December – August. Hans and Maria Hoffmann established this orchard and berry farm 20 years ago based on the concept that fruit, where ever possible, be grown locally, picked at its optimum stage of ripening, and be available directly to the public with minimal processing. They do not use insecticides, use organic fertilisers were possible and farm sustainably.
There is a direct outlet on site where a wide range of produce is available in season. The fruit includes apples, apricots, blackberries, blood plums, boysenberries, figs, mulberries, nectarines, peaches, pears and raspberries. The vegetables include beans, beetroot, corn, cucumbers, garlic, lettuce, onions, pumpkins, silverbeet, snowpeas, spinach, tomatoes, zucchinis and herbs. Many jams and preserves, chutneys and other delicacies are made in the commercial kitchen on the premises. Also situated on the property is a cafe where a delicious variety of smoothies, ice cream, gelaties, morning and afternoon teas with scones are available. Farm tours are available by appointment.
Sugarloaf Produce is a small organic farm located at the base of Mt. Sugarloaf and the Kinglake Ranges. They are the 5th generation to farm this property. Composted organic matter is the key to growing their produce, and all of their compost is made on site using a mixture of farm green waste, cow, sheep and poultry manure, sawdust from their mill and other organic materials. Other biological techniques used on the farm include crop rotation, mixed cropping and mixed stocking. Beneficial compost teas are sprayed on crops regularly, and plentiful habitat is provided for beneficial insects in their vast bushland areas.
Available late December to March, Yarra Valley Gourmet Greenhouse specialises in heirloom tomatoes. Summer also heralds their Italian zucchini flowers, generally available from mid November to early April. Other vegetables, herbs and edible flowers are available seasonally. Almost 3 acres of multi-span igloos enable an extended growing season, and afford protection from destructive weather events such as frost or hail. Yarra Valley Gourmet Greenhouse supplies and delivers to local restaurants. Produce is also available direct from the farm (by appointment only).
Sustainability is a driving force in the business. Cultivation and hand-weeding are practised rather than spraying herbicides. Similarly, biological controls and certified organic sprays are employed for pest and disease issues to avoid the use of harsh chemicals. All of our crops are harvested by hand, and cultivation is kept to a minimum, as constant traffic from heavy machinery can cause soil compaction and structural problems. Natural seaweed extracts, delivered via fertigation, boost the health of the plants by supporting soil ecology. The overhead irrigation has gradually been replaced by drip tape, which reduces water usage.
