top of page
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Looking For Something? Search Here!

Results found for ""

Services (5)

  • Swale Building And Permaculture Workshop

    Swale Building & Permaculture Principles Workshop – Join us for a 4hr, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to design and build swales on contour to improve water management and soil health. Whether you’re working with a large property or a sloped backyard, this course will give you the practical skills needed to create swales tailored to any space. What You’ll Learn: • How to use a laser level for accurate contouring • Techniques for building swales by hand or with tools • Insight into working with excavators (optional) for larger projects • Core permaculture principles for sustainable land management Workshop Details: • Date & Time: 9:00 AM – 1.00PM • Location: Girvan, NSW • Cost: $150 (includes lunch) • Who Should Attend: Suitable for beginners and experienced landowners alike, whether you want to build swales for a homestead, farm, or backyard garden. This workshop offers a collaborative, hands-on learning environment where you’ll gain confidence using the right tools for any scale. Spaces are limited – book now to secure your spot!

  • Birdhouse Workshop using Gourds

    Gourd Art Birdhouse Workshop Transform nature into art while creating a cozy home for birds! Join us for a fun-filled, hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your very own gourd birdhouse! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity. You’ll start with a farm-grown gourd, learn how to prepare and decorate it, and finish by turning it into a beautiful, functional birdhouse for your garden. Not only will you leave with a unique, eco-friendly creation, but you’ll also gain new skills in painting, crafting, and caring for the natural materials around you. Workshop Details • Date: Wed 15th January 2025 • Time:9-12 • Duration: 3 hours • Location: Vast Harvest Permaculture • Cost: $110 Adults • $70 Children 16 and under (Includes all materials, refreshments, and your take-home birdhouse) ✔️ Farm-Grown Gourds: Select from a variety of dried gourds grown on our permaculture farm. ✔️ Step-by-Step Guidance: Learn how to sand, prep, paint, and lacquer your gourd to make it weatherproof and garden-ready. ✔️ Creative Freedom: Decorate your birdhouse with your choice of colours and designs. ✔️ Assembly Tips: Finish your masterpiece with hardware for hanging. ✔️ Morning Tea: Enjoy light refreshments while you work. Why Gourd Birdhouses? • Eco-Friendly: Made from natural, sustainable materials. • Beneficial for Gardens: Attract birds that help control pests and pollinate plants. • Unique and Personalised: Create a birdhouse that reflects your style and adds charm to your outdoor space. What’s Included? • All materials (dried gourds, paints, brushes, hanging hardware, etc.) • Step-by-step guidance • Aprons and protective gear • Light refreshments and morning tea • A group photo to remember the fun! Who Should Attend? • No experience needed – just bring your creativity and a love for nature! • Great for individuals, families, and groups looking for a fun, creative day out. What to Bring: • Hat, sunscreen, and water for your comfort. • Your creativity and a smile! We’ll provide everything else. Come for the craft, leave with a masterpiece—and the skills to create more!

  • Mushroom cultivation workshop

    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!

View All

Blog Posts (26)

  • Top 10 Resilient Fruit Trees to Transform Your Food Forest

    Top 10 Fruit Trees for Your Food Forest Creating a food forest is an exciting journey filled with vigorous growth, delicious harvests, and sustainable living. A well-designed food forest mimics natural ecosystems, providing a self-sustaining landscape rich in biodiversity and edible abundance. By carefully selecting trees that thrive in your climate and support one another, you can build a thriving, low-maintenance paradise filled with fresh, organic produce year-round. Here, we explore ten exceptional fruit trees that stand out for their resilience, versatility, and, of course, their delectable fruits. Sandpaper fig. An Australian Native 1. Sandpaper Fig ( Ficus coronata ) A hardy and fast-growing native, the sandpaper fig thrives in a variety of conditions, including cliff sides and dry soils. Its rough, sandpaper-like leaves lend the tree its name, while its small, sweet fruits attract birds and wildlife. Beyond being a tasty treat, the sandpaper fig plays a vital role in the ecosystem, supporting pollinators and local biodiversity. Whether eaten fresh or used in jams, this fig is an underrated gem that deserves a spot in any food forest. 2. Ice Cream Bean ( Inga edulis ) Ice Cream Bean ( Inga edulis ) A must-have for any food forest, the ice cream bean tree is not only fast-growing but also an excellent nitrogen-fixing plant, improving soil health naturally. It produces long, pod-like fruits filled with fluffy, sweet pulp that resembles vanilla ice cream. Imagine peeling open a pod and indulging in a naturally sweet, tropical delight straight from the tree! Additionally, its branches provide excellent chop-and-drop mulch, making it a valuable companion to other trees in your food forest. 3. Loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica ) Loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica ) Loquats are small, golden fruits packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Their tangy-sweet flavor makes them a favorite for fresh eating, jams, and even wine-making. The tree itself is an excellent addition to a food forest, providing shade, acting as a windbreak, and requiring minimal care once established. With its lush green foliage and prolific fruiting, the loquat tree offers both beauty and functionality to any backyard orchard. 4. Lemon Myrtle ( Backhousia citriodora ) Lemon Myrtle ( Backhousia citriodora ) An Australian native known for its vibrant, citrus-scented leaves, lemon myrtle is a versatile addition to any food forest. It is widely used in cooking, herbal teas, and natural remedies. Just brushing against its leaves releases an invigorating lemon fragrance, making it a sensory delight in the garden. This hardy tree attracts pollinators, thrives with minimal maintenance, and can even be used to make refreshing lemon myrtle tea, offering both flavor and medicinal benefits. 5. Yellow Cherry Guava ( Psidium littorale var. lucidum ) Also called the piña colada guava, this compact fruit tree is ideal for hedging and borders. Its small, golden fruits taste remarkably like their namesake cocktail, offering a delightful tropical flavor. Imagine stepping into your food forest and picking fresh, naturally sweet guavas bursting with the essence of pineapple and coconut! Cherry guavas are highly productive, fruiting multiple times a year, and are incredibly resilient, making them perfect for beginners and experienced growers alike. 6. Blue Java Banana ( Musa acuminata x balbisiana ) Blue Java Banana ( Musa acuminata x balbisiana ) For those in cooler climates, the blue java banana is a game-changer. Unlike typical banana plants, this variety is frost-resistant and has a unique, creamy texture with a vanilla-like flavor. Dubbed the "ice cream banana," this fruit is a must-try for anyone who loves a naturally sweet, healthy treat. The tree itself adds a tropical feel to your food forest while offering abundant harvests of delicious bananas that can be eaten fresh or used in smoothies and desserts. 7. Elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ) Elderberries are widely valued for their immune-boosting properties and versatile culinary uses, from syrups and teas to elderflower champagne. Fast-growing and tolerant of various conditions, elderberries also act as great chop-and-drop plants, enriching the soil with organic matter. Their delicate white blossoms attract pollinators, making them a fantastic companion plant in any food forest. With their dark purple berries packed with antioxidants, elderberries are both a medicinal powerhouse and a delightful addition to your garden. 8. White Sapote (Casimiroa edulis) Nicknamed the “sleepy fruit” due to its relaxing properties, the white sapote produces custard-like fruits with a blend of mango, pear, and banana flavors. This highly productive tree is well-suited for temperate and subtropical climates, thriving with minimal care while offering bountiful harvests. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a unique and delicious fruit with a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. 9. Mango ( Mangifera indica ) Mango ( Mangifera indica ) A true food forest classic, the mango tree brings both beauty and productivity to your garden. Its large, elephant-ear-shaped leaves provide shade, while its juicy, fragrant fruits are a staple in many cuisines worldwide. Mango trees are resilient, drought-tolerant once established, and excellent for companion planting. Whether eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in chutneys, mangoes are an essential addition to any thriving food forest. 10. Peanut Tree ( Sterculia quadrifida ) A unique Australian native, the peanut tree is a great option for those who want to grow nuts without worrying about traditional peanut allergies, which are often linked to mold rather than the nut itself. It produces bright orange pods filled with edible seeds that taste similar to roasted peanuts. This striking tree adds diversity and intrigue to your food forest, offering a nutty, protein-rich snack straight from nature. 11. Burdekin Plum ( Pleiogynium timorense ) Closing our list is the Burdekin plum, a tree known for its extreme resilience. Even if the main trunk is damaged, this tree bounces back with vigorous growth. Its dark, plum-like fruits require ripening off the tree before eating, but they’re well worth the wait for their rich, tart-sweet flavor. Whether used in jams, preserves, or eaten fresh, the Burdekin plum is an excellent choice for any food forest looking for a tough yet rewarding fruit tree. Building a Thriving Food Forest Incorporating these trees into your food forest will create a diverse, abundant, and self-sustaining ecosystem. Each tree offers unique benefits, whether through nitrogen fixation, pollinator attraction, or delicious fruit production. By selecting a mix of hardy natives and productive exotics, you can create a resilient landscape that supports both people and wildlife. Your food forest is more than just a collection of trees—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that will reward you with beauty, abundance, and nourishment for years to come. Which of these trees are you excited to add to your food forest? Let us know in the comments! Happy planting! Watch the full video on YouTube

  • Why You Must Cut Down Banana Plants After Fruiting: Essential Care, Regrowth, and Fertilisation Tips

    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? Chop your bananas down once they have fruited 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:

  • Edible Forest Gardens: Designing a Self-Sustaining, Multi-Layered Landscape

    In the heart of permaculture lies the principle of mimicking natural ecosystems to create productive and resilient landscapes. One of the most captivating expressions of this principle is the edible forest garden—a design that combines the beauty of a natural forest with the practicality of a food-producing garden. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we’re passionate about crafting spaces that feed both body and soul. In this post, we’ll explore the fundamentals of edible forest gardens, outline design principles, and share practical tips to help you create your own multi-layered, self-sustaining landscape. What Are Edible Forest Gardens? Edible forest gardens are a type of perennial polyculture that aim to replicate the structure and function of a natural forest while producing a bounty of edible plants. Unlike traditional gardens that focus on annual crops, forest gardens incorporate a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, herbs, ground covers, and vines—each layer contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Key Characteristics: Diversity: A wide range of plant species is integrated to provide food, habitat, and soil enrichment. Perennial Focus: Many components are perennial, reducing the need for annual replanting. Natural Mimicry: The design is based on the natural stratification of forests, promoting efficient use of space and resources. The Layers of an Edible Forest Garden An edible forest garden is composed of several distinct layers, each with its own role in the ecosystem. Understanding these layers helps you design a garden that maximizes productivity while fostering natural resilience. Canopy Layer: Tall fruit or nut trees form the uppermost layer. These trees capture sunlight and provide shade, creating a microclimate that benefits the layers below. Sub-Canopy (Understory) Layer: Smaller trees and large shrubs occupy this zone. They provide secondary fruits, berries, and medicinal plants while filtering sunlight for lower layers. Shrub Layer: This layer includes a mix of berry bushes, perennial vegetables, and herbs. Shrubs can serve as windbreaks, attract pollinators, and contribute to soil fertility. Herbaceous Layer: A diverse group of perennial herbs and vegetables that not only produce food but also serve as natural pest repellents and attract beneficial insects. Ground Cover Layer: Low-growing plants protect the soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and maintain moisture. Edible ground covers like strawberries and certain leafy greens fit well in this layer. Root Layer: Root crops and tubers grow beneath the surface, improving soil structure and accessing nutrients deep within the soil. Vertical Layer (Vines): Climbing plants and vines can be trained up trees or trellises. They add an extra dimension to your garden and make efficient use of vertical space. Design Principles for a Thriving Forest Garden Creating a successful edible forest garden involves careful planning and an understanding of ecological relationships. Here are some core design principles to guide your process: 1. Observe and Interact Before you begin, take the time to study your site. Understand the patterns of sunlight, wind, and water flow. Observing how nature interacts with your space will inform where each layer can thrive. 2. Embrace Diversity Plant a variety of species to create a balanced ecosystem. Diversity not only reduces the risk of pests and diseases but also ensures that the garden remains productive throughout the year. 3. Work with Nature Design your garden to complement natural processes. This means selecting native or well-adapted species and arranging them in a way that mimics natural forest structures. 4. Plan for Succession A forest garden is a long-term project that evolves over time. Plan for the future by selecting species that will grow and mature together, ensuring that the system remains productive and self-sustaining. 5. Integrate Function and Beauty While the primary goal is food production, an edible forest garden can also be a beautiful landscape. Incorporate flowering plants, attractive foliage, and varied textures to create a space that is both practical and pleasing to the eye. Practical Steps to Create Your Edible Forest Garden Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning Map Your Space: Draw a layout of your garden, noting existing features such as trees, slopes, and water sources. Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content. Amend the soil as needed with compost and other organic matter. Step 2: Choose Your Plants Select Species: Choose a mix of fruit trees, nut trees, shrubs, herbs, ground covers, and vines that suit your climate and soil. Consider Compatibility: Ensure that the species you select have complementary needs and growth habits. For example, pair nitrogen-fixing plants with heavy feeders. Step 3: Design and Layout Layering: Arrange your plants according to the forest garden layers. Allow enough space between each layer for growth and air circulation. Paths and Access: Plan paths for easy access and maintenance. Mulched walkways can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Step 4: Planting and Maintenance Plant in Phases: Begin by establishing the larger canopy and understory trees. Gradually add shrubs, herbs, and ground covers as the framework develops. Watering and Mulching: Keep the soil moist during establishment with drip irrigation or soaker hoses, and apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature. Ongoing Care: Monitor plant growth and health, prune as needed, and incorporate organic fertilizers or compost to sustain the system. Benefits of an Edible Forest Garden Creating an edible forest garden offers numerous benefits beyond food production: Resilience: A multi-layered, diverse system is naturally more resilient to pests, diseases, and extreme weather. Low Maintenance: Once established, forest gardens require less intensive maintenance compared to conventional annual gardens. Year-Round Production: With a variety of species that produce at different times, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the year. Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond functionality, a well-designed forest garden is a beautiful, tranquil space that enhances your connection to nature. Challenges and How to Overcome Them While edible forest gardens are incredibly rewarding, they do come with challenges: Time and Patience: Forest gardens take time to mature. View the process as an investment in a long-term, sustainable food system. Initial Costs: Establishing a diverse garden may require upfront investment in quality plants and soil amendments. Consider this an investment in future harvests and ecological health. Knowledge and Skill: Designing and managing a forest garden requires an understanding of ecological principles. Continual learning and experimentation are key. Conclusion Edible forest gardens offer a visionary approach to sustainable agriculture—one that blends the bounty of nature with thoughtful design. By integrating a variety of perennial species into a multi-layered system, you create a self-sustaining landscape that nourishes you and the environment alike. At Vast Harvest Permaculture, we believe that every garden holds the potential to be a thriving forest of abundance. With careful planning, observation, and a commitment to working with nature, you too can cultivate an edible forest garden that stands as a testament to the power of sustainable design. Happy gardening, and may your forest garden grow rich with life and bounty!

View All
bottom of page