Cultivating Change: Kitchen Farm's soil rejuvenation journey.
The seeds of transformation at Kitchen Farm have been sown this month as the first delivery of compost to help rejuvenate the soil in the Production Garden and Nursery site, has been delivered.
This exciting milestone is a crucial step towards breathing life and carbon back into a neglected paddock, or as Kym Ormond, our Production Garden & Nursery Manager, puts it “our very own dust bowl”. The journey began with the delivery of a generous 50 tons of high-quality cottage mulch, a gift from Peats Soil and Garden Supplies.
The Peats team, led by the highly respected Managing Director Peter Wadewitz OAM, has been a key partner in the commencement of soil rejuvenation. Since its establishment in 1974, Peats has developed a legacy, closely associated with passion, expertise, and a dedicated commitment to organic recycling. Peter's dedication to the industry earned him the Medal of Australia (OAM) in 2020, a true testament to his outstanding contributions to the regenerative industry.
Olivia Burke, the driving force behind Kitchen Farm, was kindly introduce to Pete by Luke Gray who sits on the Regional Development Board for the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island. Pete kindly invited both Olivia and Kym to tour his Murrayland’s facility where the pair both found inspiration as they were immersed in the regenerative systems, innovation, and values of the company. This visit turned into an opportunity for both businesses to support one another, closely aligned by their values and commitment to regenerative principles. Peter's kindness in donating the soil not only jumpstarted the physical onsite work but also instilled confidence in Olivia, who has tirelessly nurtured the project's vision for the past five years.
The neglected soil within the stage 1 production garden nursery area, resembles rock-like clay, posing a significant challenge. With no organic material, irrigation and poor drainage, the environment is desolate,however the addition of this high-quality cottage mulch from Peats is a game-changer, as it will introduce the organic material much-needed to start to rebuild the soil sponge which can then hold more water and carbon, creating the environment for insects, worms and ultimately growth.
As the Farm team works tirelessly to move the mulch and bring the vision to life, the next steps involve preparing the site throughout the summer months. The introduction of additional wood chips will not only aid in developing fungal material in the soil but also invite earthworms, essential contributors to a thriving ecosystem.
Whilst the summer months will be dedicated to preparation and the initial stages of planting, the autumnal months will reflect the physical development of the area as the trees and shrubs are planted. Subtropical species, such as citrus, will be planted before March to facilitate their development.
Kitchen Farm's journey thus far is a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and a shared commitment to regenerative principles. As the soil comes to life, so too does the vision of turning neglected land into a thriving production nursery and market garden, to complement neighbouring residential activity, create growth and sustainability for Newenham and the wider region, and to supply Kitchen Farm Pantry with fresh quality ingredients.
Kitchen Farm welcome’s philanthropic activity to help stimulate and support its growth as a place to show how community and environmental resilience can be built in urban environments. Olivia urges any business or person interested in investing or supporting to reach out to her.
Stay tuned for more updates as Kitchen Farm's story unfolds.