Who: Co-founder and owner Matthew Daniele, Peace Farm
Where: Yarra Junction, Yarra Ranges Shire, Wurundjeri Country
Matthew, why have you called it Peace Farm?
It stands for permaculture, education, arts, community, and enterprise. Not only do we grow great fruit and vegetables, but we also offer workshops on the basics of permaculture and host various events.
Where do you get your seeds?
We save a lot of our own seeds and use locally adapted seeds. This means we save seeds from the vegetables that thrive here in the Yarra Valley.
What do you grow?
It changes with the seasons. In spring, we harvest broad beans, greens, and peas. At the same time, I plant early spring onions, sweet Tropea onions, cream golds, and leeks, which will be ready for harvest in the warmer weather. I also plant mustard greens, spinach, silverbeet, kale, radishes, and turnips, which are ready for harvest in early summer. Later in the season, we have beans, tomatoes, capsicum, chillies, cucumbers, zucchinis, and pumpkins. I also grow a lot of garlic and potatoes.
How big is Peace Farm?
It’s 15 acres (or six hectares), some of which is orchard with 10 different apple varieties, pears, quinces, Japanese and Euro plums, and citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, tangelos, lemons, and lemonades.
You make your own fertiliser?
The organic waste is composted or fed to animals. We collect worm castings and chicken manure to fertilise the beds, and apply various permaculture techniques.
How do we get your produce?
Come to our farm gate at 60 Settlement Road, Yarra Junction, to buy our seedlings or visit the Eltham or Kallista farmers’ markets in spring. We also supply our produce to the Alpine Hotel and Nancy’s of the Valley in Warburton. Head to peacefarm.com.au.