are integrated into our crop rotation system to restore what has been drawn out by crops.
ORGANIC FERTILISERS
We use only certified organic fertilisers, sourcing locally wherever possible.
CROP ROTATION
We use crop rotation to prevent the build up of soil borne pathogens and disease causing agents.
WEED CONTROL
This is probably the most challenging aspect of organic farming. This is done with a combination of hand weeding, mowing, mulching and tractor cultivation. We do not use any herbicides, either synthetic or organic in our weeding practices.
PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL
We employ many preventative measures in pest control. These include improving soil structure and fertility to improve plant health and resistance to disease, crop rotation, fallow periods with green manure or cover crops, maintaining habitats for beneficial insects by growing wildflowers, herbs and perennials, and trying to maintain biodiversity around the property.
