Permaculture and Farm Life Blog

Sudachi Fruit If you’ve never heard of Sudachi before, you’re not alone. This small Japanese citrus is relatively unknown in Australia, but it’s highly prized in Japan for its intense aroma, bright acidity and incredible versatility in the kitchen. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, Sudachi has become one of our favourite citrus varieties and the star ingredient in our handcrafted Sudachi Marmalade. What is Sudachi? Sudachi is a small citrus fruit originating from Japan. While oft

How to grow Shark Fin Gourd (Cucurbita ficifolia) in Australia. Where to trellis it, how to harvest, cure and store it for months, plus simple ways to use the stringy flesh.

Turn ripe plums into a plum crumble gelato with real fruit flavour and a crunchy crumble swirl. Step-by-step harvest-to-freezer instructions, plus tips for texture and sweetness.

Permaculture farming is more than just a method of growing food; it is a holistic approach to agriculture that mimics natural ecosystems. This approach focuses on creating sustainable, self-sufficient systems that work in harmony with the environment. By adopting self-sustaining farming techniques, farmers and gardeners can reduce waste, improve soil health, and increase biodiversity, all while producing abundant crops. In this article, we will explore the core principles of

Permaculture is more than just gardening, it’s a sustainable design system that works with natural ecosystems to create resilient,...

Spring is here, and it’s strawberry season! The soil is warming, the days are lengthening, and there’s no better time to plant...

What’s the Deal With Goldenrod? Here’s Why We’re Using It in Everything When we reformulated our balms recently, we didn’t just play around with consistency or scent. We made a deliberate choice to include one powerful herb in every formula, a plant that deserves way more attention than it gets. Not calendula. Not comfrey. Goldenrod. You might’ve walked past it without a second glance. But this sunny little powerhouse is now at the heart of our best-selling range and for good

In a world increasingly aware of climate change and environmental issues, eco-friendly farming practices have gained significant...

Move over zucchinis, there’s a new climbing hero in town. If you’ve never grown a white choko, you’re in for a treat. It’s rare, productive, and far more versatile than people give it credit for. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we’ve fallen head over heels for this underappreciated gem. And we’re not alone; gardeners across Australia are rediscovering the white choko, not just for its novelty but for its insane productivity, resilience, and kitchen potential. Let’s dig in… Disc

Loquat trees (Eriobotrya japonica) are a valuable addition to any garden, offering delicious fruit, ornamental beauty, and ecological benefi

The Blue Java banana tree, often called the Ice Cream banana, is a unique and hardy variety known for its Blue-ish & vanilla-flavored fruits

The Ice Cream Bean tree ( ) is a remarkable species known for its creamy, vanilla-flavored pulp and significant environmental benefits. Indigenous communities have relied on it for centuries as a food source. This tree also acts as a natural fertilizer through its nitrogen-fixing properties and serves as a valuable shade tree in agroforestry systems. Native to Central and South America, it is essential for sustainable agriculture, enriching soil and supporting biodiversity. L

Let's talk about the ultimate potato salad—a dish that's sure to be the star of any BBQ, picnic or gather This isn't just any potato...

Discover the Davidson Plum—an Australian native fruit with a bold, tangy flavor! Watch our taste test & learn more about this bush tucker.

Discover 10 resilient fruit trees perfect for your food forest! Boost biodiversity, improve soil, and enjoy abundant harvests.

Discover why banana plants must be cut down after fruiting, how to manage regrowth, and the best fertilizers for a thriving banana grove!

Maximize your garden space by growing pumpkins vertically! Discover how trellising improves yield, airflow, and efficiency.

Discover how to design an edible forest garden—a multi-layered, self-sustaining landscape that combines beauty with productivity. Learn prac

In the quest for sustainable, regenerative agriculture, every gardener and permaculturist is constantly searching for innovative ways to enrich the soil. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we’ve discovered that one of nature’s best-kept secrets is biochar—often called “black gold.” This natural, carbon-rich material not only enhances soil fertility but also sequesters carbon, improves water retention, and supports a vibrant ecosystem of soil organisms. In this blog post, we delve

Permaculture is more than just a method of agriculture; it’s a philosophy that extends to all aspects of life. By using a set of core...